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New DARS Autism Program Announced

DARS is embarking on an exciting new initiative that will soon expand our services to provide assistance for children with autism. With a $5 million grant authorized by the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor' Office, DARS will offer a limited program designed to serve Texas children ages 3-8 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
On November 15, 2007, DARS will issue a Request for Applications (RFA) to establish up to five grant contracts with applicants capable of providing autism services, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Contracts will be awarded in February 2008. The RFA can be viewed at www.dars.state.tx.us/business/grants.shtml after November 15, 2007.
There will be an applicant' conference in late November or early December for interested bidders to receive more information about this RFA. The actual date and location will be set when the RFA is released.
The program is intended to:

• offer positive behavior support strategies, including ABA;
• compliment services by a child' Individualized Education Plan (IEP), if such a plan exists; and
• bill Medicaid, CHIP, private insurance and any other available third party source before using DARS funding.

If you have comments about DARS autism services or the RFA process, please send them to DARS.autismprogram@dars.state.tx.us.
DARS looks forward to establishing new partnerships that will serve children with autism in Texas.