(a) Any hearing or proceedings conducted under this subchapter shall be held, whenever feasible, by telephone (directly or by relay), at a time and place reasonably accessible to the appellant and any witnesses, and convenient for parties. In considering the physical location of a hearing or proceeding, the IHO shall consider, among other factors:
  (1) the suitability of any proposed facilities for a hearing, including the ability of the appellant and any witnesses to gain physical access to the proceedings and facilities; and
  (2) the comparative distances and times required to travel from places of work or residence to a proposed hearing location by parties and witnesses.
(b) The Agency shall, upon reasonable notice, provide the appellant with readers or interpreters. Reasonable notice shall be considered to be no fewer than five working days prior to the proceeding, unless good cause for a shorter period exists in the judgment of the IHO.
(c) A copy of a transcript prepared during hearing proceedings and all notices and documents shall be provided to the appellant in an accessible format on request.
(d) The Agency shall bear the costs related to providing reasonable accommodations for hearings or proceedings conducted under this subchapter.

Source Note: The provisions of this §850.69 adopted to be effective May 13, 2019, 44 TexReg 2364; amended to be effective December 26, 2022, 47 TexReg 8738