Resource Library
Civil Rights and JusticePeople with IDD deserve fair treatment in the criminal justice system.
Related resources coming soon
Community Supports and ServicesPeople with IDD have the right to live and thrive in their communities.
Contact your local chapter of The Arc to learn about direct services in your area
Contact your Local IDD Authority to learn about regional supports and services
Medicaid Waivers: Learn the six options, how to join waitlists or find your place in line
Navigate Life Texas: Get help navigating Texas systems
Moving to Texas? Here's what you need to know
Partners Resource Network: Training for parents of children with disabilities
VELA: Support groups and online trainings to help parents become their child's greatest expert
Employment RightsPeople with IDD deserve fair, competitive, and integrated job opportunities.
ID/D Rather Be Working Guide: About employment for Texans with IDD, navigating work and government benefits, and more.
Education RightsStudents with IDD deserve access to a free and appropriate public education.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Manual: Plan your child's special education
En Español | IDEA Manual: Guía para padres y alumnos de Texas sobre los derechos de la educación especial
Special Education Information Center
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: Find advocates for ARD meetings
Finances and Government BenefitsManage your financial security and plan for the future.
The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust: A solution for managing funds while preserving government benefits eligibility
The Arc's Center for Future Planning: Plan for every stage of life, and especially when a caregiver will no longer be available
About Letters of Intent: Outline daily needs, supports, and legal and financial matters (from The Arc of Texas)
Sample Letter of Intent
Health and Mental HealthAppropriate whole-health care is critical to the wellbeing of people with iDD.
A guide to mental health, sexual health, and health care access for Texans with IDD (Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities)
Mental Health and IDD: Contact your Local Mental Health or Behavioral Health Authority for regional supports and services
Mental Health and IDD: Learn about this dual-diagnosis and hear personal stories through our docuseries (The Arc of Texas Whole Person Project)
Mental Health and IDD: Investigative report — “Out of Options: Addressing Inequities in Care for Texans with IDD and Mental Illness” (The Arc of Texas)
HousingPeople with IDD deserve to live in the communities of their choice.
Related resources coming soon
LegalCLEA certified attorneys understand disability benefits, estate planning, wills, and special needs trusts.
Texas Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA)
Texas Legal Services Center (1-800-622-2520) provides names of attorneys who offer services at a reduced rate
Policy AdvocacyAdvocacy helps elected officials make policy decisions that support Texans with IDD.
Advocacy Toolkit: Learn about the Texas Legislature and how you can help shape our state's policies (The Arc of Texas)
More tools and tips to help you advocate on public policy issues (Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities)
Find Your Rep: Determine who your elected officials are and how to contact them
The Arc of Texas Policy Pillars: Learn about our focus areas and our policy priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session
Accessible Voting: People with disabilities can and should exercise their right to vote (Disability Rights Texas)
Supported Decision MakingMaintain the independence of Texans with disabilities while planning for the supports they need at every stage.
Alternatives to Guardianship from The Arc of Texas: Many Texans with IDD are placed under guardianship unnecessarily
Disability Rights Texas: Supported Decision Making Guide
Texas Appleseed: Help for Supporters Under a Supported Decision-Making Agreement
Navigate Life Texas: Helping Your Child Make Decisions
Educated Decision Making When Your Child Turns 18
Find Help Near You
Local chapters of The Arc of Texas are located throughout the state and provide support and services for individuals with disabilities. Find your local chapter here. Additionally, your Local IDD Authority (LIDDA) and Local Mental Health/Behavioral Health Authority (LMHA) can help you navigate resources available to you or your loved one.