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Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Division for Blind Services (DBS) - Gia Octavia Alexander

“The assistance I have received from DARS is the one and only factor that has preserved my Independence, kept my family together, and kept us in our home,” says Gia Octavia Alexander of College Station. “I have gone from being almost completely helpless and within hours of admittance to an assisted living facility with the involvement of Adult Protective Services, to regaining my mobility, taking care of all of my personal hygiene needs, getting myself in and out of bed, doing my own laundry, cooking one of my own meals per day, and washing my own dishes.”

Gia was born blind, and has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with developing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. She lives with her 65-year-old mother, who needs Gia’s assistance on a regular basis. If it weren’t for DARS, both she and her mother would have been placed in an assisted living facility.

For years, Gia supported herself by teaching English and working as a technical writer and editor. But once her doctors diagnosed her with Chronic Fatigue and Multiple Sclerosis, she had to stop working.

Following a short period living with relatives in Shreveport, Louisiana, she and her mother could no longer reside there. They were unable to qualify for medical services in Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita because we did not live within either hurricane zone and all state resources were going to those victims. The two moved back to Texas and Gia applied for DARS Independent Living Program.

Counselors in the Division for Blind Services updated Gia’s training in Braille, Orientation and Mobility, and general activities of daily living. She was also provided with a new CCTV.  The new CCTV allows her to monitor her mother’s medication and diabetic glucometer and reading prescription labels and advisories.  It also gives her the ability to manage her financial and medical paperwork independently.

Once Gia’s case was closed in DBS, she contacted the Division for Rehabilitation Services to seek help relating to her functional limitations.   She was accepted into the Independent Living program, which evaluated her household and mobility needs. 

At this point, her doctor declared Gia to be in “imminent jeopardy” of being admitted to a local assisted living facility. She was even advised to contact Adult Protective Services for admission into a nursing home. It was on the last day of 2008 that her DRS counselor, Jim Sinsky, worked all day to get a new power wheelchair ready to be delivered to her.  It was delivered to her on Inauguration Day. Her house was also outfitted with threshold ramps to make getting in and out of my house easier with her power wheelchair.

Gia can now live completely independently and is no longer homebound. She said, “Because of DARS, I remain as self-sufficient as I can possibly be right now, and that is, after all, the goal of the Independent Living Program.”

Spring 2026 NCSAB Conference
Beyond Barriers: Innovation Leads to Independence
When: April 1 – 3, 2026
Where: Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street, NW, Washington DC 20001
Participant Registration Exhibitor Registration
About the Conference
The NCSAB Spring 2026 Training Conference brings together state agency leaders and professionals serving the blind and visually impaired. This gathering focuses on advancing strategies that break through barriers and harness innovation to promote greater independence and opportunity across the country.
Early Registration (Feb 3 - Feb 27)
Members: $495
Non-Members: $845
Group (5+ Members): $450/ea
One Day: $400
Speaker: $300
Exhibitor Early: $1,690
Late Registration (Feb 28 - Mar 24)
Members Late: $545
Non-Member Late: $895
Group Late (Members): $500/ea
One Day Late: $450
Speaker: $300
Exhibitor Late: $1,740
Accommodation & Dietary Requests: Deadline February 27, 2026. Must be requested during registration.
Cancellations: Full refund by Feb 27; 50% refund Feb 28 - March 23. No refunds after March 23.
Membership Dues: If you have not paid your 2025 Membership Dues, you must register as a non-member. Contact Treasurer Natasha Jerde at natasha.jerde@state.mn.us for status inquiries.
Hotel Reservations
Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 | (202) 582-1234
Room Rate: $309 single/double +taxes
Block Code: G-CS4V (Ask for CSAVR/NCSAB room block)
Cut-Off Date: March 6, 2026
Travel Note: Located on the Metro Center stop (accessible via Blue line from Reagan Airport). 4.5 miles from airport.
BE AWARE: $500 fine for smoking, vaping, or candles in rooms.
HOTEL ROOM CANCELLATION POLICY:
All cancellations for the CSAVR/NCSAB/NCSRC room block must be made through Theresa Hamrick at thamrick@CSAVR.org (301-519-8023). Cancelled rooms will be assigned to the waitlist. If you require an accessible room and cannot secure one, contact Theresa Hamrick immediately.