Improving access to services
Since its creation in 2004, DADS has worked diligently to provide a comprehensive system of services to older Texans and persons with disabilities. With that vision in mind, we are committed to making our services and programs focused on consumer-driven principles such as choice, individual planning and independence. We are also committed to making sure our consumers can easily find and navigate our system.
To make that happen, the DADS commissioner continuously challenges DADS' staff, local partner agencies and contractors to work closely with each other and wherever possible, put in place processes and tools that help improve the way we provide information, make referrals and track individual cases.
Two important DADS initiatives have emerged to help us keep this vision on track. Aging and Disability Resource Centers is an exciting grant project being modeled in eight communities across Texas. The major goal of the Centers is to serve as a trusted source of information and system navigation for persons of any age with any disability needing assistance.
Similarly, Community Roundtables have taken place in every region of the state, which are basically a series of formal discussions between DADS' local partners (Regional and Local field offices, Mental Retardation Authorities and Area Agencies on Aging). The roundtables have been a good way for DADS partners to identify concrete improvements they can make to help individuals access our services and programs.
In this section you will find information and resources about these two initiatives. You can also view reports, sample forms and tools created by community partners, and read about the progress DADS' partners are making toward improving access to services.
Updated: December 14, 2012