DBMAT The Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas

10/01/2026

Take notice of next years date. Bummed that they had to cancel this year.

Hi Adaptive Sports Participants and Families,
We have been closely monitoring the weather over the past week, and due to the safety of our participants, volunteers and staff, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Hope Therapy Adaptive Sports Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 3.
We know many of you have been looking forward to this event, and we are very disappointed that we will not be able to celebrate with you this year. Unfortunately, there will not be a rescheduled date, as Palm Beach will be closing for the season.
We truly appreciate your understanding and support. We hope you will join us for our next Hope Therapy event:
🎭 Hope Therapy Mardi Gras Ball
Saturday, February 13, 2027
Mark your calendars! We hope to see you and your families there for a fun day of celebration. Thank you for being part of the Hope Therapy family, and we look forward to seeing you at a future event!
Thank you,
Moody Gardens Hope Therapy Team

09/30/2026

The deadline for formal public comments on the proposed rule concerning the Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) program manual (proposed change to 26 TAC §260.151) is October 11, 2026. [1 (https://thetexasdispatch.com/comment-deadlines/)]

Key Details of the Proposed Rule
• The Core Change: The rule amendment, originally published for public comment in the Texas Register on September 11, 2026, adds a clause that would require provider agencies to strictly obey the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) own online DBMD Program Manual (https://fhb.hhs.texas.gov/handbooks/deaf-blind-multiple-disabilities-dbmd-program-manual). [1 (https://thetexasdispatch.com/hhsc-executive-council-september-17-2026-dbmd-program-manual-rule/), 2 (https://thetexasdispatch.com/comment-deadlines/)]
• The Controversy: Stakeholders have raised concerns because this modification would technically give the operational handbook the binding force of law, allowing HHSC staff to revise provider requirements at any time without going through the standard, mandatory 30-day notice and public objection process required for official state regulations. [1 (https://thetexasdispatch.com/hhsc-executive-council-september-17-2026-dbmd-program-manual-rule/)]

How to Submit Formal Comments
If you wish to submit feedback before the midnight deadline on October 11, 2026, use the following methods: [1 (https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/0911/0911is.pdf), 2 (https://thetexasdispatch.com/comment-deadlines/)]
• Email: Send your formal input directly to the HHSC Rules Coordination Office (mailto:[email protected]). Make sure to clearly state "Comments on Proposed Rule 26 TAC §260.151" in the subject line of your email to guarantee proper sorting and consideration. [1 (https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/0821/0821is.pdf), 2 (https://thetexasdispatch.com/comment-deadlines/)]
• Physical Mail: Comments can be mailed to the Rules Coordination Office, P.O. Box 13247, Mail Code 4102, Austin, Texas 78711-3247. Note: Mailed comments must be postmarked or shipped before the final comment date.

[1 (https://www.hhs.texas.gov/provider-news/2026/04/24/public-comment-period-chapter-745-rules), 2 (https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/0911/0911is.pdf)]

09/29/2026

Recognizing just a few of the amazing members of our community including the recipient of this year’s Olivia Cruz Award, Jennifer Bailey !! Congratulations Jennifer

09/29/2026

Horses !

09/29/2026

Just a few photos from our 53rd annual family conference sessions. Lots of information shared.

09/29/2026

Ice cream makes everything better !
A few pictures from our 53rd annual DBMAT family conference. Saturday night is always a lot of fun !! Group picture, ice cream social 🍦, the always exciting live auction and we finish the evening with parent karaoke!!

09/25/2026

09/19/2026

Come join us and hang out with some really cool kiddos ……. And adults
And the paycheck might come in handy 😉