-- the Texas Legislature sat on every air pollution control measure GHASP supported --
but this year the Texas Legislature appropriated more than $4.5 million to address the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services waiting list.
So tonight I received a call from M's counselor at the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Months ago she had cautioned me that M, though eligible for services, would not receive financial assistance until the Fall at the earliest. But now, the money is available and the list is moving. DARS won't pay for services already rendered, but will help in the future as a payor of last resort (above insurance). Our counselor said that they can pick up the copays for the Challenge program and could continue his participation after his insurance runs out.
Below is more info on DARS:
The DARS Division for Rehabilitation Services (DRS) realizes that timely and intensive rehabilitation is crucial for a person with a traumatic spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury to re-enter the community; and live as independently as possible. For some, it's relearning skills most take for granted, such as walking, talking, eating, or writing. Or, it may require learning to accomplish these tasks in a new way.
Mandated by the state Legislature, a percentage of fines collected for misdemeanors and felonies goes into a special fund to pay for these services. DRS provides payment for the following:
- Inpatient Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation: A team of qualified professionals provides a variety of intensive therapies, medical care and other services to help individuals live as independently as possible. Services are provided on an inpatient basis at an accredited rehabilitation hospital.
- Outpatient Services: Rehabilitation Services for occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and cognitive therapy may be continued on an outpatient basis.
- Post-Acute Traumatic Brain Injury Services: These services help an individual deal with injury-related cognitive difficulties such as memory loss and/or inappropriate behaviors.
Because there are more consumers requesting services than there are funds available, the CRS program has an Interest and Waiting List. Consumers are served in the order in which a plan of services is completed and the consumer is ready to participate in those services.
To be eligible for the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services program, the individual must have a traumatic brain injury and/or spinal cord injury that results in a substantial impediment to functioning independently. There must also be a reasonable expectation that the individual's ability to function within the family and/or community will improve with the provision of services.
