Compiled by the Parent and School Support Team, 414-3543 or 414-0955, For comments or corrections, call 414-2049.

Funding and Services | Helpful Resource Numbers
National Resources | Internet Resources

There are 2 waiting lists you should get on now for services that will make a big difference later:  CLASS (877-438-5658) and MRLA (483-5800).  These services provide funding for therapies, assisted/supported living, home modifications, nursing, and more.  Waiting lists are years long—sign up now.

Funding and Services

Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation
Linkages to other services and wait lists, respite, in-home and family support, case-management.
(512) 472-4357

Children with Special Healthcare Needs
Department of Health - provides case management and supports family-centered, community based strategies for improving quality of life for children with special health care needs.
(800) 252-8023   http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/cshcn/default.shtm

MDCP (Medically Dependent Children’s Program)
Department of Human Services- provides a variety of services.  Waiting list.
(877) 438-5658  

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Monthly payment and/or Medicaid; dependent on income and disability.
Austin/Travis County (512) 916-5404 or Toll Free (800) 772-1213.

Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Advocacy for Texans who are deaf or hard of hearing (all ages). Services and programs for Texans who are blind or visually impaired (all ages), including transition services (ages 13-22). Assistance in vocational rehabilitation and job counseling for Texans with disabilities (all ages).
DARS Inquiries line: (800) 628-5115   www.dars.state.tx.us

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Helpful Resource Numbers
Compiled by the Parent and School Support Team, 414-3543 or 414-0955, Fall 2002
For comments or corrections, call 414-2049.

Family resources within AISD:

Family Support Cooperative
Support and informational meetings every Tuesday night during the school semester at Rosedale School.  Includes free pizza, free childcare, and sibling activities.  To learn more, call 414-0955.

Parent & School Support Team
Referral information, problem-solving between schools and families, help with transitions.
414-0955.

Arc of the Capital Area
Respite, parent-to-parent matches, food and clothing pantry, case-management.
(512) 476-7044

ARCIL, Inc.  (Austin Resource Center for Independent Living)
Advocacy and referrals for all ages, independent living skills and transition assistance for teens   (14 and up). 
(512) 832-6349

ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
A statewide program for families with children, birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations across Texas. A division of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
DARS Inquiries line: (800) 628-5115   www.dars.state.tx.us

First Call for Help
Comprehensive, confidential information and referral program with a computerized database of services for Travis County residents.  (512) 324-1899 

GAFE (Grupo De Apoyo Para Familias Especiales)
Advocacy and support services to Spanish-speaking families.  (512) 385-8839

McBeth Recreation Center
Provides programs and recreation participation opportunities for children, teens, and adults who have developmental and/or physical challenges.  (512) 974-9011

Path Project
Assists with special education laws, regulations and ARDs
Pat Alvarez, Regional Director  (512) 292-8135   palverezpath@aol.com

Disability Services ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program) at SafePlace
Abuse prevention and education for teachers, parents and students with disabilities.
(512)267-7233   www.austin-safeplace.org

Texas Parent to Parent
A statewide non-profit developed for parents by parents: provides parent to parent matches, support, information, website, resources, newsletter, training.
(512) 458-8600 or  (866) 896-6001  www.main.org/txp2p

WorkSource - Child Care Solutions
Assists with childcare funding for families who are financially eligible and are working, in school or in training. 
(512) 302-0710

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National Resources
Compiled by the Parent and School Support Team, 414-3543 or 414-0955, Fall 2002
For comments or corrections, call 414-2049.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Monthly payment and Medicaid; based on family income and resources if child is under age 18; based on individual if over 18
(800) 772-1213

NICHY (National Information Center for Children and Youth w/ Disabilities)
Disability library and information on related services; produces state resource sheet
(800) 695-0285
http://www.nichy.org

Exceptional Parent Magazine
Monthly magazine for parents and professional; National website includes resources for parent to parent programs; information and referral centers, disability library, services, products and much more
(800) 247-8080
www.eparent.com

Family Village
A global community that integrates information, resources, disabilities library and communication opportunities on the internet.
www.familyvillage.wisc.edu

NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders)
Information and referrals on rare disorders
(800) 999-6673
www.rarediseases.org

MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support)
National parent to parent network which provides information and emotional support to parents whose child has a rare disorder
(909) 336-5333
www.netnet.net/mums/

NIH (National Institute of Health)
Stephen Groft at the office of rare diseases provides information on which hospitals and physicians are doing research or clinical trails on any disease
(301) 402-4336
www.nih.gov 

NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness)
Provides information and training programs for caregivers of individuals with mental health issues or brain disorders.
www.nami.org
(800) 950-6264

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Internet Resources for Families of Children with Disabilities
Compiled by The Parent and School Support Team, AISD, October, 2002
For comments or corrections, call 414-2049 Advocacy Inc:  www.advocacyinc.org

The Arc of Texas:  www.thearcoftexas.org

Family Village:  www.familyvillage.wisc.edu

IDEA 2004:  http://idea.ed.gov/

NICHCY (National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities):  www.nichcy.org

TEA (Texas Education Agency), Special Education:Ê  http://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/   (see Educational Programs, then  Special Programs)

State regulations and Commissioner’s Rules:  www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/rules

Texas Parent to Parent:  www.main.org/txp2p