Click the tabs below to learn more about each service:

2-1-1 is a state-wide social service directory that provides information and referrals to state programs and various local non-profits. A live person will help you find assistance in your area. You can also visit 2-1-1 online: www.211Texas.org

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Services offered include: information and referral services; individual advocacy to address education, employment, health care and other concerns; self-advocacy initiatives; residential support; family support; employment programs; and leisure and recreational programs.

Contact:

• National ARC (for listing of chapters): 800-433-5255, www.thearc.org
• Arc of the Capital Area (Austin): 512-476-7044; www.arcofthecapitalarea.org
• Arc of Harris Co: 713-957-1600; https://www.thearchouston.org
• Arc of San Antonio: 210-490-4300 ext 104; www.arc-sa.org
• Arc of Smith County (Tyler): 903-597-0995; www.arcofsmithcounty.org

  Texas Parent to Parent provides support, networking, training, and resources to families and children in Texas who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, and/or special health care needs. The organization advocates on behalf of the children’s well-being and provides support groups to deal with the emotions, responsibilities, stress and isolation that families face when raising a child with a disability. TxP2P has resources throughout Texas. For a full list of locations and services, please visit their website.

Contact: 512- 458-8600, www.txp2p.org

Personal Care Services (PCS) is a respite program under Medicaid that provides attendant care contingent on income and medical necessity (if a child needs assistance with basic activities of daily living and the caregiver is not able to provide this and/or needs assistance providing this).

 To apply, contact: 1-888-276-0702

 Program overview: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-members/texas-health-steps/personal-care-services

Disability Rights Texas provides legal and advocacy services for people with disabilities. The following resources are available state-wide: accessibility, community living, education, employment, healthcare, housing, protection and civil rights, and transportation. Services are also available in Spanish.

Contact: 512-454-4816,  www.disabilityrightstx.org

https://abilityconnection.org/

Ability Connection Texas (ACT) provides a full range of services for people of all ages with physical and intellectual disabilities across Texas. These include therapeutic services, nursing and residential services, assistive technology, day programs, and educational and in-home services. ACT currently provides in-home services for the northern DFW area.

 Contact: 214-351-2500 , https://abilityconnection.org/

Easter Seals is a national organization with local branches in Texas. In addition to child development centers, physical rehabilitation, and job training, Easter Seals provides the following programs: autism services, children’s services, adult services, senior services, military and veterans, employment and training, medical rehabilitation, camping and recreation, and brain health services.

 Contact:

• (National) 800-221-6827, www.easterseals.com

Mental Health Mental Retardation is a state-wide organization that strives to enhance the mental health and intellectual development of people within their own individual communities. MHMRTC is based out of Fort Worth and provides the following services to individuals of all ages: mental health services, IDD services, addiction services, early childhood services, contracted provider services, and training. **For other MHMR locations across the state of Texas, visit HHSC.

 Contact: 817-335-3022, www.mhmrtc.org

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) provides families with children ages birth to 36 months with developmental delays the resources and support they need to reach their goals. In-home evaluations and therapy are available in most areas. ECI also provides parent education, general counseling, behavioral counseling, nutrition services, and assistance with ECSE enrollment (Early Childhood Special Education, formerly known as PPCD).

 Contact: 1-800-628-5115 or https://hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) investigates reports of abuse and neglect of children, provides services to children and families in their own homes, places children in foster care, provides services to help youth in foster care make the transition to adulthood, and places children in adoptive homes. CPS provides additional resources in both English and Spanish for families, young children, youth and young adults across Texas.

 Contact: 512-929-6900, 
https://dfps.texas.gov/

Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women is a state program that provides case management services to children with disabilities (age 20 and younger) and pregnant women (of any age) to help clients access medical services, medical equipment and supplies, and other resources and assistance. Clients are required to have Medicaid insurance in order to qualify for services. 

 Contact: 1-877-847-8377, https://www.txhealthsteps.com/case-management-services

Head Start is a nation-wide program that promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to 5 from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Head Start of Greater Dallas provides the following services to young children and their families: education, health, nutrition, family advocates, and special services in a classroom-based setting.

 Contact: 972-283-6400, www.hsgd.org 

To find programs in other areas visit: https://earlychildhood.texas.gov/

(for Tarrant County) The Child Study Center (CSC) provides diagnostic and treatment services to children who have, or are at risk for, developmental disabilities and related behavioral and emotional problems.The CSC is located in central Fort Worth and provides the following services: developmental-behavioral pediatric evaluation and treatment, psychological evaluation, medication management, applied behavior analysis, follow-up care for graduates of Neonatal Intensive Care Units, educational evaluations, behavior management classes for parents, and infant screening and assessment.

 Contact: 682-303-9200, www.cscfw.org

Metrocare Services (Dallas County) is a non-profit organization that cares for individuals and families struggling with mental illness, developmental disability, or severe emotional problems in clinics across Dallas, programs in the community, and in homes. Metrocare Services provides the following: adult services, autism services, early childhood services, child and adolescent services, behavior management, and mental retardation services. Metrocare Services also provides educational and community services.

Contact: 214-743-1200, or Toll Free: 877-283-2121, www.metrocareservices.org

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks provides services to individuals of all ages across the nation. Visit the website to find upcoming events in your area.

 www.autismspeaks.org

National Autism Association provides education, advocacy, and resources for individuals with Autism and their families.

Contact: 877-622-2884

Website: https://nationalautismassociation.org/

The Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas provides social and educational activities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers. DSP actively advocates for individuals with Down syndrome within the North Texas community. It provides resources for families, caregivers, medical professionals, educators and new parents of children with Down syndrome.

Contact: 682-316-3121, www.dspnt.org

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a national, nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS, and other neuromuscular diseases, through research, fundraising and campaigns. MDA provides comprehensive health care and support for families with MDA. Diagnostic and follow-up medical consultations, support groups, MDA summer camps, assistance with equipment repairs and modifications, and resource referrals are just a few of the services offered by MDA. Contact: 800-572-1717, www.mda.org

The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) serves adults and children who live with the challenges of Spina Bifida through education, advocacy, research and service. The SBA provides support groups, national and local resources, camps, scholarships, and more for those dealing with Spina Bifida. The SBA North Texas chapter is located in Garland.
Contact: (North Texas chapter) 972-238-8755, www.spinabifidant.org; (National SBA website): www.spinabifidaassociation.org

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a nation-wide organization that strives to enhance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network. UCP works to include individuals with disabilities into every area of life through education, advocating, and support services for individuals and families. The goal of UCP is to provide those with disabilities a life without limits. For a list of affiliates located in Texas, please visit the website. Contact: 800-872-5827 or 202-776-0406, www.ucp.org

Global Down Syndrome Foundation provides education, advocacy, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Visit the website to locate a Texas chapter near you.

Phone: 303-321-6277

Website: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/resources/local-organizations/texas-down-syndrome-organizations/

Navigate Life Texas is an extensive online resource directory for Texas famlies raising children with special needs.

Website: https://www.navigatelifetexas.org

Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECC) are day centers that provide skilled nursing services, medical care, and developmental services for individuals from birth through age 20 with medically complex conditions. A physician must prescribe the services. An individual may attend a PPECC up to a maximum of 12 hours per day.

Phone: 1-800-866-4726 

Website: https://prntexas.org/

Partners Resource Network is a free Texas advocacy program that helps educate, support, and empower parents of children with special needs as they apply for, navigate, and receive Special Education services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

Phone: 1-800-866-4726

Website: https://prntexas.org/

988 Lifeline is a national free mental health resource. Individuals can call 9-8-8 (or text 9-8-8) to talk or text with a trained counselor, available 24/7. The counselor can help with mental health struggles, emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence concerns, and alcohol or drug use concerns. The counselor will also help the caller locate mental health resources in the caller’s geographic area.

Website: https://988lifeline.org

Find Help is a national online resource directory to find free or reduced-cost programs in your area to help with food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

Website: https://www.findhelp.org

The Help List is a national online resource directory to find free or reduced-cost programs in your area to help with food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

Website: https://www.thehelplist.com