Agencies for Individuals with Autism in Texas

 

Life and Education Support

    In Texas, we make sure that students with disabilities and their families are able to live in peace and comfort. For that reason, there are multiple support services these individuals can take advantage of in order to thrive in school and in life. 

Disability Rights Texas

    Disability Rights Texas (DRTX) is "the protection and advocacy agency for Texans with disabilities" created in the 1970s. This agency was inspired by a news story covering the destitution and abuse going on in homes for children with disabilities. In 1975, Congress passed a law "saying that every state in the US needed to have an agency to protect and fight for the rights of people with disabilities". DRTX's main mission is to "help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society". 

    Disability Rights Texas is a great source for caretakers since it covers areas such as accessibility for individuals with disabilities, education, healthcare, community living, housing, employment, and more. 

    In regards to education, DRTX provides families of children with disabilities advocates and attorneys to improve academic opportunities. They work to ensure children with disabilities are not abused or secluded by school staff, are able to obtain proper assistance through assistive technology, have assistance transitioning to college and life outside of school, and more. 

    Visit their website at https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/en/home/.

    Apply for their services:

• Online by filling out an intake form . Visit https://securec24.ezhostingserver.com/drtx-org/WebIntake/ to apply
• By phone by calling 1-800-252-9108 and following their instructions
• Using a Sign Language Video Phone. The Sign Language Video Phone number is 1-866-362-2851. The Purple 2 Video Phone number is 512-271-9391. They are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time
• If the previous options are not accessible to you, you can request an accommodation for an alternative way to apply for services by emailing info@drtx.org

SpedTex

    SpedTex is the Special Education Information Center for Texas. It is a collaborative project between the Texas Education Agency and Region 10 ESC. Their goal is to "provide caretakers and educators with high-quality resources to enable students with disabilities to achieve the highest outcome". They also help connect families to special education partners and groups in the community. Check out their website to watch special education webinars; find events online and in the community; and learn more about Child Find, a resource for screenings, public awareness activities, and information about Early Childhood Intervention. 

Visit their website at https://www.spedtex.org/.

To contact SpedTex:

• Call 1-855-773-3839 to speak to a SpedTex representative
• Create a MySpedTex account 
• Visit the TEA/SpedTex offices at 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78701
• Fill out an email form