Resource Library
Civil Rights and JusticePeople with IDD deserve fair treatment in the criminal justice system.
Webinar: Know Your Rights as a Person With a Disability in the Criminal Justice System (The Arc U.S.)
Guide to Navigating the Criminal Justice System (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability: Request Assistance
Health Care and U.S. Immigration Enforcement: What Providers Need to Know (for chapters of The Arc U.S.)
Community Supports and ServicesPeople with IDD have the right to live and thrive in their communities.
Contact your local chapter of The Arc to learn about direct services in your area
Contact your Local IDD Authority to learn about regional supports and services
Medicaid Waivers: Learn the six options, how to join waitlists or find your place in line
Get help navigating Texas systems (Navigate Life Texas)
Moving to Texas? Here's what you need to know
Training for parents of children with disabilities (Partners Resource Network)
Support groups and online trainings to help parents become their child's greatest expert (VELA)
Employment RightsPeople with IDD deserve fair, competitive, and integrated job opportunities.
ID/D Rather Be Working Guide: About employment for Texans with IDD, navigating work and government benefits, and more.
Education RightsStudents with IDD deserve access to a free and appropriate public education.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Manual: Plan your child's special education
En Español | IDEA Manual: Guía para padres y alumnos de Texas sobre los derechos de la educación especial
Special Education Information Center (SPEDTEX)
Find advocates for ARD meetings (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates)
Private School Vouchers and Students with Disabilities: Understanding the Options and Impact
Information for Parents About the Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA)
Finances and Government BenefitsManage your financial security and plan for the future.
The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust: A solution for managing funds while preserving government benefits eligibility
The Arc's Center for Future Planning: Plan for every stage of life, and especially when a caregiver will no longer be available
Letter of Intent: Outline daily needs, supports, and legal and financial matters (from The Arc of Texas)
Sample Letter of Intent (The Arc of Texas)
Health and Mental HealthAppropriate whole-health care is critical to the wellbeing of people with IDD.
A guide to mental health, sexual health, and health care access for Texans with IDD (Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities)
Mental Health and IDD: Contact your Local Mental Health or Behavioral Health Authority for regional supports and services
Mental Health and IDD: Learn about this dual-diagnosis and hear personal stories through our docuseries (The Arc of Texas Whole Person Project)
Mental Health and IDD: Investigative report — “Out of Options: Addressing Inequities in Care for Texans with IDD and Mental Illness” (The Arc of Texas)
Mental Health and IDD: On-Demand Course for Mental Health Providers Working with People with IDD
HousingPeople with IDD deserve to live in the communities of their choice.
Eviction and Reasonable Accommodations Resource (Disability Rights Texas)
How to Report Housing Discrimination (Disability Rights Texas)
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs)
Project Access (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs program helps people transition out of institutional settings)
LegalCertified Elder Law Attorneys (CLEA) understand disability benefits, estate planning, wills, and special needs trusts.
Texas Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA)
Texas Legal Services Center provides names of attorneys who offer services at a reduced rate (1-800-622-2520)
Policy AdvocacyAdvocacy helps elected officials make policy decisions that support Texans with IDD.
The Arc of Texas Policy Pillars: Our focus areas
Advocacy Toolkit: Learn about the Texas Legislature and how you can help shape our state's policies (The Arc of Texas)
Tools and tips to help you advocate on public policy issues (Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities)
Find Your Rep: Determine who your elected officials are and how to contact them (State of Texas)
Accessible Voting: People with disabilities can and should exercise their right to vote (Disability Rights Texas)
Supported Decision MakingMaintain the independence of Texans with disabilities while planning for the supports they need at every stage.
Alternatives to Guardianship: Many Texans with IDD are placed under guardianship unnecessarily (The Arc of Texas)
Supported Decision Making Guide (Disability Rights Texas)
Help for Supporters Under a Supported Decision-Making Agreement (Texas Appleseed)
Helping Your Child Make Decisions (Navigate Life Texas)
Educated Decision Making When Your Child Turns 18 (The Arc of Texas)
Find Help Near You
Local chapters of The Arc of Texas are located throughout the state and provide support and services for individuals with disabilities. Find your local chapter here. Additionally, your Local IDD Authority (LIDDA) and Local Mental Health/Behavioral Health Authority (LMHA) can help you navigate resources available to you or your loved one.