From Braille embossers, to adjustable workstations, to specialized software programs, Workforce Solutions East Texas is supporting innovative approaches to increasing competitive, unsubsidized employment to individuals with disabilities.

Examples of the adaptive technology used in our resource room includes screen enlargement software that allows a user with visual impairments to make items presented on the computer screen larger, screen readers that verbalize the information presented on the computer monitor, Braille embossers that translate information and printouts coming from the computer into Braille dots, and computer accessories that can accommodate most any physical disability.

Our bilingual staff can provide you with the translation and ensure that you enjoy the full benefits of our services. Many of our documents are now available in Spanish or large print format.  We also offer alternative workforce orientation classes to our Spanish speaking customers.

Our assistive technology equipment consists of the following:

  • CCTV - is designed to help visually impaired customers by electronically enlarging the printed material and displaying it on the 17" high resolution monitor. It allows for easy change and adjustments of colors, magnification and horizontal and vertical document positioning.
  • Keyboards - with extra large character font
  • TrackBall - replaces the traditional mouse with the pointing device that allows for easy manipulation using your thumb and index finger.
  • Zoom Text - software based technology available for our customers with visions impairments – Just like the CCTV it will enlarge anything on your computer screen with the added feature of reading the document aloud.
  • TTY - is an amplified telephone device that enables a person with speech or hearing impairments to use the phone by typing their communication through the Telecommunications Relay Services. By dialing 711 our customers can gain rapid access to all Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). There is also a volume control on the phone that can be set at three different levels – Min / Medium / Maximum.
  • JAWS - is a popular software that provides full range of screen reading and screen magnification options.
  • Braille Blazer (Embosser) – Portable Braille printer that lets you produce Braille documents, graphics, and labels. (Grade 1 and 2) The Braille Blazer can read the document and translate Braille to word and vice versa.
  • Audio Cassette Tape Player - can be provided to those that would prefer to listen to available resource materials recorded on the standard audio cassette.

Online Resources

Workforce Solutions East Texas is also proud to recognize several public and community organizations that provide helpful information and additional services for people with disabilities:

  • DisabilityInfo.gov
    DisabilityInfo.gov was created by President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative to connect people with disabilities to the information and resources they need to pursue their personal and professional ambitions.
  • Relay Texas
    Relay Texas provides telephone interpreting service between people who can hear and those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled. TDD: 1-800-735-2989 / Voice: 1-800-735-2988
  • Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
    The mission of DARS is to work in partnership with Texans with disabilities and families with children who have developmental delays to improve the quality of their lives and to enable their full participation in society.

Another resource for people with disabilities is Speech-to-Speech (STS), a free telephone assistance service that helps people with speech disabilities who have difficulty being understood by the public on the telephone. The STS access number in Texas is 1-877-826-6607. To try STS or get more information, contact Dr. Bob Segalman at 800.854.7784.

Voluntary Disclosure for Specialized Services for People with Disabilities:
The Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits inquiries as to whether or not an individual has a disability or to the nature and extent of such a disability. However, other federal laws provide various benefits and services for people with disabilities, both veteran and non-veteran. Therefore, should you wish to explore these services, you must inform your Workforce representative. This is a voluntary disclosure and the disability information is not required for provision of services.