Local Chapters
About Our Member Chapters
Member chapters of The Arc vary in the supports and services that they provide within their communities depending on local needs and priorities. In some communities, The Arc member chapters directly provide residential, vocational and community-living support services. In other areas, where community MHMR Centers or other agencies provide basic community-based services, The Arc may provide a variety of ancillary services including parent support, self-advocacy programs, recreation and social experiences and respite care. Still others in small communities may serve primarily as family support groups. In all communities, The Arc serves as an advocate, working to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included in their home communities and be able to make the choices that affect their lives.
Supporting Member Chapters
The Arc of Texas works to build and support strong member chapters of The Arc throughout the state. We strive to help our more than 31 Texas member chapters become more active, independent, and mature by providing technical assistance and support at every step along the way. Whether you want to know more about an existing member chapter, or you’re interested in starting a member chapter in your part of the state, you have come to the right place! The Arc of Texas Member Services team provides the following direct services to all affiliated member chapters:
- State Updates: Up-to-date information about “the big picture” of disability state services trends, issues before the State legislature and latest changes in state agencies’ governance, plans, and procedures impacting Texans with disabilities.
- Leadership Training: Join other local volunteers at state conventions or regional workshops to develop or refine leadership skills, develop supportive relationships, and learn about innovative programs sponsored by other member chapters of The Arc.
- Board Orientation: These orientations brief incoming board members on their roles and responsibilities as leaders of The Arc.
- Strategic Planning: We offer practical, hands-on help in developing long-range goals and objectives for member chapters.
- New Member Chapter Development: We help developing chapters establish Bylaws and set up an appropriate leadership structure that will meet state and federal law requirements as they initiate volunteer activities in their communities.
- Technical Assistance to Comply with Affiliation Policies: Member chapters who want to be affiliated with The Arc of Texas and The Arc of the United States are required to meet certain fiscal and legal reporting requirements. We offer technical assistance and support to help member chapters maintain affiliation.
Panhandle
806-282-0535
El Paso
West Texas
432-264-0674
North Texas
Events in the Region
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, August 12
A Look Ahead Conference is a quarterly mini conference for families and individuals living with disability, the people who support them, and the community at large. CEU’s offered for Social Workers and Texas Educators, Other CE’s may apply per conference. Certificate of Participation Provided Upon Request at the end of the day. Arc Greater Mid Cities. More info.
Friday, August 18
Join The Arc Greater Mid Cities as they tour the Amon Carter Museum of American Art for this month’s Friday with Friends! Friday with Friends is a social gathering for individuals living with disability ages 14 & up. The Arc Greater Mid Cities. More info.
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 2
Buckle Up For Your ARD/IEP Road Trip! Do you feel like you need a GPS to even start to navigate through the special education planning process? Are you still wondering what is supposed to be an IEP and why? Would you love to be more confident in understanding IEPs and how to be heard at ARD meetings? Do you want to know how to stop getting those generic IEPs and truly have an Individualized one? This road trip is for all parents: new and seasoned, alike! The Arc Greater Mid Cities. More info.
Northeast Texas
Southeast Texas
Events in the Region
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 21
Join The Arc of Greater Houston for a fun-filled family afternoon at ComedySportz Houston to benefit the organization! Side-splitting, FAMILY-FRIENDLY, comedy improv show where teams battle for audience laughs. Limited seating available. Order your tickets early! The Arc of Greater Houston. More info.
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, November 3 to Saturday, November 4
The Arc of Greater Houston’s 2nd Annual Positive Futures Conference is expected to draw 200+ families of persons with IDD, teachers, professionals in disability services, advocates, policy makers, and adult service providers. National, state, and local speakers will be presenting on Employment, Person-centered Planning, Organizational Change, SSA Work Incentives, and other best practices in transition and adult services. The Arc of Greater Houston. More info.
South Coastal Area
Upper Central Texas
Lower Central Texas
Events in the Region
The Arc of the Capital Area was selected to present their Juvenile Justice Services program at The Arc US’ July conference in St. Louis, MO. They are also proud to announce the new Fall ACC Art Class Course starting August 28th. They have partnered with RunLab as part of an upcoming health and wellness track. The Arc of the Capital Area. More info.
SAVE THE DATES:
Planning for the Future Series 2017-2018 is a series of workshops designed to help self-advocates and parents/caregivers of children/young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities plan for the future. The Arc of San Antonio. More info.
Saturday, September 16: Long Term Services & Supports
Saturday, October 14: Guardianship & Alternatives
Saturday, November 11: Financial Planning
2018 Dates and info available in here.
The Arc of the Capital Area is proud to announce and congratulate Dr. Mary Van Haneghan on her national award for Program Innovation. Each year The Arc of the United States selects leaders across the country to receive recognition through their National Conference of Executives (NCE) Distinguished Professional Awards. This year we were thrilled to learn that our very own Executive Director is among the winners. Dr. Van Haneghan has been given the Program Innovation award for her collaboration with Austin Community College (ACC). The Arc of the Capital Area. More info.
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, October 4
The Achiever’s of the Year Awards Banquet is The Arc of San Antonio’s annual event, attended by over 400 guests, honoring individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities for their accomplishments. Achiever Awards are presented to 35-40 individuals (ages 0-99) with special needs who have mastered a task or achieved a major goal over the past year. Award winners are nominated by local nonprofits, businesses and group homes across San Antonio. The Arc of San Antonio. More info.
The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and selfdetermination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
