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Parent support and involvement makes a positive difference by elevating student academic performance and increasing achievements. Explore resources to discover ways in which you can receive support and be involved in your student's education.

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We offer resources to understand your child’s disability, rights under IDEA, and promote collaboration for effective services to children with disabilities in Texas.

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Early Childhood Texas (Birth to 5 years)

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Early Childhood Texas (Birth to 5 years)

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Parent resources for your child and you as they grow and develop.

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Early Childhood Texas: Resources for Raising Kids

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Find resources and supports for health, development, parenting, child care, and education as your child grows and develops in Texas.

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Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is committed to improving the lives of Texas children and adults with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions and other health care needs.

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Eligible families of children under the age of 13 may receive child care financial assistance to cover a portion or, in some cases, all of the costs for child care so that parents can work, search for work, attend school or participate in training.

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Eligible families of children under the age of 13 may receive child care financial assistance to cover a portion or, in some cases, all of the costs for child care so that parents can work, search for work, attend school or participate in training. Child care assistance is available only for children under the age of 13 in any of these circumstances:

Parents are receiving or transitioning off of public assistance

Are receiving or needing protective services

Families are low-income

Workforce Development Boards administer child care services through local Workforce Solutions offices. Eligibility requirements and coverage amounts may vary by service area. In some cases the local board may have a waiting list for child care services.

For more information about employer services, job seeker services and child care assistance, contact your Workforce Solutions office.

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Eligibility for Child Care Assistance | Texas Child Care Solutions

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Eligible families of children under the age of 13 may receive child care financial assistance to cover a portion or, in some cases, all of the costs for child care so that parents can work, search for work, attend school or participate in training. Child care assistance is available only for children under the age of 13 in any of these circumstances:

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Deer Crossing is a district/ community based transition program to assist adult student with disabilities to develop independent living and employment skills.

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Deer Park ISD's Transition Program for Adult Students with Disabilities

Deer Crossing is a district/community based transition program developed to assist students with disabilities in moving from high school to adult life once they have completed all of their high school graduation requirements and are still in need of assistance mastering their transition goals that were determined by the ARD committee.

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Deer Park ISD is located in Deer Park, TX.

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Locations near Deer Park

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Career Office Locations | Workforce Solutions - Workforce Solutions

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Workforce Solutions offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Hours vary at each Information Center. To reach Workforce Solutions toll free, call 1 (888) 469-5627. To check the status of current financial aid application, call 1 (888) 600-5936.

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Opportunities for Summer Training Program (Strength, Conditioning and Sport Specific Training)

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This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

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Transition services are a coordinated set of activities designed to help the child move from school to post-school activities.

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On this page you will find information about transition from school settings to post-school settings. This transition process should begin as early as possible but formally begins when a student with a disability turns 16 (19 TAC §89.1055(g)(1-9) and 34 CFR §300.320(b)). Post-school settings and activities include:

Post-secondary education;

Vocational education;

Integrated employment (including supported employment);

Continuing and adult education;

Adult services;

Independent living; and

Community participation.

As early as possible, schools should begin developing programs and services, based on a student's strengths, preferences, and interests that focus on:

Instruction;

Related services;

Community experiences;

Development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives; and

If appropriate, daily living skills and a functional vocational evaluation (34 CFR 300.43).

Helpful resources related to transition planning are provided below.

State Resources

As of September 1, 2018, a Notice of Transfer of Rights Model Form with Information and Resources is available for use by school districts in notifying students and parents about information and resources regarding guardianship and alternatives to guardianship. Included is a list of government services and public benefits for which referral may be appropriate. A Spanish-language Transfer of Rights Model Form is also available.

A Local Education Agency (LEA) is required, not later than one year before the 18th birthday of a student with a disability, to provide to the student and the student's parent:

1. Written notice regarding the transfer of rights and information and information and resources regarding guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, including supported decision-making agreement and other supports and services that may enable the student to live independently; and

2. Ensure that the student's IEP includes a statement that the district provided written notice.

Additionally, the LEA is required to provide information regarding guardianship or alternatives to guardianship, if the student or student's parents request it.

The Student-Centered Transitions Network is led by The Garrett Center on Transition and Disability Studies. The Garrett Center coordinates statewide activities designed to build collaborative infrastructures among students, families, schools, districts, and communities to equip all students with disabilities to be actively involved in planning, communicating, and evaluating progress in meeting their transition goals from early childhood through high school graduation and post-secondary readiness.

The Texas Transition and Employment Guide (and Spanish version) provides information on statewide services and programs that assist students with disabilities in the transition to life outside of the public school system. Comments or additional thoughts can be sent to sped@tea.texas.gov.

A Legal Framework addressing Transition Services is available from ESC 18.

The Texas Project First website provides parents with information about Special Education in Texas. On the site's home page, parents will find information most relevant to the age group of their child. Transition topics can be found under Age Ranges 11-16 and 17 -21.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) participated with the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission on an Employment-First Task Force, created by the 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2013). During its tenure, the task force was responsible for promoting competitive employment opportunities that provide a living wage for individuals with disabilities, including the state's Employment-First Policy. TEA formally adopted the policy.

Effective September 1, 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The MOU is to promote collaboration in the delivery of transition services, including pre-employment transition services, for students with disabilities transitioning from secondary education to employment and independent living mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), as amended, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The implementing regulations for both WIOA and IDEA require the formalization of interagency agreements concerning the transition services for students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The MOU will help improve the dissemination of information about TWC's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services and specify the process TEA and TWC will use to develop and update the mechanism used to target students.

State Agencies

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is a 27-member board that ensures all Texans with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to become independent, productive and valued members of their communities. The Council works to ensure that the service delivery system provides comprehensive services and supports that are easy to access and that are cost effective.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board helps Texas meet the goals of the state's higher education plan, Closing the Gaps by 2015. Meeting these goals means a bright future of economic vitality, social independence, and civic engagement for the citizens of Texas.

National Resources

The following resources provide information at the national level:

The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) has been providing dedicated leadership to continuously improve educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities in the states and federal territories for 70 years. Focusing on policies and practices to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities is critical to ensuring their full participation and contribution in education, employment and society.

National Center on Secondary Education and Transition coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.

The Post-Outcomes Network assists with the dissemination of research findings and develops professional papers, briefs, teaching materials, and other publications designed to share information with a wide and diverse audience about research, promising practices, and policy recommendations.

The National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities supports the national implementation IDEA provisions to ensure successful school outcomes for students with disabilities by assisting local education agencies to increase school completion rates and decrease dropout rates among students with disabilities.

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)assists states in building capacity to support and improve transition planning, services, and outcomes for youth with disabilities. Objectives include assisting State Education Agencies with collecting data on IDEA (2004) Part B State Performance Plan Indicator 13 and using that data to improve transition services.

The US Department of Education OSEP improves results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities aged birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to states and local districts.

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On this page you will find information about transition from school settings to post-school settings. This transition process should begin as early as possible but formally begins when a student with a disability turns 16 (19 TAC §89.1055(g)(1-9) and 34 CFR §300.320(b)).

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We help young adults ages 14 - 22 with services in preparing for life after high school.

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The Summer Earn & Learn program (SEAL) helps students with disabilities get ready for work and gain paid work experience with a nearby employer. With the support of Vocational Rehabilitation, students receive the help they need to do well.

During SEAL, students work hands-on for at least five weeks.

They earn a paycheck while learning new skills and gaining professional experience.

They also learn about the employer's industry, acquiring knowledge and experience that will help them succeed in education after high school and in their future jobs.

SEAL is a collaboration between:

Local employers

The Texas Workforce Commission

The state's 28 Local Workforce Boards

Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services

These partners work together to create meaningful work opportunities for students with disabilities.

Employer benefits by participating in SEAL:

Hiring people with disabilities gives employers a competitive advantage, allowing them to meet their demand for skilled workers.

SEAL provides employers with the chance to work with individuals with disabilities, helping them meet their recruitment needs and mentor future talent.

Employers gain engaged and enthusiastic team members through the program.

Participating in SEAL is free for employers and includes:

Employees for short-term summer projects (about 5-8 weeks)

Wages and Workers Compensation paid directly to participants

Reasonable accommodations provided

Additional on-the-job training as needed

Site visits to monitor participants and ensure success

If you're interested in SEAL, whether as an employer or a student, you can contact your local Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services office for more information: www.twc.texas.gov/VRNearMe

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Vocational Rehabilitation - Youth & Students

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Vocational Rehabilitation for Youth and Students helps young adults ages 14 - 22 with services in preparing for life after high school. Find important information about eligibility and links to resources here.

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There are many alternatives to guardianship that give people with disabilities support to make decisions without taking away their rights.

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For information related to this topic that is provided in American Sign Language (ASL), visit our Supported Decision-Making Videos in ASL page.

There are many alternatives to guardianship that give people with disabilities support to make decisions without taking away their rights.

Texas law recognizes supported decision-making agreements (SDMA) as an alternative to guardianship. SDMAs allow people with disabilities to make their own decisions and stay in charge of their lives while receiving the help and assistance they need to do so.

You can use the resources provided on this page to create an SDMA, or you can submit a request for DRTx to assist you with the process.

Handouts

Publications

Videos

External Links

Related Items

Disability Rights Texas is a 501(c)(3). Employer Identification Number (EIN): 74-1916289. | Copyright Disability Rights Texas 2024

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Supported decision making is an alternative to guardianship that allows individuals to make their own decisions and stay in charge of their lives.

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Texas Medicaid waivers are a gateway to getting services for your child. Waivers let states use Medicaid funds for long-term home and community-based services for people with disabilities or special health care needs in order to help them live in the community.

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Texas Medicaid waivers are a gateway to getting services for your child. We don't want to tell you what to do, but we strongly suggest that you consider adding your child to the waiver interest list(s), which many parents call "waiting lists," if you haven't already done so.

Even if you hope your child will never need those services, it is important that they be added to the interest list for any program(s) that might meet their needs. Your child might have to wait a long time to get services through the waiver. You can always decline the services once your child moves to the top of the list.

Many parents say they wish they had signed up for the waiver interest lists when their child was born or first diagnosed. Some of the interest lists have more than a 15-year wait time.

We know this page has a lot of information for you to take in. It's okay if you don't absorb everything here in one visit. Take a deep breath and come back as much as you want or need to.

What Are Waivers and How Do They Work?

Waivers let states use Medicaid funds for long-term home and community-based services for people with disabilities or special health care needs in order to help them live in the community.

Before the creation of waiver programs, people had to live in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions like State Supported Living Centers or Residential Treatment Centers so Medicaid would pay for long-term services.

Some of the services you can get with a waiver are:

Personal care for help with things like bathing or dressing

Nursing care

Home modifications like ramps

Car modifications

Respite care

Certain therapies

They are named "waivers" because certain Medicaid requirements are waived (meaning they don't apply). For example, family income. All but one waiver are based on just the child's income alone. Your child's income means any money that they personally have earned or are paid-not your whole family's income.

Besides getting these additional services, people who receive waiver long-term services and supports also get full Medicaid health care benefits. This is a huge help for children and adults who have complicated medical needs and no other health insurance.

Texas has seven waivers. Each one has its own interest list. Consider adding your child to all the interest lists based on their identified diagnosis and current needs. You don't know what future needs your child might have. You might want to place them on as many of the lists as possible.

Waivers are managed by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

When there is room for your child or young adult on one of the waiver programs, they will come off of the interest list for the program with the opening. You may choose to continue to leave your child's name on interest lists for other waiver programs. This is when HHSC and/or DSHS will review diagnostic and other information to decide if your child meets the waiver requirements. Depending on the waiver, you might be asked for information about their medical, psychological, and developmental history, as well as financial and income eligibility. The eligibility information that is needed changes based on the waiver. The comparison of Texas Medicaid waiver programs chart gives you more details about what is needed for each of the waivers.

How to Add Your Child to Interest Lists

You do not have to prove your child is eligible before adding them to the waiver interest lists. Your child will go through this process once they move to the top of the list. Only then is the eligibility information reviewed and used to decide if your child can enroll.

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.

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.

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.

Texas Medicaid Waivers

Click on the links below for more information:

Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS): gives home and community-based supports to children and adults with related conditions. There are over 200 related conditions, like cerebral palsy and spina bifida. The related condition must have occurred before the child was age 22.

Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD): gives services for children and adults who are deaf-blind or have a related condition that leads to deaf-blindness, and who have another disability.

Home and Community-based Services (HCS): gives services and supports to children and adults with an intellectual disability (ID) or a related condition who live with their families, in their own homes, or in small group homes with no more than 4 people.

Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP): gives services to children and adults who are 20 and younger who are medically fragile as an alternative to receiving services in a nursing facility.

STAR+PLUS Home and Community-based Services (HCBS): gives services to adults over the age of 21 to keep them in their community and not in a nursing home facility.

Texas Home Living (TxHmL): gives services to children and adults with an intellectual disability (ID) or a related condition who live in their own home or their family's home.

Youth Empowerment Services (YES): gives home and community-based services to children under the age of 19 who otherwise would need psychiatric inpatient care or whose parents would turn to state custody for care.

Important Tips About Interest (Waiting) Lists

Consider adding your child to as many waiver interest lists as possible when your child is first diagnosed with a disability or special health care needs. You should also think about adding your child to the lists even if they aren't diagnosed but have reason to believe that your child will have a long-term disability or special health care needs. If your child no longer needs the service when they come off the interest list, you can tell them you do not want the waiver. If you refuse a waiver slot offer for your child once they are at the top of the interest list, your child's name will be placed at the bottom of the interest list again.

Ask for an email confirmation or a mailed letter when you add your child to the Medicaid waiver interest lists. Keep this in a safe place.

It is very important to keep your address and contact phone numbers updated. If your child moves to the top of the interest list and they can't reach you, your child will be dropped from the list. They might also call you or send you a letter to see if your child still needs services. If they can't reach you, they might take your child off the list.

At least once a year, call to update your contact information. Most parents remember by calling around their child's birthday. During these calls, you can also find out where your child is on the list. Write it down in a safe place, like your care notebook, so you can keep track of how far your child moves up the list each year. See our Organizing Medical Records page for more information about care notebooks.

Once your child moves to the top of an interest list, a service coordinator, case manager, or nurse will schedule a home visit. This will start the process of determining if your child is able to enroll in one of the waiver programs. You can also research the waiver program beforehand to learn what it takes for your child to get services.

Your child can remain on other waiver interest lists while receiving waiver services. They just can't receive services from more than one waiver program at the same time. For example, your child is receiving MDCP services. They move to the top of the CLASS interest list and are approved for CLASS services, you will have to pick between the two programs. You might want to connect with other parents who have done this before.

If you have other health insurance through an employer and your child is enrolled in a waiver program, you might be reimbursed for health insurance premiums through the Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program. Once your child starts receiving waiver services, call your local utility company about possible discounts on electricity, water, and wastewater bills, if your child lives in your home. Depending on income, your family might also be able to receive food stamps (SNAP benefits).

Most of the waivers offer the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) choice for at least some, if not all, of the program's services. Also known as "self-directed services," this gives you more personal control over how your child's services are delivered, and many parents prefer it. For example, parents who pick the CDS choice serve as the employer for their child's attendants. They are able to interview, hire / fire, and train them. It can take up a lot of your time. You might want to check out our connecting with other parents page to learn from other parents.

If your child has an intellectual disability or a condition related to an ID, and is in a crisis or has high medical needs, call your LIDDA to ask about diversion slots. You can search for your LIDDA's telephone number on the HHSC website. These slots are for extreme cases only, such as a critical health crisis that puts the family at risk of placing the child in a state-supported living center. If approved, your child moves to the top of the HCS interest list.

Quotes from Parents

"Our son has been receiving MDCP services for 4 years, and we don't know what we would do without this waiver program. It has allowed us to care for him at home and provides services we wouldn't otherwise be able to afford."

"We are still waiting. We started on the CLASS list at number 50,000 and now we are down to number 8,000. We've been waiting for 9 years. I should have done it sooner."

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Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs for Children with Disabilities | Navigate Life Texas

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Parents of children with disabilities in Texas should consider adding their child to Medicaid waiver interest list(s), even if they hope their child will never need those services.

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SSI - Social Security Income for Disability

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SSI - Social Security Income for Disability

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SSI benefits for those who have a disability and have a hard time paying for essentials (food, clothing, home).

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Apply for Social Security Benefits | SSA

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Different ways to apply for Social Security benefits.

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We help young adults ages 14 - 22 with services in preparing for life after high school.

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The Summer Earn & Learn program (SEAL) helps students with disabilities get ready for work and gain paid work experience with a nearby employer. With the support of Vocational Rehabilitation, students receive the help they need to do well.

During SEAL, students work hands-on for at least five weeks.

They earn a paycheck while learning new skills and gaining professional experience.

They also learn about the employer's industry, acquiring knowledge and experience that will help them succeed in education after high school and in their future jobs.

SEAL is a collaboration between:

Local employers

The Texas Workforce Commission

The state's 28 Local Workforce Boards

Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services

These partners work together to create meaningful work opportunities for students with disabilities.

Employer benefits by participating in SEAL:

Hiring people with disabilities gives employers a competitive advantage, allowing them to meet their demand for skilled workers.

SEAL provides employers with the chance to work with individuals with disabilities, helping them meet their recruitment needs and mentor future talent.

Employers gain engaged and enthusiastic team members through the program.

Participating in SEAL is free for employers and includes:

Employees for short-term summer projects (about 5-8 weeks)

Wages and Workers Compensation paid directly to participants

Reasonable accommodations provided

Additional on-the-job training as needed

Site visits to monitor participants and ensure success

If you're interested in SEAL, whether as an employer or a student, you can contact your local Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services office for more information: www.twc.texas.gov/VRNearMe

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Vocational Rehabilitation - Youth & Students

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Vocational Rehabilitation for Youth and Students helps young adults ages 14 - 22 with services in preparing for life after high school. Find important information about eligibility and links to resources here.

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Guardianship is a legal relationship where an individual (the guardian) is appointed by a court to make decisions and manage the personal and financial affairs of an incapacitated person (the ward).

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What is Guardianship?

Some people may need a guardian if they are unable to make decisions, care for themselves, or manage personal or financial affairs due to a mental or physical disability.

Guardianship is a legal relationship where an individual (the guardian) is appointed by a court to make decisions and manage the personal and financial affairs of an incapacitated person (the ward). The guardian is typically responsible for ensuring the well-being and best interest of the person. In Texas, guardianship includes:

Hiring a lawyer

Filing an application with a court

Attending a hearing

Having a judge decide if a guardianship is necessary

Guardianship takes away a person's rights. Before filing a guardianship application, other options are usually tried first, such as:

Securing money management services or related tools to help the person manage money

A supported decision-making agreement

A power of attorney to help the person make decisions, including health care decisions

Enrolling the person in available community services, including Medicaid programs

Once a guardian is appointed, it takes court action to change the guardianship.

To learn more about the guardianship process in Texas, read:

HHS Guardianship Services Program

The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) has a Guardianship Services Program and becomes involved in guardianship in one of two ways:

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) refers adults 65 years or older, adults with disabilities, or youth aging out of conservatorship to HHS who they believe need a guardian.

In certain limited circumstances, the court directly requests HHS to be a guardian.

HHS is appointed guardian of individuals who have been impacted by abuse, neglect (including self-neglect), and/or exploitation.

When someone is referred to the Guardianship Services Program, HHS:

Determines if the person meets the Texas Estates Code definition of an incapacitated person and eligibility requirements of the Texas Administrative Code.

Identifies less restrictive alternatives to guardianship.

Identifies other people or organizations that are willing, able, and appropriate to serve as guardian.

Applies with the court to be appointed guardian when all alternatives have been exhausted and the person meets HHS criteria.

To request information or assistance please email the Guardianship Services Program.

Reports

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Guardianship | Texas Health and Human Services

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Some people need help managing their daily affairs because of their age, a disease or an injury. If this happens, a court of law may appoint a guardian for them.

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The HCS program provides services and supports to people with an intellectual disability (ID) or a related condition who live with their families, in their own homes, or in small group homes with no more than 4 beds.

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Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) | Navigate Life Texas