BARBARA J. MADRIGAL
SUNDAY BREAKFAST SPEAKER
Barbara J. Madrigal is Assistant Commissioner for the Division for
Blind Services (DBS) in Texas. With 26 offices and more than 500
staff across the state, the division serves Texans of all ages who are
blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind through one of four major
programs (the Blind Children's Program, Transition, Vocational
Rehabilitation, and Independent Living) as well as the Criss Cole
Rehabilitation Center located in Austin.
Barbara’s depth of experience in providing services to Texans who
are blind is extensive, and her skills in delivering and managing
quality rehabilitation services have been developed over the course
of more than 30 years in the field. She has held a variety of positions
including direct service delivery, the development and implementation
of new programs, and numerous management positions.
Under her strong and enthusiastic leadership, blind services in Texas
are currently focused on several interlocking objectives. These
objectives include ensuring that consumers master the core skills
necessary to acquire personal independence, competence, and selfconfidence; maintaining productive relationships with consumer and
advocacy groups across the state; and increasing the availability of
quality employment opportunities for all Texans who are blind.
Barbara believes in reaching out and interacting with the
organization’s stakeholders because, as she explains, “I’d rather start
the conversation than be the subject of a conversation.”
Along with her ongoing commitment to support Texans who are blind
in reaching their goals, Barbara’s other passion is ensuring that the
DBS workforce is properly trained, motivated and willing to face the
everyday challenges of providing legendary customer services. She
believes in leading by example and cherishes the opportunity to
speak with groups (or anyone willing to listen!) about her experiences
and life’s lessons. “You’ll hear me talking about my Gloria stories
[Barbara’s mother]” she says, “so, in a way, I guess I’ve inherited this
mission of providing motherly advice to others.”
Speaking of preparing staff, succession planning designed to ensure
highly qualified staff and continuity of quality services well into the
future is also a critical organizational objective. The Division’s
succession planning program, FUTURES, as well as its professional
development program for support professionals, the Academy, were
both brainchildren of Barbara’s.
On the national front, she serves on the Executive Committees of the
National Council of States Agencies for the Blind and the Council of
State Administrators for Vocational Rehabilitation. She has received
many honors over the years from such entities as the Texas House of
Representatives, the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, the
Governor’s State Agency Council (Outstanding Women in State
Government), and the Texas RehabAction Network.
In addition to her family and friends, Barbara's personal interests
include collecting Coca Cola memorabilia, being an enthusiastic
sports fan (especially her hometown favorite, the San Antonio Spurs)
and actively supporting Animal Trustees of Austin.