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
Tuesday, June 6
You are invited to join the Arc Greater Mid Cities (GMC) General Meeting & Dinner. Filled with an evening of food, fellowship and a celebration of accomplishments along with keynote speaker Debbie Wilkes. Arc GMC members will vote on proposed changes to our bylaws and a state of the agency report will be provided. Cost: $10. Arc GMC members attend at no cost. RSVP required. Arc Greater Mid Cities. More info.
Saturday, June 17
Access-Life is all about BRIDGING THE GAP between individuals and families affected by disabilities and Christ honoring churches, organizations and people through wholesome and fun events and activities! This is a FREE event for individuals and families living with any disability and of all ages. Arc Greater Mid Cities. More info.
Tuesday, June 27
This month’s Coffee Talk features Assistive Technology – Uses in School & Beyond. Does your child require assistive technology in order to access the general curriculum? To increase or just to maintain skills? What about when school is over and they move into post-secondary education settings or they get a job? Come explore all the uses of assistive technology for the school years and beyond in this informative session! Arc Greater Mid Cities. More info.
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.
Northeast Texas
Southeast Texas
South Coastal Area
Upper Central Texas
Lower Central Texas
Events in the Region
The Arc of the Capital Area was recently re-awarded the Guardianship Case Management program for fiscal years 2018-2022. This next contract will include alternatives to guardianship, or Supported Decision Making option, with guidance regarding which options might be best for individuals seeking guardianship or alternatives to guardianship. The program originally provides the services with waived court costs for those who fall under the 200% Federal Poverty Level, however, a new category will be served by allowing an option for those who fall between the Federal Poverty Level of 200%-250% with a slight court fee. This increase will in able us to reach more families in need. 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 Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and selfdetermination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
