SECTION 357.501. Rights of Consumers

(a) In accordance with applicable legal provisions, DARS does not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, exclude, deny benefits to, limit the participation of, or otherwise discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For the purposes of receiving independent living services, the consumer must have a significant disability; however, that requirement is not considered discrimination against any individual on the basis of disability.

(b) The service provider notifies the consumer in writing about the rights included in subsection (a) of this section; §104.503 of this chapter (relating to Complaint Process); and §104.401 of this chapter (relating to Consumer Participation System):

(1) when a consumer applies for services;

(2) when the service provider determines that a consumer is ineligible for services; and

(3) when the service provider intends to terminate services.

(c) Consumer rights are available in an accessible format for consumers who rely on alternative modes of communication.

Source Note: The provisions of this §357.501 adopted to be effective August 31, 2016, 41 TexReg 6066; transferred effective March 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register February 26, 2021, 46 TexReg 1387