Advocating for Texans
with IDD

Promoting, protecting, and advocating for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)

LEARN MORE

Support our mission

Donate Now

Helpful Resources

Here’s our most requested resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

  • Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waivers: A waiver helps people with disabilities live and work in their community, instead of living in an institution – but hundreds of thousands of Texans are waiting on a waiver. Get step-by-step instructions to find your place on the waitlists or to join waitlists.
  • The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust: Enroll in our Master Pooled Trust, a vital solution for managing your funds while preserving eligibility for government benefits. Since 1997, The Arc of Texas has managed the Trust for Texans with disabilities with pre-approval from the Social Security Administration and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
  • IDEA Manual: A Guide for Texas Parents and Students on Special Education Rights: Plan your child’s education with this overview of requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), intended to ensure all students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
  • Alternatives to Guardianship: Many Texans with IDD are placed under full guardianship despite having the ability to make their own choices. Explore biases in guardianship cases, alternatives to guardianship, and next steps needed to protect the rights of Texans with IDD.
  • I’d Rather Be Working Guide: Work is a fundamental part of adulthood, and people with IDD have skills the workforce needs! This is a roadmap to understanding how you can work with your disability – how to get a job, navigate benefits like Medicaid and Social Security, and find employment services.
  • Moving to Texas Resources: Wondering about insurance, medical care, services, school, equipment and more? Find answers and connect with other parents of children with disabilities through Navigate Life Texas. Additionally, you can find your Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority.

In Their Words

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. Hear from members of The Arc of Texas about how the ADA has shaped where we are today and what their hopes are for the future.

Established in 1997, The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust remains the first and only Texas-based Special Needs Trust designed to improve the quality of life for all individuals with disabilities while providing resources for their ongoing supplemental needs.
Affordable & Accessible

Low fees for establishing and maintaining a sub-account compared to a traditional bank trust.

Value for the Individual

Use your trust funds without jeopardizing your means-tested government benefits, like SSI or Medicaid.

Safe & Secure

Simple and prompt disbursement procedures so beneficiaries and their families can use the funds to meet the beneficiary's needs.

Value for Families

Protect and administer inherited money in a professional, caring, and cost-effective manner.

Donate today! Allies of The Arc of Texas help us:

  • Protect and enforce the civil rights of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
  • Promote the expectation that Texans with IDD are valued members of the workforce
  • Ensure all Texas students with IDD have access to high-quality inclusive education
  • Focus on making meaningful change to enhance the lives of all Texans with IDD
  • and so much more!

Donate Now