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Felicita fighting against Voucher scam in Texas

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Felicita fighting against Voucher scam in Texas

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IDRA Pushes Back Against Texas Senate Voucher Schemes #txlege

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Cook Children Health Plan: Children in Jeopardy 09/2024

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Cook Children Health Plan: Children in Jeopardy 09/2024

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Children in Jeopardy: The Piñon Family’s Story

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By Kaley JohnsonThe state of Texas is trying to end a program that allows thousands of children to thrive.That’s the message Liz Piñon wants to send to state leaders trying to end the Cook Children’s Health Plan. Liz’s children are among the 8,000 medically fragile kids on the health plan; her 12-year-old triplets and 19-year-old son have…

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To learn more and begin to sign up your child for CFC services: If your child is age 20 and under, call Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership Personal Care Services at 1-888-276-0702 or contact your Medicaid managed care organization (MCO).

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IDRA - Intercultural Development Research Association

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Lizdelia Piñón, Ed.D., is IDRA’s education associate with more than 20 years of experience in bilingual and ESL education in both K-12 as well as higher education. She has worked as a bilingual/ESL teacher, university instructor and graduate research assistant in education. Her areas of expertise in…

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EdWeek:   'A Unique Challenge':  What EL with disabilities need 05/13/2024

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EdWeek:   'A Unique Challenge':  What EL with disabilities need 05/13/2024

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Students with disabilities face a gamut of challenges when it comes to accessing high-quality K-12 education, including a shortage of specialized teachers. The nation's growing English-learner population faces outsized needs as their English-language proficiency scores remain lower than pre-COVID-19-pandemic averages, and immigrant English learners in particular require more trauma-informed instruction.

English learners who also have disabilities face their own intersectional issues, researchers and advocates say. They range from schools locking students out of dual-language programs in favor of English-only special education programs, language barriers between schools and families, and teachers ill-equipped to serve their students' needs.

"It's a complex issue. If it was easy, we would have probably figured out a better way forward by now," said Sarah Salinas, an assistant professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato's department of special education. "[This group] includes students that are at the intersection potentially of cultural differences, linguistic differences, and disability differences."

According to federal data from the school year 2020-21, nearly 14 percent of all students ages 5 through 21 enrolled in public schools were served under IDEA Part B. Of those students, 11.7 percent were English learners.

As this dual-identified population continues to grow, researchers and advocates offer some potential systemic solutions to many of the prevailing challenges these students and their families face.

A lack of access to bilingual education

One of the top concerns researchers and parents alike shared in interviews with Education Week when it comes to English learners with disabilities is a lack of access to bilingual education or dual-language programs.

Parents are encouraged to speak only English with dual-identified students, in part because of a flawed assumption that bilingualism will confuse them or hinder their academic progress or language progress, said Nikkia Borowski, a Ph.D. candidate in inclusive education at Syracuse University who studies access to bilingualism among such students.

She added that there is also the idea that dual-language programs are enrichment programs designed for academically gifted students, locking dual-identified students out in the process.

This preference for English-only instruction for English learners with disabilities plays out in smaller contexts as well, such as speech-generating devices students use that are programmed only in English.

"As a result, the students are missing access to a bilingual identity and missing access to really important cultural aspects as well," Borowski said.

There is also the matter of how federal policy works for these dual-identified students.

Both the Equal Education Act of 1968 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act apply to this student population.

The IDEA, in its 2004 reauthorization, defines a least restrictive environment as the premise of providing services to a student with the greatest access to the general education curriculum, without any explicit mention of what these services look like for multilingual students, Salinas said. The Bilingual Education Act of 1968 focuses on language access for students whose first language is not English without explicit mention of education access for students with disabilities.

So while dual-identified students stand at the intersection of distinct federal policies and laws, the policies and laws are not intersectional themselves.

And even though an English-learner tool kit from the U.S. Department of Education's office of English-language acquisition reminds educators that a student's English learner and disability-related educational needs must be met, what ultimately ends up happening is special education and IDEA are consistently prioritized over bilingual education services, Salinas said.

Policymakers have talked about reauthorizing IDEA with more explicit mentions of the needs of dual-identified students, though such a move remains hypothetical, Salinas added.

But even before policies and practices can better align to the linguistic, cultural, and disability-related needs of students, another challenge is at play that presents a quicker potential solution.

The need to reassess communication between schools and families

Navigating IDEA and individual education programs, or IEPs, can already be a daunting task for families. Doing so while English is not the family's home language is all the more complicated.

Under IDEA, districts must ensure that a student's parents understand the proceedings of the IEP team meeting, including taking steps such as providing a translator.

In an April survey by the EdWeek Research Center, 65 percent of participating district and school leaders said they offered translation services for special education programming for students whose first language is not English. 37 percent said they did so for all relevant languages spoken by students and families.

Meanwhile, 6 percent of leaders said they do not offer such a service although they have special education students with that need.

Even when considering that 37 percent said their school or districts covered all relevant languages in translation needs, there's a question of whether the translators involved were trained professionals who understand things like IEPs, or if Spanish-language teachers and bilingual receptionists were called in instead, said Christy Moreno, the chief community advocacy and impact officer of the Missouri-based family-advocacy group Revolucion Educativa.

Moreno, a trained interpreter and translator herself, said offering translation services is the minimum schools and districts must offer families. High-quality translation is key to ensuring families are fully informed of their rights, she added.

"I've seen IEPs that are done by Google Translate," Moreno said.

In addition to investing in proper translation and interpretation, Moreno said educators need to proactively ensure that parents understand how to ask questions about their children's education. That includes taking into account cultural barriers at play such as stigma within the Latino community over the experiences of students in special education.

Lizdelia Piñón, an emergent bilingual education associate for the Texas-based advocacy nonprofit Intercultural Development Research Association, or IDRA, knows all too well how important it is for families to advocate for their children. Her Spanish-speaking 11-year-old triplets require several accommodations for their autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and more.

On several occasions, Piñón said she had to file formal complaints against her local school district to ensure her children's linguistic and special education needs were met-including pushing back against an attempt to reduce the time her triplets spent with their special education teacher.

However, one systemic issue she sees is a lack of proper training among educators on how to best work with dual-identified students.

The need for better teacher preparation

Piñón worked as a bilingual teacher for about 10 years. She knows that existing bilingual teachers can get their certification in special education as well. But there is a gap of information in both programs, she said, leaving teachers without full context on how to best work with dual-identified students.

"I think that educating English learners with disabilities is a unique challenge for our teachers," Piñón said.

Overall, there aren't many teacher-preparation programs that train teachers on what to do in bilingual special education classrooms, said Salinas of Minnesota State University.

Recognizing that knowledge gap, Piñón worked on legislation signed into law in 2021 in Texas to create a bilingual special education certification. However, approval of the new certificate program remains stalled within the state board of education.

Yet, a temporary solution to such knowledge gaps in teacher preparation lies in strategic collaboration among educators, Salinas said.

Such work isn't always possible between special education and bilingual education teachers on account of tight school schedules and other barriers, she added.

Still, it's a strategy researchers focusing on English learners say can mitigate not only a lack of bilingual and special education teachers but also address how little training general education teachers have when it comes to working with English learners and special education students overall.

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'A Unique Challenge': What English Learners With Disabilities Need

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From language barriers to bilingual education program lockouts, dual-identified students face unique challenges researchers say.

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*** Personalized Learning - Shemica Allen  (214) 799-6322 ****

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*** Personalized Learning - Shemica Allen  (214) 799-6322 ****

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1 CP Place PLLC 7709 San Jacinto Place | Home Page

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1CP Place - Dr. Jan Brunstrum-Hernandez

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1 CP Place

Pediatric Neurology & Pediatric Physical Therapy

1 CP Place is located in Plano, TX and is dedicated to helping our patients live their very best, healthiest lives. Our medical practice specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and management of infants, children, adolescents and young adults with Cerebral Palsy, the most common motor disability in childhood.

At 1 CP Place we are experienced in managing patients with all types and levels of severity of cerebral palsy. Whether your child has mild walking difficulty and balance problems or severe difficulty using his or her hands, arms or legs or problems sitting, standing, swallowing or speaking, we can help!

At 1 CP Place, we focus on the whole child: We identify and treat motor impairments (such as spasticity and dystonia) and use goal directed therapies, exercise programs and assistive technology to increase mobility and participation, and decrease pain. We also address the associated developmental disabilities/ neurological disorders (including seizures, cognitive disability, communication, attention and behavior problems) common in patients with CP, and we promote physical fitness (incorporating adaptive sports), nutrition, overall health and wellness. Our goal is to help your child reach his or her highest level of mobility, independence, participation, health, and quality of life now and in the future.

We also offer a variety of therapy services for our patients. Visit our therapy pages by clicking here to learn more about the services.

To learn more about 1 CP Place and the services we provide, please call us today at 469-331-0030. Ourstaff will be happy to assist you and to start the process to schedule an appointment.

Fax us at: 469-331-0031

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1 CP Place PLLC 7709 San Jacinto Place | Home Page

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1 CP Place PLLC Discipline: Pediatric Neurology

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North Texas Fully Charged - Wheelchair Soccer Team

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North Texas Fully Charged - Wheelchair Soccer Team

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North Texas Fully Charged - The power soccer team of the Dallas / Forth Worth metroplex

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Welcome to the North Texas Fully Charged - NTFC, the power soccer team. The recreational and competitive power wheelchair soccer team of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. NTFC is recruiting athletes older than five years of age and all skill levels.

Power soccer is a sport that changes lives. It gives individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to be independent, play sports and have fun with friends. It is for adults and children without cognitive disabilities who use a power wheelchair due to a physical condition or disability. The sport is played in a regulation basketball court and follows most of the rules of the US soccer sport (called football outside the US). If you understand soccer then power soccer will come naturally.

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Welcome to the North Texas Fully Charged - NTFC, the power soccer team. The recreational and competitive power wheelchair soccer team of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. NTFC is recruiting athletes older than five years of age and all skill levels. Power soccer is a sport that changes lives.

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Sunshine daycare Dallas Tyler Fort Worth 

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Sunshine daycare Dallas Tyler Fort Worth 

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Leadership. Leadership. Your Medical Professionals - Here to Serve You David Maymon Founder / CEO Read More Dr. Vincent J. Wang Medical Director Read More Dr. Halim Hennes Co-Medical Director Read More Claire Jones, R.N. Regional Operations

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/ CBS DFW

Fort Worth's new Parent Pass app helps families connect with their communities

FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) -A new, innovative app for Fort Worth parents is officially launching this weekend.

With Parent Pass, families can find childcare, meet other parents, and learn about community resources and events.

"Our hope for the app is a better connected and resourced set of families who are spending less time looking for the information and tools they need and more time connecting with the resources and tools they need, as well as one another," said Sadie Funk, director of The Best Place for Kids!, the organization that spearheaded Parent Pass.

The Best Place for Kids! is a public-private partnership that wants to make sure every child in Fort Worth is on a path to learning and success.

Parent Pass is free to download and use.

"We have not heard of any other major city doing this putting all of the resources together in one app that was not just designed for families, but really designed by families," said Funk.

Their team worked with more than 100 families across nine different neighborhoods to design every feature of the app.

"We spent 1200 hours together, really from the initial vision through the feasibility and functionality," Funk said.

Funk hopes it becomes the go-to source of information for families in Fort Worth and beyond.

"It can be a benefit to anyone in Tarrant County looking for those resources," she said. "It's a one-stop shop where you can search in real time for local childcare availability. You can see more than hundreds of events that are happening in your neighborhood and across the city at no cost for families. You can have access to real crime data."

The official launch party for the Parent Pass app is happening Saturday morning at the Dream Park in Fort Worth, starting at 10 a.m.

All families are invited to enjoy face painting, bounce houses, music. The first 1,000 people to show up will get a free t-shirt as well.

Caroline Vandergriff

First published on October 7, 2022 / 4:18 PM

© 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Fort Worth's new Parent Pass app helps families connect with their communities

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CBS DFW FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) -A new, innovative app for Fort Worth parents is officially launching this weekend. With Parent Pass, families can find childcare, meet other parents, and learn about community resources and events.

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Fort Worth Office
2751 Green Oaks Rd | Fort Worth, TX 76116
Phone: (817) 560-1139
Fax: (817) 560-7039
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm

Wichita Falls Office (June 2023)
4003 Call Field Rd | Wichita Falls, TX 76308
Phone: (817) 402-0330
Fax: (817) 560-7039
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 3:00 pm

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Community First Choice | Texas Health and Human Services

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Community First Choice, allows states to provide home and community-based attendant services and supports to Medicaid recipients with disabilities.

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You can make a real difference in our community

With autism on the rise, more and more families in our community need your help.

Our Services

- Social Skills Groups - Family Field Trips - Music Therapy

- Family Resources - And Much More!

Our Values

We Are Safe
We Empower
We Are Community
We Serve With Excellence

Our Vision

A community integrated Center that allows everyone to reach their maximum potential.

OUR MISSION

​ To deliver lifelong support for the well-being of the special needs community.

See the difference your contribution is making

"The school is a place that helped me make friends and I have had fun learning. I look forward to going to school."

Shout out!

Day Programs Sponsor:

United Way of Johnson County

HELP Support the Center for ASD

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Center for ASD | autism and other special needs various programs | family support group | social skills groups | Burleson

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Center for ASD. Our MISSION is to deliver lifelong support for the well-being of the special needs community. Our Vision is a community integrated center allowing everyone to reach their maximum potential. We serve by providing various social skills groups!

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We had just reviewed the upcoming charity recipients for July through October. We were blown away by the fact that we were rewarding more life-improving items to more deserving recipients than ever. The fact was not lost on us that this increased level of impact and the record-level donations were coming during the middle of a pandemic. There's just something about this community stepping up when the need is greatest.

Our current problem stemmed from acquiring a wheelchair accessible van. If you've followed our inspiring stories these past few years, you'd know that giving away wheelchair accessible vans has become a pastime at Chive Charities. To date, we've given away 146 of them so you wouldn't think one more would be an issue. But this was something bigger and potentially more impactful than any that had come before. It had to be retrofitted for triplets, all in wheelchairs. Do they even make vans big enough to fit three wheelchairs?

We called up our accessibility guru at AMS vans, Dallas Crum. "That shouldn't be a problem," Dallas responded confidently. But wait, I forgot to mention that we'll actually need TWO vans for two different families with triplets at once. "Yup, we've got you covered."

OK, then. Let's do this!
The Resendiz Triplets
If the bond between twins is strong, the bond between triplets must be tungsten-level strength. Alejandro, Armando and Fernando Resendiz came into this world together and have been inseparable ever since. For years, their lives were pretty typical. They loved playing soccer, going to the North Carolina beaches, riding bikes, and playing fetch with their dog. But that all changed when they started showing signs of physical deterioration. There was a time when they only knew one speed, sprint. By the time they were 9, that pedal-to-floor gear was slowly being replaced by waddling. When stumbling and falling became commonplace, it was time to get some real answers.

Olga, the Resendiz triplet's mother, eventually had her fears confirmed. It was Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, an inherited disorder of progressive muscular weakness, and all 3 triplets had it. She was given a grim outlook - there was no cure and the boys would soon require wheelchairs.

"When we found out that we weren't going to be able to do 'normal' things typical kids do, we felt sad, mad, and confused as to why," Armando told us, speaking for his brothers like he usually does. Each of the triplets has carved out his unique roll and personality. Armando - the leader, protector, and talkative one. Alejandro - timid and sensitive. Fernando - strong-willed with the ability to show a sensitive side. "We were 9 years old when we found out," Armando continued, "so we had to find a way to adapt quickly into our new life."

And adapt they did. They found a way to get out and enjoy the things they loved, like soccer and the beach.

Alejandro, Armando and Fernando weren't going to let their conditions define them.

They recently went on to graduate highschool, no minor feat considering the constant doctors appointments, physical demands of travelling to and from school, and the ever present health issues.

So what comes next? Well, there's a road block in their way. More on that later...
The Piñon Triplets
Unlike the Resendiz triplets, when Santiago, Felicita, and Frida Piñon came into the world, their parents already knew there would be lifelong challenges ahead. At an average weight of just a pound and a half, all three were born with cerebral palsy.

It was Santiago, however, that had the roughest road ahead. Born the smallest of the three, Santiago was given long odds at surviving past a couple weeks once an MRI revealed a grade 4 brain bleed caused by the worst possible type of stroke. As Lizdelia and Santiago Sr. held their tiny baby boy for the first time, they were told it could be the last time before he was whisked away for a possible emergency surgery. At best, they were told, Santiago would be confined to a bed for his life, unable to socialize, and unable to demonstrate any emotions.

Can you imagine the size of little 1 lb, 4 oz Santiago's heart that day? If fight has anything to do with it, Santiago's heart is made of the strongest stuff possible. In what would become a theme in Santiago's life, he persevered and something miraculous happened. Santiago's brain was able to rewire itself and no brain surgery was needed!

The Piñons were finally able to take their children home after 115 days in the NICU.

But life at home wouldn't get any easier, especially for little Santiago. After years of constant crying whenever he would sit upright for any length of time, doctors were finally able to diagnose him with tethered cord syndrome. Basically, Santiago's spine wasn't free-flowing like yours or mine. His was pinched, causing constant pain as well as a host of other physical issues like pain in his back, legs and incontinence.

Several spinal and leg surgeries later, Santiago's quality of life has been improved but the pain will always be there.

It comes as no surprise that Santiago, who has repeatedly shown superhero-level strength and grit, loves to pretend he's the Flash. Once told he would be confined to a bed, this fighter has places to go and running there is the only way he knows how to get there. That is, of course until his physical limitations leave him exhausted and land him back in his wheelchair.

But that would never stop Santiago or any of the triplets from competing in the Miracle Baseball League, their favorite sport.

What could stop the twins is something big, something previously unattainable for both the Resendiz and Piñon triplets.
The Need
When Alejandro, Armando, and Fernando graduated from High School, their only means of reliable transportation - the school bus - disappeared. The 19-year-olds have become homebound, wheelchair bound and bed bound. What a gift for such an amazing accomplishment as graduation. Olga and the triplets have missed numerous important doctors appointments because they simply can't travel.

For Santiago, Felicita, and Frida, travel has become a marathon event which includes lifting each growing child and their wheelchair into multiple cars, lugging along equipment, and coordinating with nurses and personal care attendants. They were becoming just as trapped in their home as the Resendiz triplets.

It's no wonder that Lizdelia pinned up a picture of a wheelchair accessible van in her bedroom and looked at it every day as motivation to one day make her dream a reality.
The Solution
Welcome to a community that makes dreams come true Resendiz and Piñon families! We'd like to welcome you with open arms the way Chive Charities and Chive Nation knows best, by making your lives at least 10% happier.

Made possible by the Chive Charities monthly donors, we're happy to announce grants of $58,000 and $52,700 for 2 brand new AMS Vans Ford Transit wheelchair accessible vans. Each comes equipped with a power lift, enough room and seatbelts for 3 wheelchairs as well as additional family members and medical equipment.

The vans open up the world again for both triplet families in a way neither thought possible. For both the Resendiz and Piñon families, they could not be more thankful for the group of strangers changing their lives. "There are a lot of mean people out there," Lizdelia told us. "But there are mostly a lot of kind people that won't look at their wheelchairs, their limp, they won't look at those things. They will look at the individual and see a human being, a kid and also see that they have a need and respond to that need. That is really rare."

I couldn't think of a better way to describe this community.

At Chive Charities, we're all about making dreams come true and freeing the underdogs from the walls that confine them. Go big or go home, right? Here's the thing, though. We could never go big without each and every one of you donating anywhere from $5 - $100. Help us make the next dream come true by signing up as a monthly donor, at any level, RIGHT HERE.

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Revision 22-3; Effective Dec. 1, 2022

Personal care services (PCS) is a benefit under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Comprehensive Care Program, known in Texas as the Texas Health Steps Comprehensive Care Program (THSteps-CCP). PCS is available to STAR Kids members from birth through 20. PCS is considered medically necessary when a member requires help with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), or health maintenance activities (HMAs) because of physical, cognitive, or behavioral limitations related to the member's disability or chronic health condition. The member's disability or chronic health condition must be substantiated by a practitioner statement of need (PSON). STAR Kids managed care organizations (MCO) may not require PCS providers to obtain a denial or explanation of benefits from a member's primary insurance before seeking reimbursement for PCS.

As defined by law, the scope of ADLs, IADLs, and HMAs includes a range of activities that healthy, nondisabled adults can perform for themselves. Developing children gradually and sequentially acquire the ability to perform ADLs and IADLs for themselves. PCS does not include ADL, IADL or HMA activities that a typically developing child of the same chronological age would not be able to safely and independently perform without adult supervision. As required by law, a member's responsible adult must perform ADLs, IADLs and HMAs on behalf of the individual to the extent that the need to do so would exist in a typically developing child of the same chronological age. Medicaid PCS benefits are limited to situations where the need for assistance to perform the ADLs, IADLs and HMAs is caused by the member's physical, cognitive, or behavioral limitation related to the member's disability or chronic health condition. PCS includes direct intervention to help the individual perform a task or indirect intervention by cueing the individual to perform a task.

Individuals must have a medical or cognitive need for specific tasks. PCS is medically necessary only when an individual has a physical, cognitive, or behavioral limitation related to the individual's disability or chronic health condition that affects the individual's ability to accomplish ADLs, IADLs or HMAs.

PCS includes:

Assistance with ADLs and IADLs

Nurse-delegated tasks and HMAs within the scope of PCS, as permitted by program policy and 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 225 (relating to RN Delegation to Unlicensed Personnel and Tasks not Requiring Delegation in Independent Living Environments for Clients with Stable and Predictable Conditions)

Hands-on assistance, cueing, redirecting, or intervening to accomplish the approved PCS task

The amount and duration of PCS is determined by the MCO and must take the following into account:

Whether the member has a physical, cognitive or behavioral limitation related to a disability or chronic health condition that affects their ability to accomplish ADLs or IADLs

The member's caregiver's need to sleep, work, attend school and meet their own medical needs

The member's caregiver's legal obligation to care for, support, and meet the medical, educational and psychosocial needs of other members of the household

The member's caregiver's physical ability to perform PCS

Whether requiring the member's caregiver to perform PCS will put the member's health or safety in jeopardy

The time periods when PCS tasks are required by the member, as they occur over the course of a 24-hour day and a seven-day week

Whether or not the need to assist the family in performing PCS on behalf of the member is related to a medical, cognitive or behavioral condition that results in a level of functional ability below what is expected of a typically developing child of the same chronological age

Whether services are needed based on the physician's statement of need and the assessment for personal care described in Section 4210 that follows

PCS may be authorized to support a member's primary caregiver(s) but may not be authorized to supplant a member's natural support, nor to provide a member's total care. PCS may be authorized in an individual or group setting including, but is not limited to the:

member's home;

home of the primary or other caregiver;

member's school;

member's day care facility; or

community setting in which the member is located.

The MCO must not reimburse PCS that duplicates services that are the legal responsibility of the school district. The school district, through the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program, must meet the member's personal care needs while the member is at school. However, if those needs cannot be met by SHARS or the school district, documentation must be submitted to the MCO with documentation of medical necessity.

PCS may not be authorized in a hospital, nursing facility, institution providing psychiatric care, or an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ICF/IID).

PCS may not be used as respite, child care, or to restrain a member. PCS may be authorized in a group setting.

A member may not be authorized to receive both PCS and Community First Choice (CFC) services at the same time.

Members who receive services through the following 1915(c) waiver programs receive CFC services through their waiver program and are not eligible to receive PCS through the MCO:

Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS);

Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD);

Home and Community-based Services (HCS); and

Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Program.

4210 Assessment for Personal Care Services

Revision 22-2; Effective September 1, 2022

Sections I, J, K and L of the STAR Kids Screening and Assessment Instrument (SK-SAI) contain assessment questions for personal care services (PCS). Managed care organizations (MCOs) must have a mechanism in place to assist service coordinators in recommending a number of attendant hours. Based on the assessment, the service coordinator develops a recommended service plan for the delivery of PCS. The service coordinator works with the member or their representative to locate an appropriate provider and sends an authorization to the selected provider.

4211 Reassessment for Personal Care Services

Revision 22-2; Effective September 1, 2022

The need for and the amount and duration of personal care services (PCS) must be reassessed every 12 months, or when requested due to a change in the member's health or living condition. The managed care organization must obtain a new practitioner statement of need (PSON) to substantiate the member's continued need for PCS upon each annual reassessment.

4220 Personal Care Services Providers

Revision 22-2; Effective September 1, 2022

Personal care services (PCS) must be provided by an individual who:

is 18 years of age or older;

is an attendant who:

is an employee of a provider organization licensed as a Home and Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA) or organizations licensed to provide home health services or personal assistance services; or

is employed by the member or their legally authorized representative (LAR) through the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option.

has demonstrated the competence necessary, when competence cannot be demonstrated through education and experience, to perform the personal assistance tasks assigned by the HCSSA or by the member or the member's responsible adult or LAR acting as employer through the CDS option.

is not the responsible adult of the member if the member is under the age of 18; and

is not the spouse of the member.

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4200, Personal Care Services | Texas Health and Human Services

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Our Service Coordinators can assist in planning, coordinating, and monitoring service. Call our ICARE Call Center at 817-355-3022 or 800-866-2465 to learn more

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Call 1-877-438-5658 for information about putting your child on an interest list for long-term services. This is for the CLASS, DBMD, and MDCP waivers. See the section below for details about each of these waiver programs.

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Call your Local Mental Health Authority about the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) waiver program. Go to the DSHS website to find the Local Mental Health Authority in your area.

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Call your Local Mental Health Authority about the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) waiver program. Go to the DSHS website to find the Local Mental Health Authority in your area.

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Thank you for visiting the Texas Mental Health and Substance Use web page. The Department of State Health Services maintains this web page, but the 84th Legislature made structural changes to the Health and Human Services system including transferring some DSHS functions to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

As of September 2016, all Mental Health and Substance Use programs transferred to HHSC from DSHS.

More information about HHS Transformation

Other transitioning programs

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Texas Department of State Health Services

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Thank you for visiting the Texas Mental Health and Substance Use web page. The Department of State Health Services maintains this web page, but the 84th Legislature made structural changes to the Health and Human Services system including transferring some DSHS functions to the Health and Human Serv…

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Call your Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) to get your name on the interest list for the HCS and Texas Home Living Waiver programs. You can search for your LIDDA’s telephone number.

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B ut being a parent to multiple special needs children is 10x harder.

My name is Lizy Piñon and I am a mom to Gabriel (16), twins Amelia and Alexander (DOB 11/10/09), and triplets Felicita, Frida, and Santiago (8). I am a Puertorican that was born and raised in Chicago and met my husband, Santiago, over 20 years ago. We moved to Texas when Texas Christian University offered him a job about a decade ago. He teaches religion and ethics. But more importantly, he is an amazing husband and dad. I am an educator and am currently working on my education leadership doctorate and superintendent certificate at Texas Christian University.

As a child, I had a dream of having a home full of children. While my friends wanted to be teachers, lawyers, mechanics, etc... I just wanted to be a mom. My mom was such a nurturing and caring person and I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. She was a kindergarten teacher in Chicago Public Schools for over 30 years. You do know that Kindergarten teachers are like the best kind of people in the world, right? She was my very best friend! I lost her a couple of years ago.

When Santiago and I talked about having children we had decided before we even got married that we would adopt our first child, have one (ONE!!!) biological child, and adopt our last. This was our game plan. We were very goal-focused and had this all drawn up in our family plan. So we adopted Gabe at age 6 (adoption is a whole other post), waited a bit because I was working on my masters in Education and working full time as an educator, and then when we decided to try to have a child, we ran into fertility issues (also another blog post). In 2010 we welcomed to the world Amelia and Alexander at 22 weeks gestation. They graced us with their amazing presence for about half an hour. We then needed some time to grieve after such a huge loss and we decided we would wait a while on growing our family. Also, at this time our oldest was needing our full attention so we decided to wait.

Enter, special needs mom mode. I was introduced to a written piece named "Welcome to Holland."

They told us when we adopted Gabe that he had no special needs; he just needed a loving home and he would be fine. I was thrown headfirst into the special needs world with a very complicated little boy that had been in 8 homes before he finally reached ours at age 5. Gabe was kicked out of multiple daycares and private kindergartens and entered public school kindergarten in a behavioral classroom where they couldn't just kick him out. I would get multiple calls during the day from teachers asking me what was wrong with him. I would tell them "You are the special education teachers, you figure it out and let me know when you do!"

In my humble opinion, the three most important things to do as a special needs mom are to first educate yourself, next get support from others who've walked this road before you, and finally become an advocate for your child.

#1 - Educate yourself: This is when I got important lesson #1 in being a special needs momma. I needed to be the one researching and helping to figure out the puzzle. I needed to be the one talking to doctors and therapists and coming to some kind of conclusion. I needed to quickly become the expert and educate all those that worked with him on how to help him. I was the one that could help them connect the dots between teachers, doctors, specialists, and therapists.

Then came our 25-week old triplets after a picture-perfect pregnancy with no real health issues. They came fast with no time to spare. Felicita, Frida & Santiago were born with a tiny squeal weighing 1 lb 4 oz to 1 lb 8 oz each. Felicita & Frida are identical twins and Santiago is the fraternal triplet. A fun fact is that the girls are both twins and triplets. They spent between 97-115 days in NICU and went through ventilators, oscillators, transfusions, jaundice, PDA ligations, ROP eye surgery, brain scans (with brain bleeds of all kinds), hernia repair, failed hearing test, etc. They thankfully survived but with all kinds of complications. We arrived shortly afterward in Texas with these tiny miracles. But we had no family or friends nearby. I needed to get educated about the triplets' multiple conditions and figure out the best services for them.

#2 Join ALL social media support groups or real-life support groups: I realized that other moms who had been where I was were the best source of information on what my children needed. I spent hours on social media talking to other moms in the area. They gave me the names of the best local doctors, therapists, and specialists that I needed for the triplets. They also taught me the lingo, the special needs language I needed to know and use when calling for information, appointments, and services. I would call and demand to have them be seen by the best doctor in the department, best therapists (even if I had to wait a bit longer to be seen), and learned what questions I needed to ask to get access to the best treatments. When I first got to Texas I had the triplets each seen by a different neurologist and I told them I was checking to see which was the best one. I am now lucky to have found the very best one in the nation for cerebral palsy up in Plano, TX. I may not be liked, but I sure was respected as a voice for my kids.

#3 Advocate: Last and final thought is that you know your child the best. You are their very best advocate at home, school, the community, and wherever they attend. I have involved myself in school committees, at Cook Children Hospital and MHMR (My Health My Resources) - ECI (Early Childhood Intervention). I do this to keep my eyes and ears open so I know what services or programs my children may need now or in the future. We also need to share their accomplishments and their challenges so others also become allies to help in the good fight. I am thankful for all those friends that have helped lighten my load and have fought for them next to me, like their wonderful daddy. And some days the fight feels like a hundred pounds as I lift my 65 lbs daughter from her bed to the toilet, or hold my 200 lb son tight as he rants about some injustice in school so he will not self-harm and have to be taken to the local mental health hospital via a police ride. But when I see her eyes light up as she twirls in her wheelchair after learning a new dance step in her Ayita wheelchair dance team or when I see that he is able to better express himself in an artwork he completed, then I know that tomorrow will be better and the world is a better place because they exist in it.

It is not an easy path but I have loved every moment of being a special needs mom. I have entered a new world, made new friends, and am a different person than before they each entered my life. So if you are a special needs mom or dad, go out and educate yourself, make new friends, and fight hard for your children! Nothing special about the mom and dad we are. We have simply and humbly had to learn to be the special parent that our amazing children Gabriel, Felicita, Frida & Santiago need. Take the time to enjoy the trip to Holland!

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Fort Worth Mothers of Multiples - Advocating For Kids With Special Needs

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B ut being a parent to multiple special needs children is 10x harder. My name is Lizy Piñon and I am a mom to Gabriel (16), twins Amelia and Alexander (DOB 11/10/09), and triplets Felicita, Frida, and Santiago (8). I am a Puertorican that was born and raised in Chicago and met my husband, Santiago, over 20 years ago.

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Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program

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Once you get Medicaid you can apply for the HIPP program. Basically as an incentive to keep your child on your health insurance they will reimburse you for part or all of your private  monthly health insurance premium.

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HIPP is the Texas Medicaid program that helps families pay for employer-sponsored health insurance premiums. It is for families with at least 1 person who gets Medicaid.

People enrolled in any Medicaid program, except for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and STAR Health managed care program, are eligible to enroll in HIPP.

There are no age restrictions in the HIPP program. The family member who has Medicaid and the family member who can get employer-sponsored health insurance can be any age.

If you can answer "Yes" to these questions, you should apply for HIPP:

Does anyone in your family get Medicaid?

Can someone in your family get health insurance at work?

You might be able to get HIPP if it costs Medicaid less to cover you or your family under employer-sponsored health insurance than it costs to cover family members who have Medicaid.

Employer-sponsored health insurance is a group health plan you can get through your job. The family member who gets Medicaid must be able to get coverage on this plan.

There are many benefits to getting HIPP if you or a family member qualify:

Your family can choose from more doctors than with Medicaid alone.

HIPP can pay your portion of the employer-sponsored health insurance premiums for the entire family.

You won't lose your Medicaid benefits.

If you have Medicaid and go to a Medicaid doctor, you do not have to pay the deductible or co-pay.

If you have Medicaid, but don't go to a Medicaid doctor, you must pay the deductible and co-pay, if required.

If you don't have Medicaid, you must pay the deductible and co-pay, if required.

Every insurance plan has a different premium cost and covers different things. To join HIPP, your employer-sponsored health insurance plan must pay at least 60 percent of the costs when you:

Visit the doctor

Buy medicine

Get care outside the hospital

Have lab tests or X-rays

Are in the hospital

This information is covered in the summary of benefits available from your employer.

HIPP will need the following information for your enrollment:

Insurance rate sheet

Insurance card

Proof of payment (if enrolled)

Once your complete documentation is received, Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) will review your case to determine your eligibility for the Medicaid HIPP program.

If you don't already have employer-sponsored health insurance, talk to your employer to find out if you can sign up. There are several ways you can do this.

Open Enrollment

Some jobs will only allow you to sign up for insurance at a certain time. This is called open enrollment. If that happens at your job, just contact HHS 1 month before open enrollment begins.

Qualifying Life Event

You may not have to wait for your company's open enrollment. Employers also must let you make changes for what are called qualifying events. Under state law, eligibility for HIPP is considered a qualifying event. That means you can sign up any time.

COBRA

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a type of health insurance you can get if you leave a job where you had insurance. If you have COBRA coverage, send us your COBRA rates. We will look at the rates and let you know if you can join HIPP.

To apply, you can either complete the application form or call 800-440-0493. You also will need to submit the following required items:

Employer-sponsored health insurance plan's rate sheet. Your employer can provide your insurance plan's rate sheet. A rate sheet is an informational document that shows the insurance premium amounts you pay each month.

Proof of health insurance payment if you already are covered. The date on the proof of health insurance payment must be the same month of submission. For example, if you are submitting a proof of payment in January of 2017, the date on your proof of payment must be January of 2017.

You can use any of the following as proof of payment:

A copy of your paystub that shows a portion of your pay was deducted to pay for health insurance

A copy of the front and back of a deposited check that shows you paid for health insurance

A bank statement that shows funds were withdrawn from your bank account to pay for health insurance

A letter on company letterhead from your employer stating you paid for health insurance

A letter on company letterhead from your insurance company stating you paid for health insurance

You can't use the following as proof of payment:

An insurance bill that doesn't show funds have been paid for health insurance

A copy of a money order

A handwritten receipt

Copy of insurance card, front and back (if already covered)

The application process is not complete without the required items. You cannot substitute anything else for the required items. You will also need to update the rate sheet every time you reapply for HIPP. Please visit the How to Reach HIPP page for fax and email information.

If your insurance rates change, let us know as soon as possible and send us a new rate sheet. Keeping your HIPP records up to date helps us send payments to you on time.

After we review your case, we will let you know if your family can get HIPP.

Forms

You can print HIPP forms by clicking the links below.

Once your HIPP program case is approved for renewal each year, you will need to continue submitting a proof of health insurance payment each month.

Reimbursement

In most cases, your employer will take the health insurance premium amount out of each paycheck. A proof of this payment must be submitted to HIPP, and HIPP will reimburse the employee's portion of the health insurance premium amount.

Please see "How to Apply for HIPP" for information about what can and can't be used as proof of payment.

It's best to send HIPP your proof of payment the same month you pay your health insurance premium. However, you may submit your proof of payment within 3 months from the month of coverage. Proof of payment received after this will not be reimbursed.

HIPP determines the month of reimbursement based on the latest date on the proof of payment.

In most cases, HIPP processes reimbursements within 7 working days after receiving a valid proof of payment. Reimbursements are normally sent out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. HIPP can reimburse you by mailing a check or direct depositing the amount into a savings or checking account.

During HIPP enrollment or re-enrollment, it can take up to 30 working days from the time HIPP receives all required documentation to process your health insurance information.

Check

If you have not received your reimbursement check within two weeks after the date HIPP mailed your check, please fill out and submit the Stop Payment Form to HIPP. A new check will be sent to you after the completed Stop Payment Form has been received and processed.

Direct Deposit

With direct deposit, HIPP deposits your health insurance premium payment straight into the checking or savings account you choose.

To set up a direct deposit, send HIPP the following:

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Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program

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HIPP is the Texas Medicaid program that helps families pay for employer-sponsored health insurance premiums. It is for families with at least 1 person who gets Medicaid. People enrolled in any Medicaid program, except for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and STAR Health managed care program, are eligible to enroll in HIPP.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Texas Long Term Service & Support Waiver Programs Comparison Chart

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Texas Long Term Service & Support Waiver Programs Comparison Chart

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Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world, growing at a rate of 10 to 17 percent each year. As many as one in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. With those statistics, it is no wonder the demand for support services is growing. Fort Worth, although the 12th largest city in the United States, lags behind in available resources for families, children, and adults with autism.
I discovered through my own journey as a parent to an autistic child, the best resources can be hard to find. My goal is to highlight services and activities that exist in the Fort Worth community for parents.
To bring awareness year-round (don't forget to celebrate April as World Autism Month!), I've put together a resource guide for parents, children, and young adults that focuses specifically on Fort Worth.

Diagnostics

As a medical diagnosis, autism must be diagnosed by a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician. If you are just getting started on your journey, you may have heard your local public school district can diagnose autism. This isn't exactly true, but understandably confusing.

School districts may provide an educational diagnosis to provide academic services and accommodations. However, this is entirely separate from a medical diagnosis, which is required for insurance to cover therapies. All resources listed in this guide are for medical diagnosis.

Child Study Center is considered the gold standard for developmental disorders and diagnosis. They offer developmental pediatric services as well as psychological services. They have an excellent reputation and for that reason, the wait to be seen can be very long. They are located on the outskirts of downtown Fort Worth.

Dr. Nesli Chandler is a former Child Study Center clinical psychologist who has gone into private practice. She is highly recommended and has a waitlist of four to six weeks. Dr. Chandler offers diagnostic services for children ages 2-18. She is located in 76107.

Lighthouse Psychological Services was founded by Dr. NaStassia Greer, a licensed psychologist. Dr. Greer focuses on assessing teens and adults. Many autistics, females, and minority groups, in particular, can go undiagnosed well into their teens and adulthood. It is also worth noting that Lighthouse is a Black, female-founded business. Dr. Greer is located in 76244.

LinkED is a nonprofit that focuses on identifying learning differences and with its consulting psychologist, it is able to offer a DSM-5 diagnosis for Autism if needed. LinkED is known for its comprehensive evaluations and reports and is also located just outside of downtown.

Neuropsychology of Fort Worth is run by Dr. Christopher Anagnostis. Dr. Anagnostis is a licensed psychologist and board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. His diagnostic assessments seek to diagnose and offer meaningful treatment and therapy suggestions. Neuropsychology of Fort Worth is located in 76109.

The Momentum Center is operated by Dr. Cosha Peterson, a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Peterson diagnoses children and teens and offers a family-centered approach. She is located in 76107.

TELOS Project is a nonprofit public health corporation offering both family therapy and diagnostic services. I will be upfront with my bias here and say this is who we used for our son's diagnosis. We could not have been happier. It offers thorough testing and excellent feedback and support resources. This group does not "leave you hanging" once you receive a diagnosis. TELOS also offers teen and adult therapy groups for gamers, a common special interest amongst autistics. They are located near the hospital district.

Traditional ABA Therapy

Applied behavior analysis is the proven and accepted course of therapy for autism. Although there is no shortage of ABA centers in surrounding cities, there are few located in the heart of Fort Worth. But it seems to be changing, and it's very exciting.

Many children will attend ABA therapy full time, while others may need only several hours a day. ABA therapists may work independently and come to your home. You may see others in a clinic. Clinics promoting or who have had a history of promoting "cures" for autism are not represented here.

Action Behavior Center is yet another center with multiple locations across the south and the southwestern United States. Although the idea of a "chain" ABA center can feel impersonal, when you have a child with autism and you don't know what to do or where to go, finding a center that can help your child's needs right away is valuable. ABC is located in North Forth Worth and touts immediate availability.

Behavioral Innovations is an ABA center with many locations throughout the U.S. In the surrounding areas alone it has eight locations, with the closest off Chisholm Trail in 76126. Behavioral Innovations partners with speech, occupational, and physical therapists to offer a "one stop shop" to patients. Chain ABA centers can be seen as a one-size-fits-all approach, while other families find it ideal for their already full lives.

Blue Sprig is another ABA center with multiple locations throughout the U.S. Its Fort Worth location is located off Chisholm Trail in 76126. Blue Sprig offers center-based, home-based, school-based, community-based, and even early childhood.

Child Study Center offers full-time ABA therapy in its autism clinic. Full-time ABA is suitable for children not yet school-aged or unable to manage traditional schooling because of support needs.

Clearfork Behavioral is the privately owned business of Jenifer Hernandez licensed BCBA. Jenifer comes to your home to offer ABA therapy and academic instruction.

Concept Connection is an ABA clinic offering a variety of services in multiple locations in North Texas. In addition to clinic work, it provides in-home ABA therapy, school shadowing/inclusion support, and community therapy, such as attending a summer camp with clients. Fort Worth Concept Connections is located on Magnolia in 76110.

The Full Spectrum Child is an independent and locally owned ABA center offering several unique options. Along with ABA, it offers a "Mommy and Me" play class that trains parents as well as an intensive four-week "Potty Training Partners" program. TFSC is fully transparent and offers parents the option to observe and be involved in therapies. It is located in 76110.

Therapy and Beyond is a well-established ABA center with locations throughout the United States. The Fort Worth location is off South Hulen Street and offers ABA as well as speech and occupational therapies on site.

Speech, Occupational, and Non-Traditional Therapies

Many families decide ABA therapy isn't the right fit for them, or need additional therapies beyond ABA. Speech, occupational, and physical are all common therapies to support autistic individuals, but there are other less common therapies that can do amazing things.

Beata Brooks is an independent speech pathologist who works with clients aged birth to 11 in their own homes. For families with multiple children or multiple therapy appointments, an in-home professional can be a lifesaver. Beata is based in 76110.

Cowtown Pediatrix is a speech and occupational therapy clinic with a great reputation in Fort Worth. It is located in 76116. Its occupational therapy rooms and equipment will make your child think he or she is visiting a really cool indoor play center. Sensory processing, vestibular function, and visual spatial skills are all areas people with autism can struggle with and occupational therapy is transformative.

Kids Care Home Health offers therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech, but it also offer nursing services. Each person with autism is unique and requires different degrees of support, some more than others. Home Health can be a lifeline to families with high-support needs.

Miller Speech & Hearing Clinic is a training clinic for graduate and post-graduate clinicians at Texas Christian University. Students are closely supervised and guided by professors, and parents are encouraged to view each speech, hearing, feeding, and swallow therapy session. It offers low-cost therapy for those not using insurance. Our son attended Miller for four years. Its student clinicians are wonderful. Miller is a great option for parents who are already financially stretched with other therapies. Miller is on the TCU Campus 76109.

Monkey Mouths offers a wide range of therapy beyond speech, occupational, and feeding. It works with children who have auditory processing difficulties, conduct minimally invasive swallow studies, and even pelvic floor therapy, which can be life-changing for children who hold their bowels or suffer from incontinence, both common amongst autistic children of all ages. Monkey Mouths is located right off Chisholm Trail in 76132.

Rising Stars Speech Therapy is owned by Ashleigh Jochens, a licensed speech pathologist. Jochens is centrally located in 76109 and works with pediatric patients.

Springbox Farms is a family wellness community and organic farm. It specializes in nurturing highly sensitive children through play and connection.

Talking Tadpoles offers speech therapy, feeding therapy, and the alternative communication intervention called Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), a common visual communication tool used by non-verbal autistics. It has several locations in the metro area with the closest in 76126.

Wildflower Music Therapy is a group of board-certified music therapists based in Fort Worth that offers music lessons and music therapy for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as neurological disabilities and emotional disorders. It works with all ages, from toddlers to seniors.

Wings of Hope Equine Therapy is admittedly a bit outside the central Fort Worth zone I'm aiming for, but equine therapy has been proven so valuable I couldn't leave it off the list. Equine therapists are trained and certified to incorporate horses into therapy.

Victory Therapy Center employees have trained PATH, Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructors and physical therapists providing equine therapy to children, adults, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Academic-Focused Programs and Schools

Regardless of the level of support a child needs, academics always has a place. Schools in this category expertly combine structure and behavioral reinforcement, while acknowledging each child's differences as they teach traditional academic subjects.

Miller Speech & Hearing Early Childhood offers early childhood classrooms for children aged three to five in a level 1 and level 2 class. Classes focus on language development and early literacy, along with social and play skills. Classes meet once or twice a week depending on the level. My own son attended level 2 classes, and we had a wonderful experience.

Monkey U is a preschool preparatory class offered one to two days a week. It focuses on building language to get children ready for preschool. Classes open each semester and usually have a waitlist.

Bride of Hope Academy is an academic-focused program within Hope Center for Autism. It serves both preschool and school-aged children up to fourth grade in a highly structured environment using ABA principles.

Green Oaks School is a full-service educational institution serving students with down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, including children with autism who may also have an intellectual disability. Green Oaks offers school, adult learning, life prep, summer programs, and even social clubs. They are located just outside Fort Worth.

Hill School also focuses on supporting students with learning differences by addressing the needs of the whole child. Hill School offers a traditional school year and program for kindergarten through 12th grade, while offering slightly more behavioral support than some other schools.

Jane Justin School is part of the Cook Children's Network and Child Study Center. It accepts children with developmental disabilities from ages three to 22 with the goal of returning each child to a traditional academic setting. JJS responds to each child's individual needs and respects their unique differences. It runs a traditional school year with regular school hours and has an optional summer school.

Key School is focused on supporting students with learning differences, such as children with autism. It has small classes, individualized instruction, and excellent summer programs. It serves students grades kindergarten through 12th.

Rooted Life Montessori is slightly out of Fort Worth, located in Burleson. Using the Montessori approach combined with cognitive and educational therapies, Rooted Life reaches each student by understanding that no two students are the same. It's available for children ages three to 12 and recently started a summer program.

Shine Behavioral Academy is also an ABA-style academic education-based program for students with autism who are elementary-aged. It's located in Arlington.

Star Point is a laboratory school through TCU that works with students with learning disabilities, which is very common amongst children with autism. Unlike other schools, this school does not overtly focus on behavioral concerns. Through small class sizes, high support, and respecting the individual child, behavior is not a focus here.

Extracurricular Activities
There was a time I thought my child would never have the chance to participate in typical after-school activities. I am happy to tell you I was wrong.
Some digging is required, but our community is full of hidden gems; warm and nurturing spaces where kids with autism are safe and free to express themselves as they are.

Acing Autism is a unique program designed to help build connection and fitness amongst children with autism. It meets at the TCU tennis center on the weekends and classes run quarterly. The program directors are all trained and have their own personal connections to autism, and everyone else involved volunteers their time. Ratios are 1:1 or better.

Aqua Tots SNAP Class is a special need aquatic program. Not all children with autism struggle to swim, but many do for various reasons. Aqua-Tots is a great place to address those concerns in a safe environment.

Beyond Karate offers karate classes for students with developmental disabilities and other additional needs. Instructors work across the metroplex and will come to your location if you can round up a full class.

Casa Mañana Musical Theater Production for All Abilities is a year-long performance-based class for students with additional needs. The class is once a week and students perform on stage at Mayfest at the end of the year.

First Tee is not specifically for children with autism or other disabilities, but it is a low-cost, relationship-based program that focuses on meeting the individual's needs.

Miracle League provides kids and young adults the opportunity to play baseball regardless of their abilities. Games are played on custom fields so those with mobility and vestibular functioning difficulties can play with ease. We are fortunate to have a chapter in Fort Worth.

Rejoice Dance "Wonderfully Made" class meets at the CERA Center near Whole Foods. The class is offered currently for ages four to nine and is open for children with physical and developmental disabilities. The space is quiet and even features a side entrance to avoid walking through potential crowds.

Scouts, a.k.a. Boy Scouts and Girl Scout troops, is available all over the nation. Although not specifically designed for autism, many troops are formed around neurodiverse groups of kids. It's worth looking into troops in your area or even forming your own!

Story Stage is a company focussed on communication, a core deficit in autistic persons. They have loads of resources, programs, classes, and fun interactions to help build communication confidence and social skills in children.

Summer Camps and Family Activities

Many kids may only handle stepping out of their comfort zone for short amounts of time. Most of the summer activities locally are half-day or full-day activities, but for that older camper or adventurous family, there are a few overnight options located within driving distance that a truly special.

Camp Summit is a 100 percent, barrier-free camp for ages six to 99. Cost is based on household income. Although not in Fort Worth, this camp can accommodate children who need high levels of support and offer them a priceless traditional camp experience.

Elijah's Retreat is a low-cost family retreat in East Texas where families who have autistic children can come and be in nature, create memories together, and be completely accepted.

Fort Worth Zoo No Limits is a specific week of Summer Zoo Camp held to welcome children with autism who have higher levels of support. The Fort Worth Zoo is the only zoo in Texas designated a Certified Autism Center, and generally, any week of camp would be a great fit, but No Limits goes above and beyond traditional supports.

Game On offers great camps for those of us who have sensory-seekers who need minimal or moderate support. Although not designed for autism, this is the camp to get the wiggles out, run all over the place, and get loud. A unique attribute of Game On Camps is that you don't have to make week-long commitments or even a full-day commitment. It's a great "try it and see" style camp.

iCanShine is an organization that teaches individuals with a wide variety of challenges to swim, dance, and ride a two-wheel bike. This year it is hosting a one-week iCanBike camp sponsored by Cook Children's June 6-11.

Kids Who Care offers musical theater camps. Although not specifically for autism, Kids Who Care embraces kids with differences and would be a welcome environment for ages four to 18 who need mild support.

Summer You at All Saints is a summer program run on the All Saints' campus. They offer a variety of fun activities from robot building to yoga. Although open for all children, this is another camp that captures the interests of many autistic kiddos.

Parent Support and Education

Everybody needs someone who understands what they are going through. Whether you are seeking out experiences of others, education, or solidarity, there is a group out there for you. There are even groups for autistic teens and how to deal with their "neurotypical" parents!

Traditional Support Groups

Autism Parent Training at Camp Worth is an actual training program to help parents better serve their children with autism. Parents learn skills to help build communication, decrease negative behaviors, and teach their children coping skills to better manage social scenarios.

ESC Region 11 is an education service center for public and charter schools in the area. Along with professional development for teachers, its workshops are also open to parents and it has a lot of autism resources.

Links of Hope provides parents of children with behavioral and emotional concerns such as ADHD, depression, OCD, and ASD with support and education. The group is led by a licensed social worker and they meet once a month.

Miller Speech LEAPS program is designed for parents of young children and teaches them to use language support strategies at home to improve communication

Everyone lives a full life these days, but for parents of children with autism or other developmental disabilities, that is especially true. Attending an in-person event may feel like a stretch. Facebook groups are a wonderful way to connect with other parents, ask questions, and get feedback from caregivers who are further along in their autism journey.

Fort Worth Moms of Kids with Differences and Disabilities is a group run by FW Moms for moms who have children with all kinds of differences and disabilities.

FW Autism Caregivers Community is another Fort Worth-based group that offers support and community to not just parents, but any caregiver of a person with autism.

#momstrongfw is a group of moms who actively support each other on Facebook and offer a monthly in-person meetup, usually at a local restaurant in 76109.

Raising Poppies is a group specifically for highly gifted children, many of whom also have autism.

Instagram #actuallyautistic accounts

Believe it or not, Instagram is a great resource for learning more about autism. Listening to young adults who are actually autistic is invaluable. You may not always like what you hear, but listening to autistic voices is vital to understanding your autistic child.

Instagram Parent Education Accounts

These accounts are run by professionals who work with the autistic community. Keep in mind that strangers on the Internet are not a substitute for professional guidance, but supplemental sources like these accounts can give deeper understanding, a unique perspective, or just lift you up on a hard day. This is a shortlist of my favorites.

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Autism Resource Guide :: Diagnostics, Therapies, Programs, Schools, and Activities

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Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world, growing at a rate of 10 to 17 percent each year. As many as one in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. With those statistics, it is no wonder the demand for support services is growing.

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* By Lizdelia Piñón, Ed.D * IDRA Newsletter * February 2023 *

The Bilingual Special Education Educator Standards Advisory Committee presented its report to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) this month. IDRA education associate, Lizdelia Piñón, Ed.D., was appointed to the committee and testified at the presentation hearing.

"The most important piece to me as a scholar and a mother is that this bilingual special education educator will need to be an advocate who knows best practices to serve dual-identified students while building capacity in the school community for our often forgotten multilingual and differently-abled students."

Though Texas has tens of thousands of emergent bilingual students with disabilities, the state has not had a teacher certification program that equips professionals to meet the needs of those students. Until now. The Texas Legislature in 2021 passed HB 2256 to create such a program. HB 2256 came out of a year-long initiative, the Texas Early Childhood English Learner Initiative.*

The State Board for Educator Certification is now developing the rules and standards. To inform the committee's work, IDRA held a series of roundtable discussions with professionals in bilingual special education.

*For the Texas Early Childhood English Learner Initiative, IDRA served as a steering committee co-leader with Texans Care for Children; Philanthropy Advocates (formerly called Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium, TEGAC); Dr. Dina Castro, UNT Denton; and Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TxAEYC).

[©2023, IDRA. This article originally appeared in the February 2023 IDRA Newsletter by the Intercultural Development Research Association. Permission to reproduce this article is granted provided the article is reprinted in its entirety and proper credit is given to IDRA and the author.]

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Bilingual Special Education Certification is One Step Closer in Texas - IDRA

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By Lizdelia Piñón, Ed.D * IDRA Newsletter * February 2023 * The Bilingual Special Education Educator Standards Advisory Committee ... read more

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Autism spectrum disorder is the fastest growing serious, developmental disability, affecting an estimated one out of 44 children in the United States. With this number growing at a significant rate, there continues to be an unmet need for services.

The Health and Human Services Autism Program champions excellence in the delivery of services for families of children with autism. Services are provided through grant contracts with local community agencies and organizations that provide applied behavioral analysis and other positive behavior support strategies. The program helps improve the quality of life for children on the autism spectrum and their families.

What Services are Provided?

The HHS Children's Autism Program provides focused ABA services through local community agencies and organizations.

Focused ABA treatment is targeted to address a few specific outcomes instead of all developmental needs of the child. It is particularly useful when children have challenging behaviors and when improvements in social and adaptive skills are sought. Focused ABA treatment is used to target specific behaviors. The treatment might be to:

Minimize a challenging behavior; or

Maximize a social or adaptive skill in a specific area.

A trained therapist provides treatment on the specific behavior. The level and intensity of treatment should be driven by the child's needs. Since the therapist is focusing on specifically defined behavior, the treatment period is shorter. The treatment through the HHS Children's Autism Program is limited to 180 hours within a 12-month period. The length of treatments received is limited to a maximum of 720 hours during the child's lifetime.

Participation in parent training is a required part of the service. Attendance for the child and the parents must be maintained at 85 percent of scheduled treatment.

Who is Eligible for Services?

A child is eligible for treatment through the Autism Program if the child:

Has a documented diagnosis on the autism spectrum made by a qualified professional.

Is 3 to 15 years old (services end on the child's 16th birthday).

Is a Texas resident.

How to Find Services and Apply?

All services are provided by contractors located in communities around the state. Please call the contractor closest to your area to access services and complete the enrollment process.

Contact Us

Email
Childrens.Autism.Program@hhs.texas.gov

Phone
800-222-3986, Ext. 438-5356
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time
Monday through Friday

Austin Area Phone
512-438-5356

Mailing Address
Children's Autism Program
MC 1938
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, TX 78714-9947

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Autism spectrum disorder is the fastest growing serious, developmental disability, affecting an estimated one out of 44 children in the United States. With this number growing at a significant rate, there continues to be an unmet need for services. The Health and Human Services Autism Program champions excellence in the delivery of services for families of children with autism.

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Frances Lee Dance Crowley TX - No limits Dance Class

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Frances Lee Dance Crowley TX - No limits Dance Class

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https://franceslea.com/see-whats-happening

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200 E. Main St., Ste A, Crowley, TX 76036, US

The Joy of Movement at Frances Lea Dance Center in Crowley (817)263-7888 The Joy of Movement at Frances Lea Dance Center in Crowley (817)263-7888 The Joy of Movement at Frances Lea Dance Center in Crowley (817)263-7888

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200 E. Main St., Ste A, Crowley, TX 76036, US The Joy of Movement at Frances Lea Dance Center in Crowley (817)263-7888 The Joy of Movement at Frances Lea Dance Center in Crowley (817)263-7888 The Joy of Movement at Frances Lea Dance Center in Crowley (817)263-7888

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DFW Special Needs Recreational Activities LIST 

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DFW Special Needs Recreational Activities LIST 

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Best Special Needs Recreation in Dallas / Fort Worth

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Best Special Needs Recreation in Dallas / Fort Worth

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Best Special Needs Support Groups in Dallas / Fort Worth

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Best Special Needs Support Groups in Dallas / Fort Worth

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Common Signs of Autism & How to Get a Diagnosis

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What you need to know about commons signs of autism spectrum disorder, how to get an evaluation, and what to do after diagnosis.

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Hannah's List of Resources for Heart Families 7.8.2023

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We all grieve and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are no different. Stories and books are a great way to help all children, especially children with SEND, explore their grief. So, our practitioners have chosen some books that may help children and young people with SEND to understand grief and bereavement.

Children and young people with additional needs will feel grief. Some may find it hard to remember and feel connected to the person who has died. Some may have difficulty understanding death and it may impact on their ability to manage changes that comes after a bereavement.

Young people with SEND may be able to benefit from books which are aimed at their developmental age (the age they are functioning at) rather than their chronological age (the age they actually are). These are our suggested books. You will know the child or young person best so take a look and see which you think may work for them.

Support for grieving young people

If you're a young person who is struggling with their grief or you are an adult who would like help to support a child or young person after the death of someone, Winston's Wish are here to help. Winston's Wish provides support for children, young people up to the age of 25 and adults supporting them. You can contact us by calling our Freephone Helpline on 08088 020 021 (8am-8pm, Monday to Friday), emailing ask@winstonswish.org or by using our live chat (open 3-8pm, Monday to Friday) Our practitioners are here to listen, can offer immediate guidance and resources and tell you what support we can offer and what might be most suitable for you.

If you need urgent support, the Winston's Wish Crisis Messenger is available 24/7 for free, confidential support in a crisis. Text WW to 85258.

Information, resources and support for grieving children and young people with SEND and those caring for them.

Our specialist book offers practical advice and activities to help adults supporting children and young people with SEND after the death of a loved one.

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Books to help children with special educational needs and disabilities understand grief

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Books chosen by Winston's Wish practitioners to help children and young people with SEND to understand and explore grief.

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 Samuel Kalu Ukah on Instagram: "Disrespect Invites Disrespect -  Meryl Streep _ Shorts #qoutes #share #shorts #talkshow #comments #speech #trendingreels #reelsviral #desireels #SharePost #motivation #meditation #inspiration #haveaniceday"

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Disrespect invites disrespect -Meryl Streep

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Disrespect invites disrespect -Meryl Streep

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 Samuel Kalu Ukah on Instagram: "Disrespect Invites Disrespect -  Meryl Streep _ Shorts #qoutes #share #shorts #talkshow #comments #speech #trendingreels #reelsviral #desireels #SharePost #motivation #meditation #inspiration #haveaniceday"

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787K likes, 25K comments - samxiano on December 21, 2023: "Disrespect Invites Disrespect -  Meryl Streep _ Shorts #qoutes #share #shorts #talkshow #comments..."

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Samuel Kalu Ukah (@samxiano)

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Daniel A. Ortiz & Giana Ortiz Arlington, Texas Lawyers

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Arlington, Texas attorneys Daniel A. Ortiz and Giana Ortiz. Lawyers specializing in personal injury, general litigation, employment, and school law.

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I just want to share the MDCP Escalation Helpline number 844-999-9543.  They have been incredibly helpful in working to resolve our medicaid dilemma.  They are available 24-7 and help with any MDCP Medicaid eligibility concerns. They give priority to MDCP families and this is why the helpline was created.  They are former caseworkers, they love what they do and you can tell! I’m so happy I came across this wonderful team who are dedicated to helping our kids. 😊

Their hours are:
Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm
They have staff on call Monday-Thursday 8pm-8am and weekends
They also have lines active on holidays if they are during the week

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HHSC is now offering a free website to match caregivers with CDS employers.  You can create an account to find attendants and respite workers for hire.  Scan the QR code or visit this website to get started:  https://directcarecareers.com/state/texas

#SNPNT_Caretakers #SNPNT_CDS #SNPNT_Resources

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Youth Services: Parents' Time Off Programs

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Parents' Time Off Programs

Schedule:

Every 1st Friday night, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Every 2nd Saturday afternoon, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
* No sessions during June, July, or holidays.

Location:
7880 Bent Branch Drive, Suite 150, Irving, TX 75063 (Ability Connection's Main Campus)

Fees:
Self-Pay - $25 per session
Half-Pay - $15 per session *
Minimum Pay - $5 per session *
* Fee assistance is available for those in need. Payment methods include PayPal, cash, check, or money order.

(ENGLISH VERSION) Click here to register.

(SPANISH VERSION) Click here to register.

If you are already registered, click here to select upcoming dates for your child to attend.

Holiday Programs

Covering Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

Schedule:
Days vary by holiday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location:
7880 Bent Branch Drive, Suite 150, Irving, TX 75063

Spring Break: 5 days, Monday-Friday
Thanksgiving: 3 days, Monday-Wednesday
Christmas: 10 days, Monday-Friday, except on the actual holidays

Fees per day (sliding scale):
Self-Pay - $95
Half-Pay - $50
Minimum Pay - $10
* Fee assistance is available for those in need. Payment methods include PayPal, cash, check, or money order.

In-Home Assistance

Ability Connection's In-Home Assistance Program provides parents and guardians with a much-needed break while their children are safely cared for at home by another trusted caregiver of their choice. Parents can use this time to do other important tasks, in or away from home. This program is available for children under the age of 18 who reside in Dallas County, thanks to a generous grant from The Crystal Charity Ball.

Assistance in Your Own Home

Receive a voucher for up to $100 worth of in-home caregiver relief per quarter.

For additional information on our In-Home Assistance, and for worry-free tips and suggested caregiver-interview questions, please read "A Guide for Caregiver Relief."

To get started in this incredible Youth Services program, complete and save the Registration and W-9 forms below, then send them to YouthServices@abilityconnection.org :
In-Home Assistance Registration Form
Once In-Home Assistance care has been provided, please complete and send the In-Home Provider Form to YouthServices@abilityconnection.org .

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Youth Services: Parents' Time Off Programs

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Schedule: Every 1st Friday night, 6:00-10:00 p.m.Every 2nd Saturday afternoon, 12:00-4:00 p.m.* No sessions during June, July, or holidays. Location:7880 Bent Branch Drive, Suite 150, Irving, TX 75063 (Ability Connection's Main Campus) Fees:Self-Pay - $25 per sessionHalf-Pay - $15 per session *Minimum Pay - $5 per session ** Fee assistance is available for those in need.

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Join us for the second annual UCP 2023 Conference on Latinos with Disabilities

A national online conference spotlighting the role, impact and influence of Latinos in the disability community. Open to the public.

The three-day online event is Oct. 17-19, 11 a.m to 3:30 p.m. Eastern each day.

The goal of the conference is to provide a platform for discussions and presentations on issues impacting Latinos in the disability community. While many of the topics addressed will be of interest to the general disability community, the conference highlights the distinct ways (culturally, socially, economically and historically) that Latinos with disabilities, their families and service providers shape our society and communities at large.

Among the key outcomes of the conference will be the "2023 State of Latinos with Disabilities" report.

Registration and conference details at ucp.org/2023cld. Need more information or want to become a sponsor, contact James Garcia at jgarcia@ucp.org.

[\read]

Searching for Resources and Services?

Submit an inquiry below!

You can also call us at:
866-827-1692
OR send an email at:
informationreferral@ucp.org

UCP affiliates provide services and support on a community-by-community basis, serving the unique needs of people with disabilities in their region.
Click Here

Sign up for our email newsletters and get periodical updates and alerts.

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This Texas trail-blazing program is improving the interaction between law enforcement and drivers diagnosed with a communication challenge or a hearing impairment.

Components to the Texas Driving with Disability Program

Communication Impediment on Driver License & State ID

Communication Impediment with a Peace Officer is an optional restriction code offered on Texas State ID and Driver License for those wanting to alert law enforcement of a challenge with communication. Physician signed form required.

Law Enforcement Training

In an effort to educate all Texas Law Enforcement agencies on better understanding persons with a Communication Impediment, video training modules are now available online on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) website for officers to utilize for continuing education hours.

Communication Impediment in Vehicle Registration

(Samuel Allen Law / Senate Bill 976, 86th Texas Legislative Session) - The option for disclosure of a communication disability/impediment when registering a vehicle through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Communication Impediment will then be privately placed in the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS) thus alerting the officer of the challenge PRIOR to approaching the vehicle in a pull-over scenario. Form VTR-216 must be completed by a licensed physician if the applicant has a physical health condition or a licensed physician, licensed psychologist, or a non-physician mental health professional if the applicant has a mental health condition.

What diagnosis is considered a "communication impediment" for the Texas Driving with Disability Program?

Medically, each disorder lends itself to its own category. However, for law enforcement coding and training purposes, the term "Communication Impediment" is divided into two groups.

Group One

Think of this group as having a slower processing speed. Similar to a computer that takes a little longer to load content. Allow time for individuals to respond. Diagnosis in this group include:

Autism (including Asperger Syndrome)

Mild Intellectual Disability

Down Syndrome

Parkinson's Disease

Speech and Language Disorders (mutism, stuttering, speech delay Aphasia and Spasmodic Dysphonia)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Brain Injury

Cerebral Palsy

Group Two

Think of this group as using a different language. There is no mental impairment but an individual communicates differently than you. Diagnosis in this group include

How do I participate?

Texas Drivers

If you want to place the code for "Communication Impediment with a Peace Officer" on your Texas ID or driver license:

Ask your doctor to complete form DL-101 and present it at the driver license office. The code will go on the back of your license, similar to other codes like organ donor or corrective lenses.

If you want "communication impediment" to be included in TLETS:

Have your doctor, psychologist, or non-physician mental health professional complete form VTR-216. Present this form when you register your vehicle with Texas DMV.

Law Enforcement Officers (Training)

If you are a law enforcement officer, you can access the Driving with Disability training in TCOLE. This online training is available to all Texas law enforcement interested in learning more about conditions that may make communicating effectively with an officer more difficult. The training includes more detailed information on what constitutes a communication impediment and practical tips for successful communication. (Available Soon! Law Enforcement Training Program with partner Texas A & M San Antonio)

References and Additional Information

Webinar Presentation

Printed Materials

Informational Videos

Legislative References

Senate Bill 976 (86th Legislative Session) - relating to the notification of a peace officer through an indication associated with vehicle registration that a person has a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication.

House Bill 1434 (85th Legislative Session) - relating to displaying certain informational materials and videos in driver license offices.

Senate Bill 2304 (88th Legislative Session) - relating to the regulation of driver education courses and driving safety courses and the provision of information regarding the Texas Driving with Disability Program to certain public school students.

About Texas Driving with Disability Program

Texas Driving with Disability program was created by Jennifer Allen, founder and former executive director of Aspergers101. Jennifer's son Samuel is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) characterized by difficulties with social interaction and nonverbal communication. When Samuel reached driving age, Ms. Allen recognized the need for support for people with communication impediments in interacting with law enforcement during a traffic stop, together they have forged this program into law.

Driving with Disability initiative is a success because in our great state of Texas, you can take an idea from a citizen, empower that idea through our State Legislature, engage our great Department of Public Safety and Department of Motor Vehicles, gain total support through our Governors Committee on People with Disabilities, affirm its credibility through the medical community and suddenly we have forged a program worthy to share. Let's pass it on and have others build upon it.

Jennifer Allen/Founder Texas Driving with Disability

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This Texas trail-blazing program is improving the interaction between law enforcement and drivers diagnosed with a communication challenge or a hearing impairment. Communication Impediment with a Peace Officer is an optional restriction code offered on Texas State ID and Driver License for those wanting to alert law enforcement of a challenge with communication.

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Neuromuscular Doctor | Denton & Dallas - Fort Worth area, TX | Neurology & Neuromuscular Care Center

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Multidisciplinary Approach

Neuromuscular Conditions are complex and require multiple providers to achieve the minimal standard of care. We provide care in the areas of neurology, physical therapy, equipment evaluation, nutrition, respiratory therapy, pulmonology, and cardiology.

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Neuromuscular Doctor | Denton & Dallas - Fort Worth area, TX | Neurology & Neuromuscular Care Center

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Searching for a pediatric neuromuscular doctor? Call Neurology & Neuromuscular Care Center in Denton, TX, at (972) 634-2931. Dr. Diana Castro, MD

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Orthotic wearing schedule and Care -Grace Rehab

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Orthotic wearing schedule and Care -Grace Rehab

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Request a Wheelchair Van - MagicMobility Vans

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Request a Wheelchair Van - MagicMobility Vans

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Are you or your family in need of a donated wheelchair van? Tell us about your unique situation and request a wheelchair van to be donated.

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Your generous gift will help us fund our mission. Together, we can help those with disabilities experience their dreams.

Surfgimp Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 82-3259873.

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Surfgimp Foundation supports individuals with disabilities who require assistance to participate in desired physical activities through financial grants.

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Mar 25, 2021 - 12 special needs apps that prove technology isn’t all bad... #techforkids #technology #specialneeds #specialneedskids #parenting

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Gill Children's Services helps children when all other resources have been exhausted. Before applying, please ask yourself:

1. Is my child 0-18 years old?

2. Does my child live in Tarrant County?

3. Have I called United Way's 211 Resource Line to see if other nonprofits can help me?

If you answered YES to all three questions, you may apply for assistance from Gill Children's Services. You may apply online or print and mail a paper application to our office at 555 Hemphill Street, Suite 200, Fort Worth, TX 76104.

Please gather the following documents before applying:

Income verification (check stub, letter from employer, etc.)

Referral letter from the agency explaining why they need a birth certificate

Parent/guardian picture ID

If you are applying for birth certificates, we recommend completing your application in our office instead of online.

Income verification (check stub, letter from employer, etc.)

Employment verification for parent/guardian beginning new full-time job

Letter from child care facility that includes the weekly cost per child, phone number, and email address

The parent or guardian must be starting a new job within two weeks or returning to work after a leave of absence. Employment must be for at least 35 hours per week. Gill may only provide short-term assistance, and the length of Gill's assistance is determined on a case by case basis. Gill may deny your application for child care if your expected income is less than the cost of your child care.

Please allow 5 business days to review your application.

Income verification (check stub, letter from employer, etc.)

All information from the referring agency/dentist (treatment plan, cost, etc.)

Gill requires up to 35 days to process dental applications.

Identification (birth certificate, Medicaid cards, shot records, etc.) with the child's name and date of birth.

If you are applying for diapers, we recommend completing your application in our office instead of online.

Income verification (check stub, letter from employer, etc.)

Treatment plan (if you have one)

Gill requires up to 6 months to process ortho applications. Children must be screened by Gill's volunteer orthodontist to assess the child's need. Screenings are held 3-4 times a year at the Gill office.

Income verification (check stub, letter from employer, etc.)

The original prescription information

Please ask the pharmacy of your choice for the cost of the medication.

Special Therapy and Equipment:

Income verification (check stub, letter from employer, etc.)

Letter from your child's doctor explaining why the service/equipment is needed

The application period for assistance with summer school tuition 2023 is now CLOSED.
Gill is not responsible for the expense of any particular service or item unless we have specifically pre-approved payment for that service or item, for a specific date, after agreement with the provider/vendor to a specific discounted amount.

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Gill Children's Services helps children when all other resources have been exhausted. Before applying, please ask yourself: Is my child 0-18 years old? Does my child live in Tarrant County? Have I called United Way's 211 Resource Line to see if other nonprofits can help me?

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All-girls wheelchair dance team in North Texas seeks community support

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All-Girls wheelchair dance team 03/05/24

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All-Girls wheelchair dance team 03/05/24

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On Friday evenings, the Benbrook YMCA comes alive with music in a small studio where a group of young girls move to the rhythm.

It's something that some might not think possible for a group of girls who live life on two wheels.

"They let loose, and they go have fun, and they just are being themselves," said 14-year-old Mayli Gibson.

Gibson was born with spina bifida. But though paralyzed from the waist down, she's always loved to move.

"Something that people don't see is that I'm just a normal person. I just can't use my legs. They think, she's so bound to her chair that she can't do anything, and I like to show them that there is another way of living, not just one," she said.

But in a world designed for others, Gibson's mom, Sami Gibson, said finding a place for her daughter was difficult.

"We had her in a few different classes. We had her in an able-bodied, and then we also had her in a special needs class, but we always had this vision of a full wheelchair dance class. And so we looked for one, and when we couldn't find one," said Sami Gibson.

Local

The latest news from around North Texas.

So, with her own cash, no experience, and just four girls, Sami started her own.

In 2015, she launched Ayita, the Cherokee name meaning "first to dance." In the last nine years, the team's name has also come to represent a safe place for the 16 girls, ages 4 to 15, who have joined.

"When they come in here, they're not the girl in the wheelchair. They're just a little girl that wants to dance," she said.

As of Wednesday, the YMCA provides their studio. However, to keep class free for any girl who wants to join, Ayita relies on the community.

"Living with a disability is expensive. Caring for someone with a disability can be expensive," said Sami.
Last month, she started a GoFundMe to cover this year's costumes and recital fees.
Now in her ninth season, they're resources that Mayli knows support much more than just a performance.

"It gives the girls a life. It gives them somewhere where they can be free and be themselves without being limited," she said.

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All-girls wheelchair dance team in North Texas seeks community support

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On Friday evenings, the Benbrook YMCA comes alive with music in a small studio where a group of young girls move to the rhythm.

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A disabled 18-year-old in the Tarrant County Jail says he spent a week without medication

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The Tarrant County Jail has a history of complaints about medical neglect.

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Plan de Educacion Individualizada (2/2022)

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Plan de Educacion Individualizada (2/2022)

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IEP - Individualized Education Plan - Plan de Educacion Individualizada - Dra. Lizdelia Pinon (24min)

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Listen to this episode from Por Nuestros Niños on Spotify. IEP - Individualized Education Plan Desde que sus hijos nacen en el hospital, hay servicios para nuestros hijos si tienen alguna discapacidad, y mas tarde los distritos escolares ofrecen IEP - un Plan de Educación Individualizado. La Dra.

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Publicado 11 Jun 2024 - 11:16 PM EDT | Actualizado 26 Jun 2024 - 11:41 AM EDT

niños, y el 40% seían hispanos, en todo caso, quedaía en vilo el futuro de hospital. >> son estos niños latinos. carlos: lino es madre de unos trillizos, y un joven de 19, todos con necesidades especiales, esán bajo el programa de medicaid del cook children. >> semanal ando aí con los tres niños por diferentes razones, y por ello tener necesidades especiales, ellos caen abajo de uno de los de medicaid, que cook children ha tenido por muchos años. que pasa, por qé 120.000 pacientes de los cuales 90% son niños dejaía de tener el cook children como opcón para ser atendidos? >> actualmente cook children posee dos contratos, uno que es el contrato que estamos barajando ahora mismo, la comisón de salud nos ha notificado que no nos seá renovado el póximo año. reportero: la decisón de la comisón de salud y servicios humanos de texas haía que 120.000 pacientes deban buscar otro hospital para ser atendidos. >> es horrible, no es ácil de manejar, luego uno lo tiene que pierde, es muy complicado todos los papeles, el estado de texas. del medicaid. reportero: los planes que seían afectados seía medicaid que cubren las mujeres mientras que el plan chip atienden a niños de familias que no pueden tener un seguro privado pero ganan un poco ás. >> lamentablemente las operaciones del plan de saón de cook children ahora mismo tenemos una incertidumbre porque no saíamos, bien evaluar si tenemos que continuar operaciones. reportero: el cook children atiende a seis condados del norte de texas. en el equipo legal del hospital apeó la medida y espera poder continuar con el programa. si esta decisón que ellos esán apelando contiúan firmes, los pacientes debeán hacer támites antes del departamento de salud para

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Contrato de Medicaid en un hospital de Fort Worth no será renovado y afectará a miles de miembros

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Cerca de 120,000 miembros ya no podrían ser atendidos en el hospital Cook Children's, pues se informó que el contrato de planes de Medicaid no será renovado. La mayoría de los afectados serían niños y el equipo legal del centro médico apeló la medida.

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Conversaciones Criticas entre Padres y Ninos

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Conversaciones Criticas entre Padres y Ninos

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Conversaciones Criticas entre Padres y Ninos - Dra. Lizdelia Pinon

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Kids Stay Cool Under Competition at ‘Tri My Best Triathlon’ in Fort Worth

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Kids stay cool at Cook Children Hospital competition at “Tri My  Best Triathlon” in Fort Worth (July,2022)

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Kids stay cool at Cook Children Hospital competition at “Tri My  Best Triathlon” in Fort Worth (July,2022)

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Kids Stay Cool Under Competition at ‘Tri My Best Triathlon’ in Fort Worth

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Dozens of kids competed in the “Tri My Best Triathlon” in Fort Worth Saturday, which was held virtually the past two years.

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Cook Children's Hosts Seventh Annual Tri My Best Triathlon

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Cook Children's Hosts Seventh Annual Tri My Best Triathlon

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The Cook Children's Rehabilitation Services team partnered with the Fort Worth Fire Department to host the Tri My Best Triathlon at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex in Fort Worth on Saturday, July 9. Cook Children's physical, occupation and speech therapists invited patients to participate. On the day of the event, they were organized into...

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Cook Children’s Chicago Bears V. Dallas Cowboys 

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Cook Children’s Chicago Bears V. Dallas Cowboys 

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Tiny Dancers: Cook Children's Patients' Inspirational Wheelchair Dance Team

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Tiny Dancers: Cook Children's Patients' Inspirational Wheelchair Dance Team

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Tarrant County residents question Sheriff Waybourn over jail deaths, medical neglect behind bars

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Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn defended his record as jail administrator Thursday night, during a town hall where the public confronted him with questions about jail deaths and allegations of medical neglect behind bars.

Judges and local activists joined Waybourn on the panel, where the conversation kept coming back to the deaths: at least 60 since Waybourn took office in 2017, according to data from the Texas Attorney General's Office and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office.

At the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse in Arlington, with an audience of more than 100 people, Waybourn promised transparency about any death that isn't under investigation or litigation, and offered jail tours to anyone who wants one.

"We'd love to have you, love to show you what we do, and look at the noble men and women who are operating that, standing against good and evil every day," he said.

Waybourn blamed a rise in the jail population for the increase in deaths during his tenure, but State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, didn't accept that explanation. He took the microphone during the audience questions segment.

"What I didn't hear was an acknowledgment that 60 deaths in seven years is far too many. Do you agree that 60 deaths is too many to have in the Tarrant County Jail?" Turner asked.

"Representative, I promise you I don't want to have one," Waybourn said.

Drugs have made the problem worse, he added.

"Several things have happened. One, an incredible porous border, where we've had more drugs come into this county than ever before, and that has certainly made people more ill and more susceptible," Waybourn said, without providing any specifics.

Beyond the numbers, the circumstances surrounding some of the deaths have been a focus for local activists, who are seeking a federal investigation of the county jail system.

Jailers missed checks on Dean Stewart before his death by suicide in 2020, leading the jail to lose state certification for six days, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. The county agreed to pay $400,000 to settle a lawsuit over his death.

In September, the county agreed to settle another jail death lawsuit for $1 million. Two jailers are accused of falsifying their checks on Javonte Myers, who died of a seizure disorder in his cell in 2020. Myers lay dead in his cell for hours before anyone noticed, the lawsuit alleged. The two jailers face criminal charges.

"When those things happen, we hold them accountable," Waybourn said.

When asked how he prevents something like the Myers situation from happening again, the sheriff said supervisors review jail video to make sure it matches up with documentation.

But questions remain about other deaths, like Robert Miller's.

Miller died in jail custody in 2019, and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office declared his cause of death was a sickle cell crisis. A Fort Worth Star-Telegram investigation found Miller didn't have sickle cell disease, and he was pepper sprayed repeatedly before he died.

The county promised to hire an independent investigator to reexamine Miller's autopsy report, but then the county backpedaled. The outside review never happened, and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office doubled down on its conclusions, even as other medical experts cast doubt on them.

Waybourn told reporters after the town hall he trusted the county on Miller's case.

Other lawsuits against the jail are still pending. One is on behalf of a woman who gave birth unattended in her cell, and whose baby later died.

Another lawsuit is from Cory Rodrigues, a former inmate who says jailers beat him so badly he had to go to the hospital. Last year, the Tarrant County DA's Office dismissed all criminal charges against the jailers involved in Rodrigues' beating, which was caught on tape.

Waybourn apologized to one audience member, Liz Piñón, who said her son Gabriel spent a week in jail without his medication last June. Gabriel is autistic and developmentally disabled. Both he and Liz spoke to KERA for a story while he was incarcerated in Tarrant County.

"Seven days. He was seven days without his medication," Piñón told Waybourn. "My worry was that he [would] fall into depression, hurt someone, because he didn't have the medication."

Liz brought Gabriel's medication list to the jail his first day there, she said, but it wasn't until she spoke to KERA "that he finally, within 30 minutes, got his medication."

"I'm sorry that that happened," Waybourn said.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.

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Tarrant County residents question Sheriff Waybourn over jail deaths, medical neglect behind bars

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Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn participated Thursday in a public forum about the jail in Arlington.

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05/12/25 : Save Cook Children’s Medicaid Plan

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05/12/25 : Save Cook Children’s Medicaid Plan

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The state of Texas is trying to end a program that allows thousands of children to thrive. That’s the message Liz Piñon wants to send to state leaders trying to end the Cook Children’s Health Plan.…

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The Alison Hardin Playground and Eli Bradford Garden of Angels / Home

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The Alison Hardin Playground and Eli Bradford Garden of Angels / Home

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Alison Hardy playground at Joe Kelly school FW

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Alison Hardy playground at Joe Kelly school FW

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The Alison Hardin Playground and Eli Bradford Garden of Angels / Home

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A list of Dallas-Fort Worth special need activities and services. Special advertising section

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Activities for Kids with differences and a disabilities 

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Activities for Kids with differences and a disabilities 

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DFW International Airport is proud to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for customers traveling through the DFW area.To order a Sunflower Lanyard, please fill out the form below*.To learn more about the Sunflower Program, visit hdsunflower.com/us/.Questions? Please email Risk Management at dfwrisk@dfwairport.com.*DFW Airport is using your information collected on this form to fulfill your order of the products you selected. Your information will be disposed of within 30 days from shipment of your lanyard. For more information about how we collect and use data, please read DFW Airport’s Privacy Policy: https://www.dfwairport.com/business/legal/PLEASE NOTE: Both pick-up locations are pre-security, so you will need to visit before going through TSA or exit the Terminals and go through screening again after visiting if you are traveling that day.

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MagicMobility Vans by Special Kids Fund is a nationally acclaimed program to give handicapped vehicles to underprivileged disabled.

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Dispute Resolution Comparison services Texas 

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Dispute Resolution Comparison services Texas 

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Providing Accurate and Consistent Information on the Special Education Process

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Created By Parents, For Parents: Welcome!

Helping Families & Caregivers Gain Educational Services for their children,
Understand the IEP Process

Where do you start?
What age is your child?

What Matters to Family Members!
Has your child recently been diagnosed with a disability?
Do you have concerns about your child's learning and are trying to find help?
Your child may be receiving special education services and you need to learn more.
Wherever you are in the special education process, we've been there.
We know the maze in which you find yourself.

This website will point the way to information you can trust and understand,
and people or resources you can contact for more information and
assistance getting education services for your child.

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Providing Accurate and Consistent Information on the Special Education Process

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Providing accurate & consistent information on the special education process for families as they try to get educational services for their children.

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Partners Resource Network (PRN) has been empowering families of children and youth with disabilities since 1986.

We can help you understand your child's disability, understand your rights and responsibilities under IDEA, obtain and evaluate resources and services, and effectively participate as an equal team member with professionals in planning services for your child.

Call us at 1.800.866.4726 or email us to be connected with our person assisting parents and families in your area.

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Adaptive Dance Education and Performance of Texas helps individuals with special needs or disabilities to grow and have fun by providing adaptive dance classes and events. We offer dance classes to both children and adults. We pledge to never turn away a student, regardless of level or disability, b

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Update on Meal Allowance: We have BCBS Starkids via MDCP. After a week of what felt like endless phone calls, I finally received the meal benefit for inpatient stays.

I had to call Modivcare Reservations (1 (866) 824-1565) and talk to a live person to request meals. I provided the dates of the first week of the expected stay. Our BCBS case manager had to approve the request on her end (this took several days). Then I had to call Modivcare Claims (1 (800) 930-9060) to get a 10 digit Western Union number. Then I had to physically go to a Western Union and provide the 10 digit number and my ID. I received $175 in cash ($25/day while inpatient).

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Telemundo 06/11/2024 Families losing Medicaid (Spanish)

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Telemundo 06/11/2024 Families losing Medicaid (Spanish)

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Miles de familias podrían perder cobertura médica en el hospital Cook’s Children

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Le explicamos lo que está sucediendo en el Cook Children’s Hospital en Fort Worth.

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Special Needs Resources In and Around Ft. Worth

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Parents in our area are always searching for resources for kids with special needs. We are doing our best to collect these all on this one page. Please email us if you have suggestions for additions!

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North Texas dance team turns to community for help with growth

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makes a child feel special

brings joy

creates memories

provides an escape

reminds families they are not alone

This is why we say: We Are Baking a Difference! Icing Smiles is a nationwide nonprofit organization that delivers dream cakes at no charge to kids impacted by critical illness. (And to their siblings, too!)

Until there's a cure, we celebrate their lives!

Why We Do It

Because a sense of normalcy can be the sweetest treat of all

At Icing Smiles, we are not looking for a cure. What we do is both far simpler and far more profound:
We give families something to celebrate.
Not tomorrow, not twenty years from now. TODAY.

Why? Because some kids can't wait for a cure-but every kid can experience the joy of an Icing Smiles dream cake made by their very own Sugar Angel.

We know - cake?! How can cake possibly make a difference? The secret: It's not just a cake!

Want to help ice the cake for kids impacted by illness?

Start icing!

Lookin' sweet!

Hey, you're a pro!

Woohoo! Now why not share a cake in real life?

COOKIE CARE PACKAGES SHIPPED

Families

contact Icing Smiles to request a cake.

Sugar Angels

answer the Icing Smiles call to cake.

Smiles

are shared and precious memories are made!

Get Icing Smiles updates, fresh outta the oven!

Sign up to receive periodic email updates about our cakes, our families, and our Sugar Angels.

*It'll be sugar, spice, and everything nice-promise! We'll never share your email address, and you can opt out at any time.

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At Icing Smiles, we're baking a difference! Join our nationwide nonprofit in creating smiles by sharing custom cakes for kids impacted by critical illness.

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DontPayFull Blog - Shopping Guides & Money Savings Tips

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We always want to provide the best for our kids, but somehow, the pressure is even greater when our kids have special needs. Of course, there are direct costs, such as the need for medical equipment to make their lives easier, but we also want to provide them with happy memories to at least partly make up for the tough times they experience at a very young age.

Fortunately, there's no need to feel all alone. There are some marvellous organizations out there that really want to help. Why not give them an opportunity to do so? Are you managing just fine on your own? Consider donating to these worthy causes instead.

For this list, we'll cover all the names of organizations providing medical aid, therapy help or even scholarships for college students - we can find, but do ask medical staff about local non-profits, and feel free to share the names of any organizations that have been of help to your family.

Travel Help

Alex's Lemonade Stand: Alex's funds pediatric cancer research, but it also helps out families who need to travel to get treatment.

Angel Flight: A group of pilots volunteers their services to fly families in need to places where they can get necessary medical care they couldn't otherwise have accessed.

Autism Escapes: This non-profit isn't just for kids with autism. If you need to travel by air to get therapy for your special needs child, find out whether they can help.

Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation: When kids have to be treated far from home, parents often struggle to find affordable accommodation. If your child needs to get care from the John Hopkins Children's center, you can get a free stay. There's even a beach house for families of special needs kids who need but can't afford a break.

J Kiffin Penry Patient Travel Assistance Fund: When all your funds run out and you still need to travel get epilepsy care, a grant could be the answer.

The National Children's Cancer Society: When your budget won't stretch to accommodate travel needs, the NCCS can cover your child's travel costs.

Free Charity Cars: You really can get a car for free. This organization helps struggling families to get wheels.

1800 Charity Cars: Caring citizens donate cars to help people in need. When you have to take an ill child for regular therapy, a car is an absolute must-have.

Online Car Donation: If you are struggling to take care of your family and your special needs child because you lack transport, get in touch with people who are there to help.

Various local charities with car donation programs: There are many small, local car donation charities. Find out what's available in your area if you're in a bind because of transport.

Therapy Tools and Mobility Aids

Ben's Blankets: When your child needs a weighted blanket because of a sensory disorder, the price can be high. Volunteer seamstresses will make custom blankets for kids in need at the cost of the materials used.

Challenged Athletes Foundation: CAF helps challenged athletes with special sporting equipment.

Chelsea Hutchison Foundation: After losing their otherwise healthy daughter to an epileptic seizure, Chelsea's family started a foundation to help kids with epilepsy get assistance dogs and life-saving movement monitors.

Coping with Laryngomalacia: This organization provides unlimited online support, local meet-ups and care packages to babies with airway disorders. The care package includes a hand knit blanket (so babies can be wrapped with love), a hand knit hat, pajamas, toiletries for parents, a few books, and a toy for the hospital stay.

ELKS Therapy: The Washington and Florida branches of the ELKS help kids in need to get therapy at home.

Feeding Tube Awareness: Partners up with medical organizations and clinics that provide free feeding g-tubes belts and pads to any child that requires one. The charity is run by parents volunteers that will become like a second family to yours.

FODAC: Free or low-cost wheelchairs, vehicle modifications, and home modifications go a long way towards helping movement impaired children get quality of life.

Friends of Man: Getting mobility equipment or a prosthesis can be extremely costly unless you get help. You will need help from a medical professional or social worker when completing your application.

Holton's Heroes: Children who have suffered a post-birth brain injury and their families can benefit from the help, support and therapy tools provided by Holton's Heroes.

iPads for Apraxia: Research suggests that iPads can help kids with apraxia. If your family wants to try and can't afford one, this organization might be able to help out.

McLindon Family Foundation: Special bikes for special kids allow them to have fun just like anyone else.

MIRA Foundation: Having a guide dog makes a world of difference to blind kids. This foundation helps them get a canine helper.

Miracle Ear Foundation: A hearing aid helps hearing-impaired kids and adults participate in normal living. It's like a miracle, and with this foundation, the miracle comes for free.

MPS Society: Provides free support for children affected by this disorder.

My Gym Foundation: Get help with medical equipment and mobility aids.

Project Mend: A refurbished mobility device could be the answer to your prayers. The volunteers at Project Mend help people of all ages to get mobile.

Ramps.org: Provides the necessary help for kids that need a ramp to move from a home to the outside. The website also includes a map with different areas where you can find the help for building a ramp.

Service Dogs: Besides the fact that they provide and struggle to train all the dogs to be ready to handle any disability the human might have, including autism and blindness, the service may ask for a small fee to keep the dogs trained and ready for friendship, companionship, unconventional, and unconditional love for the child.

Stepping Stones for Stella: Every kid should be able to go to the beach or play in the snow, but regular mobility aids don't do well in those conditions. However, the ones made by this non-profit will! Hundreds have already been made and donated.

Shriners Orthotics and Prosthetics: Shriners Childrens Hospitals help people who need orthotics or prosthetics to get the devices they need.

The Arya Foundation: Mobility aids and even special seats or ramps help disabled kids enjoy living at home. Talk to the Arya Foundation about your child's needs.

The Danny Did Foundation: Seizure detection devices can save lives, but they're not covered by insurance. A wonderful foundation and epilepsy community can get one for your child.

The HIKE Fund: When kids need hearing aids, HIKE steps into the breach.

The Miracle League: firstly started in Conyers, Georgia sand spread to Alabama, West Virginia, Illinois, and California, the organization offers the opportunity for kids with special needs to play baseball and have fun on a custom-designed field.

Two Angels Foundation: Sometimes, kids just want to be able to join the fun and go to school like other kids. Adaptive equipment helps, and this foundation helps kids to get the equipment they need.

Weighted Comfort for Kids: Provides sensory comfort and relief for autistic kids. You can request a free-weighted blanket and lap pad for your child online.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids: If you're struggling to provide a wheelchair for your little one, let others help you.

Wheel to Walk Foundation: Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California kids needing anything from leg braces to therapy trikes from this wonderful foundation.

Financial Assistance

Alyssa V. Phillips Foundation: Even if you don't need help with funding cerebral palsy treatments your insurance doesn't cover, this foundation will help you to gain a better understanding of cerebral palsy and how to care for children with this condition.

Aubrey Rose Foundation: Poor little Aubrey Rose had a short life, but she is still making a positive impact. Help with medical expenses for families with ill children is just one of the things her foundation provides.

Aubrey's Warriors Foundation: The mom of a special needs daughter founded this organization to help families with kids whose needs strain their budgets.

Be Perfect Foundation: Paralysis isn't easy to deal with. This organization provides counseling, legal help, and financial aid to the families of those living with paralysis.

Bryan's Dream Foundation: When kids need costly medical treatments families often find themselves struggling. Bryan's Dream issues several grants every year to help families with treatment costs.

Building Blocks for Kids: Whether it's paying for treatments or helping with home modifications to make your child's life easier, this organization does all it can to make things easier for you.

Cancer Care: Cancer Care doesn't only help kids with cancer, they help when mom or dad need assistance too.

Different Needz Foundation: Families of kids with developmental disorders can get the help they need here.

Eden's Hope: The families of kids with neuroblastoma have great financial burdens to bear. Eden's hope does what it can to help in your hour of need.

Family Reach: Help kids with cancer through Family Reach, or apply for help if you are struggling to cover your child's medical costs.

First Hand Foundation: Medical insurance only covers so much. When all other avenues are exhausted, first-hand helps with medical and transport expenses.

Fred's Footsteps: When kids are ill or injured, a foundation commemorating the life of a generous entrepreneur steps in.

Generation Rescue: The families of autistic children can get funding for therapy with the help of this worthy organization.

Gia Nicole Angel Foundation: Kids with physical disabilities have costly needs. This foundation wants to make a difference.

Grotto Humanitarian Foundation: When kids have special needs, caring for their teeth can be hard to do. If you're struggling to afford dental care, this foundation will help to keep your special child's smile bright.

Gwendolyn Strong Foundation: Spinal Muscular Atrophy is less rare than we'd like it to be! This organization raises funds for research - and helps families whose insurance doesn't cover their SMA care needs.

Hands to Angels: What could be more tragic than discovering your child has a rare genetic disorder? The parents of one such little boy have started a foundation to help other families in this situation.

Hannah and Friends: Kids and adults with special needs in Indiana, the Michiana area, New York, Rhode Island, and Florida could qualify for quality of life grants from Hannah and Friends.

June Brandy Foundation: Whether kids are ill or disabled, the June Brandy foundation reaches out.

June Jessee Memorial Foundation: If you live in the St. Louis area and have a child with special medical needs, just getting good advice is worth gold. Whether you just want sound advice or need financial assistance, this might be the organization you're looking for.

Kya's Krusade: Even if you don't need financial help, having a caring community of parents who are in a similar situation to you is important - and if you need financial help, the community will do its best.

Maggie Welby Foundation: Grants and scholarships are offered in memory of a little girl who never had the chance to grow up.

Mark's Money: If you live in Tennessee or Indiana, are struggling to keep your head above the water financially, and your child has Down Syndrome, Mark's Money could see you through.

Matthew Larson Foundation: The families of kids who have brain tumors can get financial assistance here.

Modest Needs: When we're down on our luck, a little help may be all we need.

Molly Bear Foundation: Trisomy 18 is a rare disorder. Those who loved a little girl with T18 started this funding organization to help families with needs their insurance won't cover.

My GOAL Inc: Kids with autism spectrum disorders need to socialize too. Socialization and interactive therapy programs may be costly and far from home. My GOAL helps you get on programs you otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford.

Needy Meds: If your income is low and your medical costs are high, getting cheap, free or discounted meds can literally be a lifesaver.

Parker Lee Project: When your insurance doesn't cover your child's needs, you needn't despair.

Ray Tye Medical Foundation: There really are cases in which people can't afford life-saving surgery for their kids. This memorial foundation has helped to save kids' lives when they need surgeries that parents can't afford.

Ride to Give: A group of cyclists have turned their sport into a great way to raise funds for those in need of medical help.

Small Steps in Speech: Speech and language disorders call for therapy. If you can't afford it, Small Steps in Speech will do its best to help.

Snap4Kids: Like so many of the wonderful organizations that help special needs kids, this one is run by parents like you. They don't have a lot of resources, but if they can help, they will.

So far, we've mainly looked at organizations that supply absolute necessities, but there are also those that are willing to treat your child. We won't provide a comprehensive list here, because there are simply too many, but we will add a few cute ones.

Icing Smiles: Volunteers around the US are willing to bake cakes for special needs kids when they reach special milestones like birthdays.

Camp Boggy Creek: This holiday camp offers "serious fun" for special needs kids and their families.

Deliver the Dream: Offers free family trips that will occur in a special place every time just to make your child experience amazing and fun things. Each retreat is made for a specific illness such as autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome and cancer.

Feel Better Friends: Caring volunteers produce beautiful handmade cuddly dolls to provide comfort to children with medical problems.

The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project: Provides fun and therapeutic experiences to any child with disabilities.

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The Complete List of Free Things and Grants for Kids with Special Needs

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The complete list of free things and grants for kids with special needs!

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Educational Programs

The Arc of DFW Area hosts regular membership, educational, and social events throughout the year. These events are open to members of The Arc as well as members of the community at large. Each event includes a description, details of cost and available discounts, as well as location, and many provide opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors.
View Our Upcoming Events

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The Arc of DFW Area hosts regular membership, educational, and social events throughout the year. These events are open to members of The Arc as well as members of the community at large. Each event includes a description, details of cost and available discounts, as well as location, and many provide opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors.

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If you have a child age 0-18 with cancer or a life-threatening medical condition - a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that may jeopardize the child's life - your child is eligible to become a HopeKid. We would love for your family to become a part of our program.

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If you have a child age 0-18 with cancer or a life-threatening medical condition - a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that may jeopardize the child's life - your child is eligible to become a HopeKid. We would love for your family to become a part of our program.

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Who Should Apply

Texas residents experiencing disability discrimination or having problems getting disability services can apply for our legal services. We only handle certain legal issues related to disability. Learn more about how we decide what cases we take.

Intake Options

To apply for our services, you are required to go through our intake process by phone or through our online application. We cannot receive requests by regular email, on social media, through any of the Contact Us forms on our website, or through direct calls to agency departments or staff other than our intake.

Please note: once we receive all the information we need for your application, it can take up to 10 days to receive notice on whether or not we can take your case. Even if we can't take your case because it's something we don't handle or our case load is too high, we still try to provide referrals to other places you might be able to get help.

The information below covers the three intake options - online, phone, and sign language phone. Before applying for our services, please learn about what to expect by reading the Intake Process webpage or by watching the Intake Process video.

Online

You can use our online intake form anytime of the day, any day of the week, to begin the intake process. Please provide as much information as possible to limit any delays we might have in processing your application.

Phone

You can call our statewide intake phone line number at 1-800-252-9108 to get started with intake. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. Below is a preview of the options callers will hear when calling our phone line.

1. Call 1-800-252-9108, then press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish

2. Press 1 if you are calling to apply for our services, All people NOT applying for services but calling for other reasons can press 2 and the receptionist will send your call to the right staff person.

3. Next, listen and select one of the the following options. Please note that the intake person who handles your issue will likely be helping another caller and you will need to leave a message. Please leave a brief message with your name, telephone number, and a good time to call you back. It may take a few days for you to receive a return call depending on call volume.

Press 1 if you are calling from a psychiatric hospital, state supported living center, or a jail OR if you have concerns about mental health services or abuse.

Press 2 for special education or 504 services.

Press 3 for children's or adult Medicaid, healthcare, community services, guardianship removal or alternatives to guardianship.

Press 4 for employment, voting, or ADA violations.

Press 5 for housing, transportation, or disaster preparedness and response.

Press 6 for vocational rehabilitation (CAP) or social security benefits planning (PABSS).

Press 7 for all other issues not mentioned.

Press 8 to hear the menu again.

Sign Language Video Phone

You can call one of the two sign language video intake phone lines listed below to begin the intake process. These phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time.

Sign Language Video Phone: 1-866-362-2851

Purple 2 Video Phone: 512-271-9391

Requesting an Accommodation for the Intake Process

If the intake options listed above aren't accessible for you, you can request an accommodation for an alternative way to apply for services by emailing info@drtx.org. (This email address is only for those asking for accommodations and not for submitting an actual application.)

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If you experience a legal problem or have difficulty obtaining disability services, you can apply for services and get help from DRTx.

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Let's talk about making sure, when your child is receiving PAS/HAB hours, that they are receiving the maximum they are entitled to.

PAS stands for "personal attendant services" and HAB is short for "habilitation". PAS hours are allotted for you to do things for them. HAB hours are allotted for you to teach them so one day they won't need PAS hours for whatever task anymore. The categories they assess for needs for PAS/HAB hours are: bathing, dressing, exercise, feeding, grooming, hair/skin care, toileting, transfer/ambulation, cleaning, laundry, meal prep, escort, shopping and assistance with medications.

When your child is evaluated for services, you should describe what it's like for them, abilities/limitations, on their worst day with zero support from anyone. The intent is not to exaggerate, but to give an accurate picture of how bad it is when it's bad. Don't make the mistake of telling them how well your child does with all you do for them or they will notate that that's your child's functioning level without supports.

Here's a real example for my son. He's capable of going to the freezer, picking a frozen meal and heating it in the microwave. That makes it sound like he can fend for himself when he's hungry, doesn't it? Here's the reality every day... He doesn't understand the difference between sell by / use by / best by / expiration dates nor does he understand how freezing food alters those dates. He doesn't understand freezer burn. He has a few items he has memorized the directions for and couldn't make anything else on his own. He will put something in the microwave, then forget about it. So, a day later, two days later, a week later, if he's hungry and goes to the microwave, he doesn't understand why he can't eat what's been sitting there for days. On his worst day, one of his medical conditions makes it too painful for him to use his hands or hold a utensil. (For anyone curious, he gets really bad eczema breakouts on his fingers with horrible blisters all over his fingertips.) It's well controlled with medication because I check his hands and apply his cream as needed. Without me doing all the thinking and helping him be physically able, he couldn't make anything to eat on his own.

So, when they ask if he can prepare food and he says yes, I have to pipe up and give the rest of the story, so they can accurately assess his abilities/limitations and give him appropriate benefits, including the number of PAS/HAB hours he gets a week (what I'm paid to do for him).

This page will tell you what they are looking for and how they calculate the hours for two waivers. (My assumption is the others are similar. If anyone knows where that info. is please share.)

#SNPNT_LetsTalkAbout #SNPNT_SSI #SNPNT_Waivers #SNPNT_PAS_HAB #SNPNT_Services #SNPNT_MaximizingBenefits

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Instructions

Updated: 1/2016

Purpose

Form 8510 is completed for applicants/individuals being assessed for Community First Choice (CFC) PAS/HAB services in the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Programs and Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Waiver. The form is used in conjunction with Form 8665, Person-Directed Plan, as an instrument for collecting and documenting essential information to determine the number of CFC Personal Assistance Services/Habilitation (PAS/HAB) hours to be authorized on the applicant's/individual's Individual Plan of Care (IPC).

Form 8510:

is developed through a person-centered planning process;

occurs with the support of a group of people chosen by the individual (and the legally authorized representative (LAR) on the individual's behalf); and

accommodates the individual's style of interaction, communication and preferences regarding time and setting.

The service coordinator should discuss with the individual/LAR the importance of the program provider being included when completing Form 8510.

In conjunction with Form 8665, Form 8510 is used to:

identify and document the individual's current and preferred living arrangement;

determine the individual's outcomes and identify the HAB and PAS activities to achieve the outcomes;

assess the individual's needs, functional impairments, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and health-related tasks;

identify natural supports available to the individual and needed service system supports;

identify any special needs, requests, or considerations staff should know when supporting this individual; and

document the individual's need for CFC PAS/HAB.

Procedure

When to Prepare or Update

Form 8510 is completed by the service coordinator, with input from the service planning team, when an individual's person directed plan (PDP) indicates a need for CFC PAS/HAB and at least annually for individuals receiving CFC PAS/HAB in the HCS or TxHmL programs. The form is also updated whenever the individual's needs have substantially changed and a revision to the number of CFC PAS/HAB hours is needed on the individual's IPC.

Form Retention

The service coordinator must keep the original copy of the form in the individual's case record and provide a copy to the HCS or TxHmL program provider.

Detailed Instructions

Section 1: Background Information

Individual's Name ─ Enter the individual's name on each page of the assessment.

Date of Assessment ─ Enter the date.

Individual's Medicaid No. ─ Enter the individual's nine-digit Medicaid number.

Date of Birth ─ Enter the individual's date of birth.

Waiver Program ─ Check the box for HCS or TxHmL.

Individual's Client Assignment and Registration (CARE) No. - Enter the identification number.

Waiver Program Provider ─ Enter the name of the provider.

Component Code ─ Enter the Component Code.

Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) - Enter the name of the LIDDA.

Component Code ─ Enter the Component Code.

Financial Management Services Agency (FMSA) ─ If applicable, enter the FMSA.

Component Code ─ Enter the FMSA Component Code, if applicable.

Employment Status ─ Check the appropriate box to indicate the individual's employment status, employed, unemployed, retired or N/A. Check N/A if the individual is under age16.

Gender ─ Check the appropriate box to indicate the individual's gender.

Educational Level ─ Check the appropriate box to indicate the individual's education level. If none of the boxes apply to the individual's education level, select "other" and document the individual's education level. Enter N/A if individual is currently in school.

Participants ─ List each person, other than the individual, who participated in this assessment.

Assessment for ─Check the appropriate box to indicate the Individual Plan of Care assessment being conducted.

Note: The information contained in this form is obtained through an information gathering conversation (the discovery process) about the individual's abilities, preferences, and goals in line with person centered planning principles.

Section 2: Needs Assessment Questionnaire and Task/Hour Guide

The Needs Assessment Questionnaire and Task/Hour Guide is comprised of three sections:

Part A - Functional Assessment. This part is used to assess an individual's level of support needs, who currently provides the service, and whether the individual needs that service purchased.

Part B - Task/Hour Guide. When a task needs to be purchased, the Task/Hour Guide details how much time is needed for providing either the PAS or HAB service.

Part C - Subtasks and PAS Minute Ranges. This section is used to indicate the subtasks the individual needs assistance or training with when a task is purchased.

Note: The Task/Hour Guide must be completed for each purchased task and each purchased task must have subtasks indicated in Part C.

A ─ Functional Assessment
The functional assessment is comprised of the following:

Support Level

Service Arrangement

Support Level
The Support Level is designed to assess an individual's capacity for self-care. Score each item according to this capacity for self-care and not according to the individual's access to a resource to assist with the task. In scoring each item, use the individual's response, plus any observations or knowledge of the individual from other sources.

Each PAS task has an associated question to assist in scoring the support level. The first time an item is addressed, use the wording of the question as written. Then explain or paraphrase if necessary. Ask follow-up questions if there is a need to verify the first response. PAS task item 1-23 must be given a support level.

For PAS activities, score the individual according to the following scale:

0

=

None. No functional impairment. The individual is able to conduct activities without difficulty and has no need for assistance.

1

=

Mild. Minimal/mild functional impairment. The individual is able to conduct activities with minimal difficulty and needs minimal assistance.

2

=

Severe. Extensive/severe functional impairment. The individual has extensive difficulty carrying out activities and needs extensive assistance.

3

=

Total functional impairment. The individual is completely unable to carry out any part of the activity.

An individual has an impairment with respect to a particular activity if he or she is limited, either physically or mentally, in his or her ability to carry out that activity. An impairment could also be a behavioral challenge resulting in difficulty accomplishing the task.
Numbers "0" and "3" are absolutes in the sense that they indicate no functional impairment or total dependency. Example: If an individual can perform any of the dressing tasks for himself or herself, a "3" is not appropriate. If he or she can perform the dressing task completely without difficulty, a "0" is appropriate.

Enter a score for each question in the Support Level column.

Use the following examples for each item to help differentiate between scores of "1" and "2". An individual may score "1", but not request assistance with a task. The following are only examples of appropriate scores based on the individual's abilities. If an example is appropriate for an individual but the score for that example is not, give the appropriate score and explain your choice.

Note: A guide to determine support level of 1 or 2 is at the end of Section 2.

2.
Individual needs occasional help with zippers, buttons or putting on shoes and socks. Individual may need help laying out and/or selecting clothes. Individual needs reminding or monitoring for completion of dressing. Individual occasionally refuses to get dressed.

Individual always needs help with zippers, buttons or shoes and socks. Individual needs help getting into garments; that is, putting arms in sleeves, legs in pants or pulling up pants. Individual may dress totally inappropriately without help and/or would not finish dressing without physical assistance. Individual needs help dressing because he or she routinely undresses him or herself.

9.
Individual walks alone without assistance for only short distances. Individual can walk with minimal difficulty using an assistive device or by holding onto walls or furniture. Individual needs assistance in positioning for use of a walking apparatus or putting on and removing leg braces and prostheses for ambulation. Individual may need repeated prompts while ambulating.

Individual has considerable difficulty walking even with an assistive device. Individual can walk only with assistance from another person and never walks alone outdoors without assistance. Individual may use a wheelchair periodically. Individual needs assistance with wheelchair ambulation. Wheelchair ambulation is defined as pushing the wheelchair for the individual. Individual needs assistance walking due to behavioral challenges or cognitive ability.

12. Meal Preparation
Individual can do some meal preparation, but has some difficulty. Individual can prepare simple foods or warm up food like frozen meals or food prepared by others. Individual may have difficulty with cutting meats or other foods. Individual can prepare foods, but needs assistance with meal planning or minimal assistance in preparing meals. Individual may need assistance carrying food items or meal preparation items. Individual needs assistance with hygienic and safe practices around food preparation and storage.

Individual is unable to cook meals due to physical impairment and can only do minimal preparation of simple cold foods like sandwiches or cereal. Individual has difficulty opening cans and preparing fresh foods for cooking. Individual regularly has difficulty seeing or turning burners on and sometimes forgets to turn them off. Individual needs prepared meals pureed or ground up for serving.
Individual may be fearful or unable to use kitchen appliances safely due to behavioral challenges or cognitive ability.

15. Assistance with Medications
Individual can self-direct* medications, but occasionally needs help with opening the containers. Individual may need to be reminded to take medications.

*Self-direct means the individual can:

identify the proper medication by name or sight (color and/or shape);

identify the purpose of the medication (e.g. for my heart, for pain, for allergies);

determine the correct dosage is being taken (e.g. one pill); and

identify the time medication is needed (e.g., morning, lunchtime, etc.).

Individual can self-direct* medications, but needs help opening containers and/or needs the medication brought to within reach. Individual can self-direct * medications, but has a visual impairment and may not be able to read labels. Individual can self-direct* medications, but must be reminded to ensure that medications are taken as prescribed.
This task may not be purchased if the functional score is "3."

Total help indicates the individual cannot self-direct medications and requires either skilled assistance or supervision from informal support; or

Total help indicates the individual can self-direct medications, but due to a functional limitation is unable to self-administer medications or due to cognitive limitations where the individual refuses to take medications.

Service Arrangement ─ Enter the following codes to indicate the service provider for PAS and HAB activities./p>

Self. Use "S" if the Individual performs the task without any assistance.

C =

Caregiver. Use "C" when all of the task is being performed by or training is being provided by an unpaid caregiver, such as a relative, neighbor or friend on a regular basis.

P =

Purchased. Use "P" if any part of the task is to be purchased all of the time or at times when another service arrangement type is not available to assist.
For TxHmL only, an individual receiving Home Delivered Meals (HDM), meal preparation as a CFC PAS/HAB task must not be purchased for the meal that is being delivered. For example, If Wednesday lunch is being delivered through HDM, then CFC PAS/HAB may not be purchased for meal preparation for Wednesday lunch.
If the support level score is "3", a service arrangement code of "P" must not be used for Item 15, Assistance with Medications.

P/C =

Purchased/Caregiver. Use "P/C" when the caregiver is assisting with, performing a purchased task or training the individual on how to perform the task during the time the attendant is present. Document in the Preferences and Special Considerations section the part of the task the caregiver performs or provides training on.
Example 1: The caregiver assists with bathing by laying out supplies, but needs the CFC PAS/HAB service provider to assist with the bath.
Example 2: The individual requests a five-day plan and the daughter, who is the caregiver, works Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The daughter assists the individual with bathing on Tuesday and Thursday during the time the CFC PAS/HAB service provider is present performing other tasks.
When the caregiver is not available during the time purchased tasks are delivered and helps only in the evenings and/or on weekends, a general comment may be entered in the Comments section. The tasks are not coded as "P/C," but "P" only for purchased tasks.
Example 3: The individual requests a five-day plan and the caregiver works full time. The caregiver will assist in the evenings and on the weekend, but does not assist with tasks during the time the CFC PAS/HAB service provider is present. A comment, "Caregiver (use name and relationship) assists in the evenings and on weekends" in the Preferences and Special Considerations section is adequate documentation. Code the task as "P."
Example 4: The caregiver packs breakfast and lunch for the individual but the CFC PAS/HAB service provider provides training to the individual on meal preparation for dinner.
Example 5: The caregiver assists the individual on and off the toilet but the CFC PAS/HAB service provider teaches the individual about toileting hygiene.

A =

Other agency. Use "A" when an agency that does not contract with the HCS/TxHmL program provider is performing the task.

P/A =

Purchased/Agency. Use "P/A" when another agency is available to perform the task on some days, but not other days. Document in the Preferences and Special Considerations section the part of the task the other agency performs.

N/A =

Not Applicable or None Available. Not Applicable: The only tasks that can be not applicable are Walking and Assistance with Medications. Use "N/A" when the individual is unable to perform any part of the walking task, exercise task or assistance with medications task, and there is no caregiver or other agency totally performing the task. For example, an individual is a double amputee and is unable to walk or use wheelchair ambulation. No time will be allotted for the task. Explain in the Preferences and Special Considerations section the task is not applicable.

Part B - Task/Hour Guide Column
PAS Minutes Per Day - For each PAS task to be purchased as CFC PAS/HAB, enter the daily number of minutes needed to conduct that task based on the support level and the minute range for that task indicated in Part C for PAS. Times must be shown in five-minute increments and, if needed, rounded up to the next five-minute increment. The time allotted for PAS must be within the range indicated in Part C for the support level and cannot be higher or lower, except in the following situations:

If an individual has a compelling reason for not wanting any of the subtasks under the appropriate support level, but only wants subtasks listed in a lower support level, document the individual's request and allocate minutes in the minute range for the subtasks selected. Document the reason.

Example: The individual scores "2" on bathing. She needs assistance with drying. However, when discussing subtasks, she states she would like standby assistance for safety and drawing of water, all under the support level of "1." She states her skin is very sensitive and she would not allow help with drying as she is afraid it would hurt her. The subtasks checked are all under the support level of "1," so ten minutes is allowed. Documentation is required to explain the variance.

If an individual has a caregiver or other agency performing part of a task and only subtasks in a lower support level are needed, the service coordinator must document the individual's request and allocate minutes in the minute range for the subtasks selected. Document the reason.

Example: The individual scores "2" for bathing, but only wants assistance with laying out supplies and drawing water because her daughter provides all hands-on assistance with the bathing task. The task is marked "P/C." The subtasks under the support level of "1" are checked and ten minutes is allowed for the subtasks to be purchased. Documentation is required to explain the variance.

A task may be purchased if it is performed at least once a month by the CFC PAS/HAB service provider. Time allotted for the task must be prorated into a weekly amount. Example: Escort 1/month × 120 minutes. ÷ 4.33 = 28 minutes/week (round up to the next five-minute increment) = 30 minutes/week.

Escort may be shown as PRN (as needed), if it occurs less than once a month no time is allocated.

Note: If the individual has extenuating circumstances (other than the exceptions listed above) and requires time outside the range (either more or less) for the subtasks within the appropriate support level, then enter the requested number of minutes. Do not change the support level to adjust the minutes, or for the convenience of a service provider.

HAB Minutes Per Day - For each task to be purchased as CFC PAS/HAB, enter the daily number of minutes needed to provide habilitation on that task. As a guide, an individual with an LON 1 would likely benefit from more HAB minutes than an individual with an LON 5 or 6.

Days Per Week - For each PAS task and each HAB task to be purchased as CFC PAS/HAB, enter the number of days per week the CFC PAS/HAB service provider will conduct that task. Enter in the Preferences and Special Considerations section if the task is performed less than once a week. (For the task of Feeding, enter the total number of meals per week.)

Sub-Total Minutes Per Week - Multiply the minutes per day by the days per week to obtain the Sub-Total Minutes Per Week for each PAS and HAB task.
Part C - Subtasks for PAS and HAB and PAS Minute Ranges
Note: The minute ranges in this section only apply to PAS activities.

The subtasks listed in columns for support levels 1, 2, and 3, relate to PAS. The boxes in the HAB columns relate to the subtasks in the columns to the left of the HAB column.

Boxes are checked to identify the PAS subtasks and the HAB subtasks. Note that some PAS subtasks are not suitable to be checked for HAB (e.g., stand-by assistance for safety, reminding and monitoring, total help with feeding).

The subtasks in Part C must be checked to indicate specifically what the individual needs. An individual with a Support Level score of "2" or "3" may need all subtasks under the support level for "1" and additional subtasks under the support level of "2."
Preferences or Special Considerations
Indicate any preferences or special considerations identified during the discovery process in the space provided for each task. This could include the individual's preference to take baths over showers, or factors such as behaviors that result in higher scores.

Section 3: Additional Habilitation Activities

The information below includes examples of habilitation activities and may be used to determine whether an individual needs habilitation training in these specific tasks. The service coordinator must ensure all HAB activities on this form relate to an outcome in the individual's PDP.

Information about the service arrangement is below the examples.

Section 4: Health-Related Tasks

Except for those who use the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option, information for this section can be found on the Nursing Screen Tool or the Nursing Assessment. If the person uses the CDS option and there is no Nursing Screen Tool or Nursing Assessment, ask the questions about health-related tasks.

Medication Administration ─ Answer Yes or No if the individual requires administration of medication to ensure that medications are received safely. Check the appropriate box(es) for the routes of administration of medication.

Special Procedures ─ Answer Yes or No for all questions.

Eating ─ Answer Yes or No for all questions.

Bathing ─ Answer Yes or No if the individual needs assistance.

Toileting ─ Answer Yes or No for all questions.

Mobility ─ Answer Yes or No for all questions.

Section 5: Living Arrangement ─

Indicate if the individual lives alone, with parents, spouse/partner/relative or non-relatives/room mates. Provide the relationship, age and presence of a disability for all who reside in the same household as the individual.

Section 6: Caregiver Availability ─

To be completed for each caregiver.

Name ─ Enter the name of the caregiver.

Relationship to Individual ─ Enter the relationship.

Work Schedule ─ Enter the schedule for each day of the week.

Unpaid Support Supervision Provided to Individual ─ Enter the schedule for each day of the week. Provide additional comments relevant to caregiver schedules. For example, document if the individual's unpaid caregiver also provides care and support to others in the home or has other barriers not indicated.

Section 7: Nursing Services -

Enter the schedule for nursing waiver or private duty nurse.

Section 8: Individual's Work/School Schedule

Day Activity ─ Check the appropriate box for Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS), Employment, Employment Assistance, Supported Employment, Day Habilitation or Other. Enter the hours for each day of the week and total the hours. Provide any additional information in the Comments section.

Education ─ Check the appropriate box for School, Home Schooled, Higher Education or Other. Enter the hours for each day of the week and total the hours. Provide any additional information in the Comments section.

Section 9: Calculating Total Personal Assistance Services (PAS) and Habilitation (HAB) Hours

Total PAS Minutes Per Week - Add the sub-total minutes for each task 1-19 to obtain the Total PAS Minutes for all tasks.

Total PAS Hours Needed Per Week ─ Divide the Total PAS Minutes by 60 to determine the weekly total in hours. Round the weekly number of hours to the next highest half hour to determine the total hours to authorize. Example: If an individual needs 7 hours and 10 minutes of service each week, enter 7.5 in Hours Needed.

Total HAB Minutes Per Week ─Add the sub-total HAB minutes for each task 1-19, and 24-36 to obtain the Total HAB Minutes for all tasks.

Total HAB Hours Needed Per Week ─Divide the Total HAB Minutes by 60 to determine the weekly total in hours. Round the weekly number of hours to the next highest half hour to determine the total hours to authorize. Example: If an individual needs 7 hours and 10 minutes of service each week, enter 7.5 in Hours Needed.

Total Combined PAS and HAB Hours Per Week - Enter the total weekly hours that can be authorized by adding together the Total PAS Hours Per Week and the Total HAB Hours Needed Per Week. Round the time up to the next highest half hour.

CFC PAS/HAB Recommended Total Hours ─ Indicate the total combined recommended CFC PAS/HAB hours as listed at the end of Section IV.

Section 10: Acknowledgement Page - Signing this page affirms:

The individual/LAR/LIDDA service coordinator/program provider participated in the service planning process.

The individual/LAR/LIDDA service coordinator/program provider understands that this document and the hours listed on this plan are only a recommendation and not a guarantee of services to be provided. This recommendation will, however, be used to guide the approval and provision of services for CFC.

Signature - Individual and/or Signature - Legally Authorized Representative ─ The individual and/or LAR must sign and date this form after completion. Any updates to the form must be initialed and dated by the individual/LAR. If the individual/LAR refuses to sign the form, the LIDDA service coordinator should note this on the signature line of the form.

Printed Name ─ Print the individual's and/or LAR's name legibly.

Signature - Service Coordinator ─ The service coordinator must sign and date the form after completion. Any updates to the form must be initialed and dated by the service coordinator.

Printed Name ─ Print the service coordinator's name legibly.

Signature - Program Provider ─ The program provider acknowledges participation in the assessment and must sign and date the form after completion.

Printed Name ─ Print the program provider's name legibly.

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Form 8510, HCS/TxHmL CFC PAS/HAB Assessment | Texas Health and Human Services

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Revision 22-2; Effective May 1, 2022

All user guides are published to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership's (TMHP's) Learning Management System (LMS). All users must create an LMS account to access the materials.

There is a sign-up link on the LMS homepage. If you need assistance with registration, contact TMHP Training Support.

The following sections provide information related to Form 8578, Intellectual Disability/Related Condition Assessment.

Level of Care (LOC)

The LOC determines the individual's programmatic eligibility for the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program. Individuals enrolling into HCS must have an LOC I, or if the individual is transitioning or diverting from a nursing facility, may have an LOC VIII.

Level of Need (LON)

An individual's LON is used to determine the reimbursement rate a program provider receives for certain HCS program services. The LON is obtained by completing and scoring an Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) assessment for each individual.

A brief overview of the ICAP is provided in this document but is not intended to be comprehensive.

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Revision 22-2; Effective May 1, 2022 All user guides are published to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership's (TMHP's) Learning Management System (LMS). All users must create an LMS account to access the materials.