Hearing Loss/Deafness Resource Specialists- Region 9

10/14/2021

Miranda Ward!!!

The show jumps into the modern era in a surprising twist

04/22/2017

One year ago!

Join C.A.A.G. and West Texas Deaf Club for an exciting presentation about Technology, Communication strategies, Identifying Discrimination.

02/13/2017

The cost for the first year of hearing loss treatment in older adults is projected to increase more than 500% from $8 billion in 2002 to an estimated $51 billion in 2030.

SOURCE: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2010

If you need resources to help pay for hearing aids or cochlear implants, a sign language interpreter, or need information or anything else related to hearing loss or deafness, please contact the resource specialists at 432-686-7660. We can help!

09/27/2016

Deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals:

What Smartphone apps do you find useful? Please respond in the comments section below to let me know which apps help you achieve communication access! Thank you!

09/02/2016

Through outsourced contract agreements, I am still serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in Texas and overall I have been serving them for about 9 years within the DARS (Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services) community. I am happy to still be serving the Permian Basin (Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, San Angelo) and surrounding areas!

Yesterday was the final day as a DARS agency. Today, when business opens, the programs and services will begin in their respective agencies: HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission)
and TWC (Texas Workforce Commission) and everyone else will go about their days. Let the journey begin!

In the mean time, formerly DARS Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) will be with Health and Human Services Commission as Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. No changes right now!

This may sound confusing, but the bottom line is this: we are still here! Our services are free! And best of all, there are no age or income eligibility requirements! If you know someone with hearing loss/deafness, please contact me for information, resources and/or technology (assistive listening/alerting devices or amplified, captioned, cell phones or tablets)!

My contact information:

Linda Belk, Hearing Loss Resource Specialist
Communication Axess Ability Group (CAAG)
4305 N. Garfield, Ste. 212
Midland, TX 79705
Office: 432.686.7660
Toll-Free: 877.686.7660
Cell/Text: 432.934.1759
Email: Linda.Belk@caag4.com

Please contact me for an appointment! All of the services and programs with DHHS are still there. Happy serving! :-)

07/04/2016

Please contact me if you or a loved one has trouble hearing from a standard telephone. He/she may qualify for a 'free' phone through the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program! A person may get either:

1) Amplified home phone

2) Captioned phone, such as this

3) Cell phone

4) Tablet

Please contact me at 432-686-7660 office, 432-934-1759 cell/text or email at Linda.Belk@caag4.com for more information!

06/08/2016

Calling for Deaf volunteers and interpreter volunteers!! What for? Next month we will help train police cadets how to interact with Deaf and Hard of Hearing!!

New legislation #7887 requires ALL law enforcement to take this new training!! We need Deaf to help train and participate in role-playing. We need interpreters to demonstrate the benefits of hiring communication professionals!!

Please text or email us if you are willing to start making positive change!!

lucas.ward@caag4.com 806-773-2382
Linda.belk@caag4.com

05/20/2016

Please join us in San Angelo! The event is open to everyone!

Hello Everyone !
Please join West Texas Interpreting Network, LLC and CAAG for a family fun and relaxed environment Ice Cream Social, with an informative presentation on Identifying Discrimination!
DAY: May 27th
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30pm
WHERE: At Ice Cream Parlor (Inside the Icon Cinema)
2020 N. Bryant Blvd
San Angelo, Texas 76901
Look forward to seeing you all there!

02/20/2016

The meeting in Midland happens on Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 23rd (10 - 1 and 4 - 7) & 23rd (4 - 7) at Hampton Inn in Midland.

Dozens of deaf and hard of hearing North Texans attended a meeting Thursday at Fort Worth's Botanic Garden Center aimed at gathering information about a possible change in who runs state resources for them.

02/19/2016

The dates are on this website and you still have chance to submit in writing and last day they will take comments is Feb 29th. Also you still have a chance to go to Midland or San Antonio.

http://www.dars.state.tx.us/services/outsourcing.shtml

The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services provides services to children and adults who may be blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, developmentally delayed, or physically and/or mentally disabled.

02/09/2016

Here's a VLOG about an event on February 22nd and 23rd discussing possible upcoming changes within the Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS). Anyone may attend!

https://youtu.be/BtFn3wXUUuw

This video is about 16V0032 - DARS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Meeting ANNC 020416

01/29/2016

Don't forget, this is tomorrow night!