Information & Referral

The Arc of Texas' information and referral team works daily to compile the most up-to-date information and resources available to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Through our web site, our audio/video lending library, ready-to-mail information packets, and personalized, over-the phone assistance, The Arc of Texas helps thousands of families each year. The Arc maintains an extensive database of community resources, service providers, and other disability-related information. We also prepare ready-to-mail packets on timely disability issues, including:

• Guardianship and Estate Planning
• Inclusive Education
• Community Living
• Employment
• Insurance for People with Disabilities

For telephone assistance or to request an information packet call:
1-800-252-9729 or (512) 454-6694 ext. 112 for Rona Statman.

The Arc of the United States Question & Answer Fact Sheets
Advocacy Inc. Handouts

Information Packets

The Arc of Texas has prepared a series of comprehensive information packets on some of the most frequently requested disability-related issues. The packets are constantly reviewed and updated to ensure that the information you receive is as up-to-date as possible. There is no charge for mailing a single packet. Simply contact us, and we will send you a packet right away: 1-800-252-9729, (512) 454-6694.

Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Regular School Settings Packet contains the following information:
We will send the most up-to-date information available at the time of your request.
Click here for the "It’s a New IDEA Manual"

Employment for Persons with Disabilities Packet contains the following information:

1. "Employment of People with Mental Retardation"
2. "Laws Prohibiting Employment Discrimination"
3. "Filing a Charge of Employment Discrimination"
4. "The ADA and Employment"
5. "Traditional Supported Employment: A Brief Overview with a Focus on Next Steps"
6. "Pacer Publications' Supported Employment Resources"
7. "Disability Employment Awareness" from the Washington Watch, October, 1997
8. "The Texas Employment Project Information Sheet"
9. "The Vocational Rehabilitation System in Texas"
10. "Everybody Works"
11. "How to Maintain Eligibility for Medicaid with the Social Security Work Incentive 1619 A & B"
12. "Blind Work Expenses--SSI Work Incentive for People Who Are Blind"
13. "Understanding the Social Security Work Incentive Plans for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)"

Guardianship and Estate Planning Packet contains the following information:

1. "Guardianship for Texans with Disabilities"
2. "Estate Planning Guidelines for Parents of a Family Member with a Disability"
3. Brochure on The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust
4. Letter from the manager of The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust
5. "Future Planning: Guardianship and People with Mental Retardation"
6. "Future Planning: Making Financial Arrangements with a Trust"

Community Living Packet contains the following information:

1. "Community Living"
2. The Home and Community-based Services Waiver
3. "Legal Rights of Residents of Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions (ICF/MR/RC)
4. Texas "Home of Your Own" Coalition brochure
5. "The Self-Advocacy Movement"
6. Texas Advocates Information
7. "The Future is Now! A Guide to Person-Centered Planning"
8. "Texas Self-Determination Partnership-Project Description"
9. "Learned Helplessness"
10. Impact feature issue on aging and developmental disabilities
11. Impact feature issue on the social inclusion of adults with developmental disabilities
12. Impact feature issue on self-determination
13. Impact feature issue on self-advocacy

Insurance and Persons with Disabilities Packet contains the following information:

1. "Discrimination in Insurance"
2. "Health Insurance Risk Pool About to Open"
3. "What Texans with Disabilities Should Know About Insurance: Your Rights: How to Use Them and How to Get Help"
4. "Federal Health Care Reform and the Texas Insurance Risk Pool"