Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living

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Something to KNOW

College Station Fire Department Installing Smoke Alarms for the Hearing Impaired

The College Station Fire Department would like the community to know that they have a limited number of smoke alarms for the hearing impaired available at no cost to the consumer. The fire department will install these alarms at no additional cost as well. The College Station Fire Department also has a limited number of conventional smoke alarms available for installation at no cost to the consumer. Additionally, the College Station Fire Department will install any consumer purchased smoke alarms at no charge. Must reside in College Station, own the home, and either be physically or financially unable to purchase or install the alarms without assistance. For more information call Christina Seidel, Public Education Officer for the College Station Fire Department at (979) 764-3712.

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Andrew Morse is our Special Projects Coordinator here at BVCIL. For more information on housing or questions about the above article, call us at 979-776-5505 and we’ll get you the information you are looking for.

College Station Woman and Service Dog Denied Entry in Navasota Restaurant

oskee in rosatis If you are ever unsure about ADA laws, please feel free to contact BVCIL and we would be happy to update you! One of our core services is Advocacy and that is not just for people with disabilities but also for our community in order to promote awareness of the rights and responsibilities behind ADA laws and regulations.

“The hostess came out and told me I couldn’t bring the dog in here,” says Grymes. “I can tie him up outside, but I couldn’t bring him in the restaurant.” She says even though Dyson’s harness says “Guide Dogs for the Blind” Grymes says two waitresses and the manager told her the same thing even after she explained the state law. “She told me I couldn’t have my dog in the restaurant because of the health department and I explained again. He is a guide dog for the blind. He’s a service animal. He can go anywhere the public can go.”

Navasota Police were called, but Grymes was told it was a civil matter.
News 3 contacted the department. Corey Johnson, Marketing and Communications Director for the city said in an e-mail that “The Navasota Police Department responded to a civil complaint at Martha’s Bloomers Saturday May 23rd to document a situation in which a service animal was denied access to Café M. Bloomers. Any questions as to the specifics of what occurred would have to be answered by Café M. Bloomers.”

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Blind woman with a guide dog

Texas House Bill 5 Seeks To Change High School Education Throughout The State

In 2013, the 83rd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 5, which codified several changes to Texas High School curriculum, accreditation, accountability, and other areas pertaining to High School education in the state. The following link directs to a website of resources describing the changes enacted by HB 5. Please visit http://www4.esc13.net/cc/house-bill-5 for an in-depth explanation of House Bill 5.

 

Andrew Morse is our Special Projects Coordinator here at BVCIL. For more information on housing or questions about the above article, call us at 979-776-5505 and we’ll get you the information you are looking for.