State Resources
Resources for Texas
Association on Higher Education and Disability
Educational Advocacy and Law
Texas Talking Books
*Free* Audiotape, Braille, and large print formats for books and magazines available for loan through the Texas library system. Materials are delivered to the home at no charge. For Texans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities-whether permanent or temporary.
Texas Project First
TEA sponsored/parent organization created – special education, informational website. TEA compliance project in conjunction with Region 9 Education Service Center. All info is TEA approved/sanctioned. Grants provided to Family to Family Network for website creation and upkeep.
TEA Information Regarding Making Special Education Complaints
For making complaints that concern Special Education in Texas public schools. Remember, also put complaints in writing and mail or fax them. This makes the complaint official.
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=2147505931&libID=2147505925
800-252-9668
Disability Rights Texas (formerly Advocacy, Inc.)
Provides direct advocacy services for individuals with disabilities. However, they only take cases that fall within their chosen Focus areas for a given year. The web site has great, downloadable publications on a variety of special education concerns. Services and many web publications are available in Spanish.
Office of Civil Rights – Texas Branch (US Dept. of Education)
For assistance related to civil rights in school contexts. They suggest that families e-mail or fax concerns.
Texas Senate
You can link to your local/ state senators to weigh in on education a legislation.
Texas House of Representatives
You can link to your local/ state house representatives to weigh in on education a legislation.
Partners Resource Network
Empowering Texas parents of children and youth with disabilities in their roles as parents, decision makers, and advocates for their children.
The Legal Framework
A project maintained by the Region 18 Texas Education Service Center- provides a guide to Texas education law as well as national education law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Part of Texas Improvement Process.
http://framework.esc18.net/display/Webforms/LandingPage.aspx
432-561-4332
General
Texas Education Agency – Special Education
A great source of special education laws, regulations and other educational topics under Texas Education Agency control.
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147491399
512-463-9414
Guardianship and Estate Planning
Guardianship and Estate Planning
The Arc of Texas: Master Pooled Trust
A trust fund that is managed by The Arc of Texas to provide financial security for individuals with disabilities.
http://www.thearcoftexas.org/trust/index.php#home
800-252-9279
Texas Guardianship Association
Resources for Texas guardianship concerns including online training.
Specific Types of Disability Services and Information
Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities Association of Texas
Information and support for parents regarding special education and other disability related needs in Texas.
Mental Illness
NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Texas Branch
Training and support groups for families experiencing mental illness as well as consumer support groups and psycho educational classes.
Texas Mental Health Services – dial 211
A program of Texas Health and Human Services that provides inpatient treatment and housing choices information and referral.
Texas Mental Health Consumer Resources
Directory of Texas mental health services from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
http://www.dshs.texas.gov/mhservices/MHConsumerFamilySupports.shtm
Mental Health America of Texas
Abroad-based citizens’ movement organized to promote mental health, prevent mental illness through research and education, and improve care and treatment for persons with mental illnesses.
Blind and Visually Impaired
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Serves as a special public school in the continuum of statewide placements for students who have a visual impairment. Students, ages 6 through 21, who are blind, deaf-blind, or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities, are eligible for consideration for services on the TSBVI campus. It is also a statewide resource to parents of these children and the professionals who serve them, from birth through transition from school.
Texas Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
The association promotes and develops education and rehabilitation resources for those in Texas with visual impairments.
Texas Talking Books
*Free* Audiotape, Braille, and large print formats for books and magazines available for loan through the Texas library system. Materials are delivered to the home at no charge. For Texans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities-whether permanent or temporary.
Deaf and Hearing Impairment
Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Department of Rehabilitative Services runs these programs and services for those with hearing impairments.
Deaf Network of Texas
Association for those with hearing impairments. Meetings, support and blogs.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy Foundation of Central and South Texas
Working to improve the lives of the adults and children with epilepsy in Texas.
Brain Injury Association of Texas
Brain Injury Association of Texas
Information, referral and advocacy for persons affected by brain injury.
Autism
Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disabilities – Online only
Texas council, established by Texas legislation, appointed by the governor that serves and advocates for the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum and related disorders.
Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training
Online presentations, tool kits and resources for special education needs of students with autism. Texas Education Agency sponsored site in partnership with Region 13 Education Service Center.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Texas Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Consortium
Consortium of agencies in Texas whose goal is to increase FAS awareness. Offer meetings, conferences, and web resources.
http://topdd.texas.gov/content/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd
Intellectual Disabilities
The Arc of Texas
Texas headquarters for The Arc, providing state and national advocacy for individuals with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities. They also publish, in conjunction with Disability Rights Texas, IDEA, The Manual for Parents and Students about Special Education Services in Texas which can be downloaded *for free* from their website (also available in Spanish).
Financial Assistance
General
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission over sees this program. Low cost health insurance for children who do not qualify for Medicaid and are not covered by private insurance. Family must meet income eligibility guidelines. Web site available in Spanish.
http://chipmedicaid.com/
http://chipmedicaid.com/es
877-543-7669
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)-formally CIDC
Texas Department of State Health Services oversees this service. For children with a chronic physical or developmental condition that will last longer than 12 months. For those with intellectual disabilities and /autism/ADHD/ and mental health disabilities there must be a co-occurring, health need related to bodily tissues such as a seizure disorder, cerebral palsy or any condition that has physical manifestations. (This funding is also available to a person of any age who has Cystic Fibrosis.). The child may have Medicaid or CHIP already but the funds from the two services must have been exhausted before CSHSN use. Web site available in Spanish.
Texas Department of Insurance
If your child has a disability and you are having problems with obtaining insurance then this state agency may be able to help.
Waiver Programs
Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) Medicaid Waiver Program
Texas Health & human Services Support for families caring for children who are medically dependent and to encourage de-institutionalization of children in nursing homes. This is a Medicaid home and community-based waiver program. Very long waiting list. If useful for a child, get on it ASAP. Eligibility: The child must meet the medical necessity criteria (as diagnosed by a physician) although financial eligibility is determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. For home nursing care. Eligibility ends at age20. Administered through the Department of Aging and Disability Services although financial eligibility is determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
https://hhs.texas.gov/site-search?search_api_views_fulltext=waiver+MDCP
https://hhs.texas.gov/hhs-services
To Compare Texas Waiver Programs in a Chart Format
The pdf chart compares Texas long-term services and support (LTSS) waiver programs by eligibility requirements, services and other factors.
https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/handbooks
https://hhs.texas.gov/hhs-services
Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
Texas Health & Human Services oversees this program. Provides home and community-based services as a cost-effective alternative to placement in an intermediate care facility for people with related condition disabilities that affect their ability to function in daily life (ICF-MR/RC). This program is not state wide and has a long waiting list. Eligibility: No age requirements, but the individual must have had the onset of the disability (other than mental retardation and it must affect the ability to function in daily life) before age 22. He or she must meet the ICF-MR/ RC Level of Care criteria, have a demonstrated need for habilitation, have an approved Individual Service Care Plan for waiver services and reside in the geographic jurisdiction area. Financial eligibility criteria allow for special exclusions for children with disabilities. Administered through the Department of Aging and Disability Services although financial eligibility is determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Long waiting list.
https://hhs.texas.gov/hhs-services
https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/handbooks
classpolicy@hhsc.state.tx.us
211
Texas Home Living Waiver Program
Large range of comprehensive services such as therapy, residential assistance and case management up to the amount of $20,000 per year. Must live at home with family or in independent home (no group homes). Must have a determination of an intellectual disability in accordance with state law or have a diagnosis of a related condition with an IQ of 75 or below. Cannot be enrolled in another Medicaid waiver program. No age limit. Administered through the Department of Aging and Disability Services although financial eligibility is determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Contact your local mental retardation authority (MRA) to be placed on the interest list.
https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/handbooks/texas-home-living-txhml-program
211
Home and Community Based Services (HCS) Medicaid Waiver Program
Texas Health & human Services Very long waiting list. Large range of comprehensive service options such as therapy, residential assistance and case management. No age limits. Cannot been rolled in another Medicaid waiver program. Expense over $20,000 per year. Must have a determination of an intellectual disability in accordance with state law or have a diagnosis of a related condition with an IQ of 75 or below. Administered through the Department of Aging and Disability Services although financial eligibility is determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/handbooks/home-community-based-services-handbook
hcs@dads.state.tx.us
Social & Leisure
Social & Leisure
Special Olympics – Texas
Year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities.
VSA Arts of Texas
Creates learning opportunities through the arts for persons with disabilities and supports creative expressions by persons with disabilities.
General Information and Support
All Disabilities/All Special Needs Inclusive Services & Information
Texas Information Referral (211 call line) – Dial 211 if in Texas!
Service of the state of Texas where the number 211 can be dialed via phone in Texas for disability information and referral about social, health and other services including state agencies.
Texas Disability Law
Summary of Texas Legislation affecting individuals with disabilities.
http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/resources/
512-463-5739
Your Texas Benefits
One of five Texas state agencies. Oversees Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps and nutrition programs, family violence services, refugee services and disaster assistance.
Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD)
A grass roots organization that brings together diverse disability individuals and groups, as well as related parties like service provider organizations and state agencies.
http://www.txdisabilities.org/
info@txdisabilities.org
512-478-3366
Texas Health and Human Services- Formally (DADS)
One of five Texas state agencies for social services. They serve older Texans, persons with disabilities including persons with intellectual disabilities. Services can be comprehensive such as waiver services including HCS, CLASS and Texas Home Living Waiver. See State Financial Assistance Section.
https://hhs.texas.gov/
https://hhs.texas.gov/es
800-735-2989
Disability Rights Texas
Advocates, protects and advances the legal and service rights of people with disabilities by providing direct advocacy services. However, they only take cases that fall within their chosen focus areas for a given year. The web site has great, downloadable publications on a variety of special education concerns. Services and some web information are available in Spanish.
Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M
Disability services, research, resource center, Texas transition conference, Institute for person-centered practices and a great directory of community services in Texas.
http://cdd.tamu.edu/
disabilityresources@tamu.edu
979-845-1256
Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities
Division of the governor’s office that provides disability resources including statistics, history, services and more.
Early Childhood Intervention
State agency responsible for early childhood (ages 0 -3) disability intervention Through Easter Seals of Greater Houston.
Texas Parent to Parent
Supports children with disabilities, chronic illnesses and other special needs by empowering their families to be advocates for them through peer support, resource referral and public awareness.
Adapt of Texas
Organization advocating to free people with disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions.
Baker Ripley
Information and Advocacy for social services. Case management services, nutrition, counseling and referrals.
General Social and Government Issues
General Social and Government Issues
Citizen’s Opinion Hotline
Callers or internet users can leave a message for the governor on matters of public interest.
Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP)
Non-partisan research organization committed to improving public policies.
Texas Health and Human Services Helpline
Referrals to agency services and providers in Texas.
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/about_hhsc/contact/contact.shtm
211
Texas Senate
You can link to your local/state senators from this site.
Texas House of Representatives
You can link to your local/state representatives from this site.
Employment and Day Habilitation
Employment and Day Habilitation
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (formally TRC) – Multiple Locations
Provides vocational assessments, training, support, and assistive devices for individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment.
Techworks for Texas
Facilitates the development of licensed PROJECT SEARCH sites for Texas. A “unique, business led, one year school-to-work program that takes place entirely at the workplace” Project SEARCH provides real-life work experience to help youth with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to adult life.
http://www.projectsearch.us/Home.aspx
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/burkhartcenter/professionals/techworks.php
806-834-7804
Treatment (Medical & Behavioral)
Treatment (Medical & Behavioral)
Health Professions Complaint Referral System
Automated line directs caller to the correct department to initiate complaints against health professionals, including doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical workers.
Texas Network for Children (Youth for Tomorrow)
Internet database containing information on more than 500 residential treatment providers in Texas. Updated each week. Searchable by age, diagnosis, and reimbursement source.
Association on Higher Education and Disability
General
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
Serves children age’s birth to three who have or are at risk of developmental delays.
Association on Higher Education and Disability
Nonprofit organization comprised of disability service providers in higher education.
Assistive/Adaptive Technology
Assistive/Adaptive Technology
Texas Technology Access Project
Provides information, conducts training, and works with policy makers to support individuals with disabilities in their efforts to acquire and use technology as a routine part of day-to-day living. Services available in Spanish.
Texas Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) – Multiple Locations
Vocational services, including when needed, adaptive technology, available to graduating school students with disabilities who will need assistance in gaining employment. Applicant guide available in Spanish.
Legal Issues (also see Educational Advocacy, Guardianship)
Legal Issues (also see Educational Advocacy, Guardianship)
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
Rehabilitation information concerning youths sentenced for committing serious criminal acts. Website contains a detailed overview of the Texas correctional system for youths. Information available in Spanish.
Texas Appleseed
Research and reports on disability concerns. Handbook for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to help navigate the criminal justice system. Legislative action.
Texas Layers Care
An online directory of free or low-cost legal services available to lower income Texans. Also contains information about how to file complaints against public agencies.
Texas Civil Rights Project
A nonprofit group which educates the public about civil rights in Texas, and brings suits against state agencies to protect rights.
Disability Rights Texas: East Region (formerly Advocacy, Inc.)
Protects and advocates for the legal rights of persons with disabilities in Texas. Services available in Spanish.
Transition
Transition
Texas Education Agency Transition Information – Online only
They have a useful transition guide as well as transition training modules.
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities: Higher Education Resource Guide – Online only
Practical transition from high school information for students with disabilities. Online links to Texas university disability services.
http://tcdd.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2014-higher-ed-en_web.pdf
Texas Transition Conference – Online only
Annual three-day conference that equips family members and professionals with information about students with disabilities in transition to improve outcomes for post-secondary education and better employment opportunities.
Disability Rights Texas – Online only
Employment resources including their own Client Assistance Program (various locations throughout Texas) to help individuals with disabilities access the agencies needed to help them attain gainful employment.
Texas Transition and Employment Guide – Online only
The guide provides youth, young adults, parents and professionals with secondary transition resources. Also in Spanish.
Child Care
Child Care
Texas Care Resources from Texas 211
Contains options for searching for child care for special needs children in Texas. Can do the search online.
https://www.211texas.org/cms/search-child-care-education-resources-in-texas
Texas Child Care Licensing (TDFPS) – Austin (Statewide)
Online search information regarding valid licensing for child care, revoked child care licenses and more.
Medical Services, Equipment
Medical Services, Equipment
Project Mend
Medical equipment, supplies, and other services for low-income individuals with disabilities.