Home Teachers/Lighthouses for the Blind, 1934-about 1947

These closely intertwined programs began functioning in 1934, and were the first programs administered by the Commission. The purpose of the program was to train the blind to become self-sufficient, self-reliant, independent, and capable of fulfilling their duties as citizens of their communities. Home Teachers, themselves either totally blind or with impaired vision, taught Braille reading and writing and handicrafts in classes and to individuals at the Lighthouses, workshops for the blind, and in private homes. Handicrafts made by the blind individuals, (mats, rugs, baskets, toys, brooms, mops, sewing, knitting, reed furniture, etc.), were sold by sighted volunteers with the profit going to the blind worker. Other blind individuals were placed in vending stands, or given other vocational assistance. The Home Teachers and Lighthouses were also involved in coordinating donations of medical services, eye-glasses, and clothing. Due to lack of staff and funds, the Commission was forced to rely upon the generosity of local communities and organizations in order to operate the programs. Wherever a lighthouse teacher or a home teacher was placed, the Commission either sought an already-existing organization to sponsor it, or it created a new sponsoring organization. Funding and materials were wholly supplied by donations from the communities; only the salaries of the Home Teachers, tools, and some equipment were supplied by the State.

By 1944-1946, this program was known as Industries and Home Teachers, with the sections: Lighthouses, seen as sheltered places for vocational training of the newly blind, the blind of limited employability, and the blind with other handicaps, with the goal of eventual outside employment; and Home Teachers, some of whom worked in the Lighthouses, who focused on training the newly blind to carry out daily activities and teaching them communication skills. By 1946-1948, the program was referred to as Home Industries, with the same functions and elements as before, though with a new Pre-Vocational Training Center, in Austin. Officially opened in May 1948, the Center was set up in conjunction with the Austin Workshop for the Blind as a live-in residence for trainees, for a minimum of three months, to teach personal hygiene, etiquette, handicrafts, and simple industrial skills to enable the home-bound to eventually work in one of the Lighthouses, and to ultimately compete with sighted workers in industry. By 1948-50 the program seems to have been split into three separate programs: Home Teacher Service, Home Industry, and Sheltered Workshops.

Sheltered Workshops, 1947-ongoing

(For predecessor functions see Home Teachers/Lighthouses for the Blind.) By August 31, 1950, 300 people were employed in nine workshops. The shops were still products of local organizations, with the Commission paying only for supervisor's salaries, tools, and equipment, in addition to advising in the production and sale of Lighthouse merchandise. Mention of these facilities becomes less frequent with the 1954-1956 Biennial Report, though the number of facilities had increased to 12 by 1972-1974. TCB contracted with the Lighthouses, which were administered as community cooperative programs.

Home Industry Division (or Home Industries), 1947-about 1965

(For predecessor functions see Home Teachers/Lighthouses for the Blind.) This Division was meant to aid the home-bound blind scattered throughout rural areas and small towns with assistance in obtaining employment. Individuals were trained and taught at the Pre-Vocational Training Center in Austin, provided equipment, given assistance in obtaining raw materials, given immediate receipt of payment for all manufactured materials, and occasionally supervised. The Hexter Memorial Lighthouse for the Blind in Dallas was dedicated in April 1952 to provide personal adjustment and vocational training facilities for adult African-Americans, expanding facilities already in operation in Houston. Rural operations appear to have been phased out of this program beginning in 1955. Mention of this division ceases after the 1962-1964 Biennial Report, probably due to the 1965 reorganization, and elements of its services appear to have been combined with Home Teacher Service.

Home Teacher Service/Program, about 1947-about 1965

(For predecessor functions see Home Teachers/Lighthouses for the Blind.) This service specialized in meeting the individual social, psychological, and economic needs of the home-bound, newly blind in the larger cities, including instruction in Braille, basic crafts, and home-making skills. The Home Teachers were all either blind or partially sighted. By 1954-1955, the program was serving 1,000 people a year. Following the Commission's 1965 reorganization, surviving elements of Home Industries seem to have been incorporated into this division. During the 1966-1968 biennium the service was renamed the Rehabilitation Teacher Program (see below).

Rehabilitation Teacher Program, about 1966-about 1975

Formerly the Home Teacher Program, the new rehabilitation teachers were to be walking adjustment centers bringing a condensed version of the programs offered at formal adjustment centers into an individual's home. Teachers assisted the newly blind to develop special skills in communication, homemaking activities, personal grooming, and the use of leisure time. Teachers were stationed in 15 cities around Texas, but were unable to meet many rural needs. By 1974-1976, these services seem to have been incorporated into the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Talking Book Machines, 1932-ongoing

The Commission began distributing Talking Book Machines about 1932. The machines were received through the Library of Congress and then lent to the blind throughout the state. Program costs were funded entirely by private and civic donations and repair services were provided by the American Foundation for the Blind. In early 1963, the Telephone Pioneers of America volunteered their services in the repair of the machines. The talking books themselves are distributed through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Talking Book Program.

Eye Medical Social Work, 1944-1965

The 48th Texas Legislature, in 1944, made an appropriation of $1,800 for Eye Medical Social Work in a program to prevent blindness and conserve sight by providing medical and hospital care for children and other individuals not provided for by the Vocational Rehabilitation Division. The initial appropriation was too low to have much effect, but the program rapidly expanded. By 1946-1948, the division had become exclusively devoted to the prevention of blindness and the restoration of sight among children--the only service administered by the commission for this age group of the visually handicapped. Eligible recipients had to be no more than 16 years of age, a resident of Texas, of normal mentality, have some sort of visual impairment, and have a family who otherwise would be unable to pay for treatment. By 1952-1954, the division had become known as Eye Medical Social Service. Following a major reorganization in 1965, this program was placed in Services for Visually Impaired Children (see the Blind and Visually Impaired Children's Program).

Pre School Counseling, 1953-1965

Officially instituted on September 1, 1953, the program made available to parents counseling and guidance to help them determine and meet the needs of the pre-school blind child and to help them promote the development of the child's capacities. The service was also available to groups or schools. Initial funding came from funds appropriated for the Home Teacher Services. The counselors also met with voluntary agencies regarding training programs for blind pre-schoolers and initiated new activities/coordinated existing activities to meet local needs. Following a major reorganization in 1965, this program was placed in Services for Visually Impaired Children (see the Blind and Visually Impaired Children's Program).

Blind and Visually Impaired Children's Program (later called Children's Program; then called as of January 2007), 1965-ongoing

This program began by taking over the Pre-School Counseling program and the Eye Medical Social Work program following a 1965 reorganization. The new division, through these two programs, offered services to help prevent blindness in children, restore sight where possible, reduce dependency, and prepare children for vocational success as adults to ensure that blind and visually impaired children could develop their individual potential for independent living and financial self-sufficiency. Counseling was and is available through home visits and correspondence. Receipt of its services was contingent upon Texas residency and the written recommendation of an examining ophthalmologist. By 1968-1970, the program was called the Visually Handicapped Children's Program and was financed entirely by state funds. The Program's stated purpose, at that time, was to diminish future needs by providing preventative medical service and counseling to children. During the 1974-1976 biennium, the Commission initiated a pilot program for visually screening Texas public school children. Information derived from the project was given to the 65th Texas Legislature to provide it with definitive information on the potential options for diagnosing and treating visual impairments among children. Through the Cooperative School Program, a mainstreaming project first experimented with during the 1972-1974 biennium, the Commission worked with the educational system to provide services to blind and visually disabled school aged students, ages 1-21, through counseling and liaison assistance between school and student, and vocational rehabilitation services. In 1990, the Visually Handicapped Children's Program's name was changed to the Children's Program. As of January 2007, it is called the Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program. Currently, program caseworker duties include ensuring that parents understand their child's eye condition, and how vision loss impacts the child's ability to function. Caseworkers also educate the family on routine eye care, sight conservation, facilitate independent living skills and career awareness, and provide referral to other services. Effective September 1998, the Children's Program implemented a four-stage service delivery process including assessment, services, outcome, and post-outcome. The Program is funded by state dollars and is not subject to federal policy requirements. The program served approximately 1000 children in FY 1966, 8,780 in FY 1993, and 7,265 children in FY 1997.

Business Enterprises Program (current title), 1936-ongoing

The federal Randolph-Sheppard Act was passed in 1936, giving preference to blind persons to operate vending stands in federal buildings. In December of that year, the Commission was appointed the licensing agency for the Business Enterprises Program in Texas. Though no federal funds were allocated to implement the program, the first stand was set up in the lobby of the Amarillo Post Office in the summer of 1938. The first state plan for the program was adopted in 1946. The program made it possible for blind individuals to operate small businesses under the supervision of the agency. The program trains and licenses vendors, selects business locations, and provides equipment and initial stock; for a monthly fee the operator can receive continued supervision, guidance, and managerial assistance. In 1970, the division became known as the Small Business Enterprise Program. As of 1972-1974, the agency was assisted in administering the program by an operators advisory committee, which blind operators themselves elect. The committee assisted staff in formulating policies and providing assistance on narrower and more specific matters, such as the adjustment of individual grievances, establishment of pricing systems, evaluation of blind licensees. and agency staff, and evaluation of training activities. The committee later became known as the Elected Committee of Operators. TCB clients interested in BEP can be referred by their counselor in the Vocational Rehabilitation program. To be eligible for BEP a client must be 18 years of age, legally blind, a high-school graduate (or possess a GED), and be a U.S. citizen. The clients are assessed on their ability to work in BEP, undergo a math and skills test, and must complete evaluation, application, and training processes. Currently, most businesses are concession stands, vending facilities, and vending machines in rest areas along the interstate highways in Texas, though they have included grocery stores, wash-a-terias, and mop shops. By 1946 there were 20 vending stands in operation, by June 1969 there were 125 coffee shops and vending stands, and by May 1976 there were 181 shops and vending facilities. For fiscal year 1997, BEP managers operated 111 facilities on 48 federal, 51 state, and 12 private sites. The different types of operations include 10 convenience stores, 41 snack bars, 36 cafeterias, and 24 vending machine sites.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program (current title), 1945-ongoing

Vocational rehabilitation had been available to the blind in Texas since 1929, when legislation was passed enabling the Texas State Department of Education to establish a Vocational Rehabilitation Division. Following the enactment of 1943 federal legislation known as Public Law 113 (broadening the scope of rehabilitative services for the physically impaired), on February 7, 1944 the State Board for Vocational Education delegated to the State Commission for the Blind the authority to administer Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Services, giving it the right to administer federal funds for vocational and educational training, physical restoration, and the purchase of prosthetic appliances. The Commission began administering these funds on March 1, 1944, in advance of House Bill 347, 49th Legislature, Regular Session, 1945, which officially authorized the new Vocational Rehabilitation Division. The new division provided individualized, specialized vocational rehabilitative services to eligible visually impaired Texans. Vocational rehabilitation services were and are tailored to each person by developing an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan, as required by federal law. Services included diagnosis and evaluation, counseling and medical services, vocational training, employment assistance, and post-employment services. The program's purpose was to enable each individual to live as independently and productively as possible and help each individual secure/maintain employment in careers consistent with their skills, abilities, and interests.

Initially the division had four sections: the Physical Restoration Section, providing medical or surgical care for those otherwise unable to pay for care which renders the individual more employable; the Professional and Clerical Section to select, train, and place persons qualified for professional and clerical employment; the Rural Rehabilitation Section, to train and place blind persons in agricultural work; and the Industrial Section to industrial training and placement. Currently the division still administers activities in all of the original sections, but only the physical restoration section still seems to stand out as a separate area. The division, financed through state and federal funds, makes no monetary payments to clients but provides most services free of charge. Eligible individuals must have a visual impairment which constitutes a vocational handicap and there must be an expectation that they would benefit from the services (legal or total blindness has never been required). By 1974-1976, the services offered by the Rehabilitation Teacher Program had been incorporated into this division.

The Commission, possibly through this division, cooperated with other state agencies/departments to assist visually impaired Texans, such as the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation's visually impaired residents and outpatients. One of its projects with the University of Texas at Austin resulted in the establishment of a facility for blind students at the University and in working relationships with the University's medical schools. In 1972, in addition to the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the agency also worked with the Texas Education Agency, the Department of Corrections, the Industrial Accident Board, the Department of Public Welfare, and a variety of private, non-profit organizations. Sometime before 1978, however, many of these cooperative functions may have been transferred to the Mental Health/Mental Retardation Cooperative Services Program. The division did continue to cooperate with federal agencies such as the Veterans Administration, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and the Civil Service Commission.

By 1978 the division's name had changed to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Under the provisions of the 1975 Act for the Blind, during 1976 contractual arrangements with educational service centers and independent school districts, the Commission was able to initiate four cooperative school projects to provide services for youth requiring special education, habilitation, or rehabilitation to enhance their development. This project is now the Transition Program which provides services to young persons between the ages of 13 and 22 years of age. Transition services focus on vocational awareness, career planning, and coordination with education. The program helps younger clients make the transition from high school to adult life. When transition services are completed, clients are transferred to the vocational rehabilitation caseload. The Transition Program served 1,167 clients in fiscal year 1997. The Vocational Rehabilitation Program served 12,415 people in FY 1993, and 11,978 people in FY 1997.

Mental Health/Mental Retardation Cooperative Services Program, about 1977-unknown date

The Commission had been engaged in a contractual cooperative program with the Texas State Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation since the 1968-1970 biennium, though it is somewhat unclear whether the program occurred under the administration of the Vocational Rehabilitation Division, or as a part of a separate unit. The Program had three major objectives: to serve multiply handicapped people more effectively to try and avoid the need for institutionalization; to generally intensify services to the residents and patients of the state's special schools and hospitals to promote greater independence; and to assist residents and patients to return to their communities and to provide some necessary services locally. Included in this program was a pilot project (Project Sunrise), with the Austin State School to determine the rehabilitation potential of blind retarded children who have previously been determined to be hopeless cases. Students are taught basic communication skills, personal grooming and care, and given some exposure to the outside world. By 1972-1974, outreach activities had been initiated and the Sunrise Project had proven so effective, it was being duplicated around the state. (During these years cooperative projects also occurred between the Commission and the Texas School for the Blind, the Model Cities Program, local universities and state medical schools, the Texas Department of Corrections, the Hermann Low Vision Aid Rehabilitation Clinic, and assorted non-profit organizations, though the hierarchical structure/administration of these programs within the Commission is unclear.)

During the next biennium the institutional program at the Austin State School was also being carried out at the Richmond State School (Cole Manor?), and the program became large enough to require a complete overhaul, once finance issues had been resolved. At the same time a community-based pilot project had been started to work with multiply handicapped individuals with the purpose of: identifying visually and mentally handicapped individuals; training and placing those who have vocational potential; heightening community awareness; working with their families; helping them develop a greater degree of independence; and developing necessary community resources. By the 1976-1978 biennium, the cooperative program with the Texas State Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation became formalized in the Mental Health/Mental Retardation Cooperative Services Program. The Program had a diagnostic and evaluation unit, an assessment-placement-training system, community facilities, and independent living rehabilitation. The community based pilot-project grew, and services were initiated for 1,869 individuals. An appropriation by the 66th Texas Legislature, 1979, ensured the survival of the project. By 1980-1982, the program had been renamed Special Rehabilitation Services.

Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (current title), 1971-ongoing

The Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC) was built, staffed, and opened in two stages during the 1970-1972 and 1973-1974 bienniums as the first residential rehabilitation program owned by the State Commission for the Blind. The Center was developed to assist individuals who lose their sight after completing educational programs offered by the state's public schools. The Center offers intensive vocational and independent living training to adult Texans who are blind, the majority newly blinded. Located in Austin, the center provides intensive, comprehensive training in areas such as orientation and mobility, Braille, communication skills, home and personal management, technology and career guidance. Other services include medical, social, psychological, and vocational evaluations. The average trainee completes the program in 3 to 4 months. To participate in Center activities, clients must be eligible for VR or IL programs, legally blind, able to move independently, willing to attend classes, and be able to demonstrate progress in training activities. Approximately 60 percent of the Center's clients have secondary disabilities in addition to being blind. By the 1973-1974 biennium, a special training program to prepare clients for post-secondary academic or vocational training began to be offered each summer. Each year 500 to 600 clients participate in CCRC activities.

The Center supports all aspects of the Blind Commission's programs by delivering services, training clients for the Business Enterprises Program, and training agency staff. The Center and the School for the Blind have a close working relationship, sharing certain resources and working jointly with the multiply handicapped. Through grant money from the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, a deaf-blind project has also been established at the Center. In fiscal year 1997, CCRC had a staff of 108 and budget of $4.3 million, of which $580,000 was General Revenue.

Career Development Unit, 1980-unknown date

The Career Development Unit was established in 1980 to further assist the agencies employment placement efforts and expand upon the number of fields in which the blind could be employed. The program's goal is to increase employment opportunities and enhance the quality of that employment.

Older Blind American Project, about 1975-unknown date

The Older Blind American Project was started in 1974-1976, as a demonstration program to serve blind Texans over the age of 60. Individuals were provided with orientation and mobility skills, homemaking and personal management skills, social activities, resource utilization training, evaluations and counseling in order to help them maintain their self-sufficiency and independence. The original funds were scheduled to run out on June 30, 1977, but an interagency contract allowed the use of Title XX funds, continuing the program and serving 1,584 people in 1976-1978. This program may eventually have merged with others to become incorporated into Independent Living (IL) Services.

Independent Living (IL) Services, unknown date-ongoing

Services included in the Independent Living Services program were first allowed in the 1978 amendments to the federal 1973 Rehabilitation Act. The program provides services for the elderly and for those with disabilities so severe that they do not have employment potential, teaching them to live as independently as possible within their families and communities, eliminating or reducing their need for alternative and dependent care (such as nursing homes, in-home chore services, etc.), and preventing accidents and hospitalizations. Counselors and caseworkers in local district offices consult with potential clients and determine the appropriate programs. Independent Living clients average approximately one year in the program to achieve a successful outcome. The program was called Independent Living Rehabilitation in 1990, and then Independent Living (IL) Services in ca. 1996. The program served 2,253 people in FY 1997.

Administrative Divisions (have included, among others):

Staff Services Division

Handled accounting, reproduction, and records management functions.

Program Evaluation and Program Development Division

Supervised child guidance counselors working with visually handicapped children in several school districts.

Technical and Consultative Services Division

Provided consultants for caseworkers and field service personnel in the client-contact divisions, and managed staff development for the commission generally.

General Client Services Division

Responsible for the major programs carried out by district offices throughout the state.

TCB Contracted Services

In 1957, the Texas Lions League for Crippled Children, Inc., and the Texas Commission for the Blind established a cooperative agreement to have the commission purchase diagnostic evaluation and adjustment training services offered by a Lion's League owned center at Kerrville, Texas. In the 1960's, the Commission had to send individuals out of state to receive adjustment training.

TCB expanded its contracts for specialized services for clients. The agency contracted with local Lighthouse facilities and other providers for rehabilitation services. For fiscal year 1997, the agency had 63 contracts totaling $2.1 million. Most TCB contractors were paid fees for service that are bid each year using a Request for Proposal process.