Initiative Description
Texas Partners for Inclusive Access is spearheaded by Disability Rights Texas and The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilties. It began during COVID-19 as a support for information and vaccine/testing access for people with disabilties. It has continued in this capacity and expanded. Many of the collaborative partners received the ACL public health grants. We have decided to use this group to network those public health employees focusing on people with disabilties. TTAP’s public health staff is continuing to participate in the group and bring assistive technology and accessibility issues to the forefront. The group’s current focus is addressing the home health staffing shortages. In Texas, the average pay rate is $7/hr. Agencies have had a difficult time hiring and keeping competent employees. During the upcoming legislative session, we are gearing up to focus on this crisis. Additionally, the group is hosting an Emergency Preparedness "clinic" in Houston in 2023.
Lessons Learned/Replication
The number of individuals with disabilties and who are aging that received vaccines/testing was reported in last year's annual report. Supporting access to boosters continues. No data is yet available on the staffing of home health employees. TTAP's main function within this group was to ensure materials were accessible and facilitate outreach activities since we are so connected throughout the state via our Demonstration Centers and other outreach activities.