Whole Person Project - Mental Health and IDD

Addressing Inequities in Mental Health Services for Texans with IDD

The Arc of Texas is uniquely positioned to help identify and address mental health care disparities experienced by Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

In year five, funded by a grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), we are reaching out to organizations working in this space to get their perspective on what’s working and what’s not — because we know those closest to the problem are also closest to the solution. We’re thrilled to welcome Alex Stuckey, Pulitzer Prize investigative journalist, to our staff to help with this phase of the work.

Stay tuned for the release of our in-depth report and recommendations for systemic policy change, an on-demand course for mental health providers about working with people with IDD, and more.

Earlier in this project, we worked with the Center for START Services (CSS) to conduct a provider systems analysis in Texas. The results from the study indicated a need for increased access to mental health/IDD cross-training, information sharing, and collaboration throughout the health service delivery system. We also interviewed self-advocates about their experience at the intersection of mental health and IDD.

Docuseries: At the Intersection
of Mental Health and IDD

There Is Always Hope

IDD Advocate James Meadours sat down with us to detail his journey as a longtime Texan accessing state supportive services. James is a former board member of The Arc of Texas.

I Want to Be Independent

Wanting to live on her own, Brandy Rios struggles with her living situation because she’s on a seemingly never-ending waiting list for state services. Her thirst for independence living with Cerebral Palsy is attainable, but the wait for quality supports is tough.

Texas Is Dead-Last in the Country

When Kelly McCarthy moved to Texas with her mother, they had no idea how challenging it would be to receive state services for Kelly’s disabilities. Kelly and her mom discuss their experience.

A Single Twig Breaks, But a Bundle is Strong

When Judith Laufer of the San Antonio League of Self-Advocates met Pat Carnal and Suzie Breckons, she wanted to help them live their lives and honor their self determination. Individually, there were limited resources – but by pooling them, the results have been remarkable!

^{This project is supported by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C., 20201. Grant number available by request. Grantees receiving government sponsorship are encouraged to express their findings and conclusions. Opinions do not necessarily represent official TCDD or ACL policy.}