ACT’s Home and Community-Based Services program (also known as HCS) provides the help and support necessary for individuals of all ages with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live independently in their homes and as active citizens in the community. Our dedicated team of professionals at ACT work with each individual to ensure they receive the very best care and support around!

There are many services and supports offered through our HCS program. The service type and amount of each service is based on the needs of each individual and reviewed annually at a special planning conference. Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) are available to individuals living in various settings. Whether living in his or her own home, with family, with a paid companion/foster care provider, or in small group home settings, HCS services are available to allow each person to be as independent as possible.

The following services are available through ACT’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) program:

• Program Coordination (ensures individuals receive all the supports they need and monitors progress)
• Residential Support (in various settings)
  • Supported Home Living
  • Supervised Semi-Independent Living
  • Foster/Companion Care
  • Residential Support (offered in small group home settings)
• Respite Services (offered as part of Supported Home Living only)
• Nursing Services
• Audiology Services
• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies
• Dietary Services
• Social Work Services
• Psychology Services
• Adaptive Aids (covers up to $10,000 per year)
• Minor Home Modifications (covers up to $7,500 total)
• Dental Services (covers up to $1,000 per year)
• Daytime Programming
  • Day Habilitation (for adults ages 18 and up)
  • Work Training Activities
  • Supported Employment (to help individuals find competitive employment in the community)
• ACT also provides non-medical in-home services through this program, including: checking client’s wellbeing and home/living conditions, performing safety checks and verifying emergency/disaster preparedness plan, scheduling appointments, assisting with errands (as needed), checking supplies and providing online information related to personal services.

At ACT, our most valuable asset is our dedicated staff! For the past 15 years, our qualified, caring staff of professionals have been providing personalized care and support through our Home and Community-Based (HCS) program. Our HCS team works with each individual, focusing on client choice and autonomy, to ensure his or her needs are met. Our dedicated staff of HCS professionals include: Program Coordinators, Therapists (Occupational, Physical and Speech/Language Therapists), Audiologists, Psychologists, Nurses, Dietitians and more!

ACT’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) are currently available in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Hopkins, Grayson, Camp, Delta, Ellis, Franklin, Hunt, Lamar, Kaufman, Morris, Navarro, Rockwall, Titus, and Johnson counties.

Since the HCS program is overseen by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), there are specific eligibility requirements. To be eligible for the HCS program, individuals must have a diagnosis of mental retardation (or related condition) and qualify for Medicaid. Detailed eligibility guidelines are available on the DADS website at http://www.dads.state.tx.us/services/faqs-fact/hcs.html.

Enrollment for the HCS program is overseen by local Mental Retardation Authorities (MRAs). To find the MRA in your county, you can visit http://www.dads.state.tx.us/contact/mra.cfm, or http://www.dads.state.tx.us/services/contact.cfm (enter your county then scroll down to see your MRA listing).

Currently, there is a statewide wait list (or interest list) for HCS services. This list is maintained and administered through the local Mental Retardation Authorities (MRAs). If you are not currently on the interest list, ACT strongly recommends that you contact your local MRA immediately and begin the process of eligibility.

If you're interested in receiving HCS services at Ability Connection Texas, and your name comes up on the interest list, simply let your MRA enrollment staff know that you would like to select Ability Connection Texas (ACT) as your HCS service provider. Our staff will be able to assist you from there!

ACT is happy to answer any questions and work with you to begin receiving our Home and Community-Based Services (HCS). Please contact us for help and information regarding our HCS program.

Rachel Hopkins – Director of HCS Program:  

Office Phone:(214) 247-4543 
Mobile Phone:(214) 755-8727