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Parents should know that they have a wealth of options for care for their loved ones all over the DFW area.
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Federal and State Regulations and Commissioner’s Rules 512-463-9414; www.tea.state.tx.us
NATIONAL RESOURCES
The Texas Education Agency breaks down all special education laws currently in effect in Texas, including Federal regulations and additional rules for Texas. Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services 512-438-3011; hhs.texas.gov
Cerebral Palsy Guide is an organization dedicated to the wellbeing and education of individuals with cerebral palsy. It aims to focus on the families, children, and caregivers who cope with a CP diagnosis on a daily basis. Easter Seals Disability Services 800-221-6827; www.easterseals.com
DADS is an agency that administers longterm services and support for aging and disabled people in Texas. They have extensive resources and information about assisted living, as well as rules and statutes for people with disabilities. Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services 800-628-5115; twc.texas.gov DARS provides advocacy for Texans of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing. DARS also provides services and programs for Texans of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, including transition services for those aged 13-22, as well as assistance in vocational rehabilitation and job counseling for Texans with disabilities (all ages). Texas Parent to Parent 866-896-6001; www.txP2P.org Texas Parent to Parent is a statewide non-profit organization developed for parents by parents. It provides parent-toparent matches, support, information, website, resources, a newsletter, training.
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Cerebral Palsy Guide 844-891-1117; www.cerebralpalsyguide.com
Easter Seals is one of the oldest organizations help disabled persons and persons with special needs. They provide education, advocacy, outreach, and exceptional services to the disabled community. Exceptional Parent Magazine 800-247-8080; www.eparent.com Exceptional Parent is a monthly magazine for parents and professional caretakers of people with special needs. The national website includes resources for parent to parent programs, information and referral centers, a disability library, services, products and much more. MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support) 909-336-5333; www.mums-network.org Once a national parent-to-parent network, MUMS now provides information and emotional support to parents whose child has a rare (or not so rare) disorder. NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness) 800-950-6264; www.nami.org
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NAMI provides information and training programs for caregivers of individuals with mental health issues or brain disorders, as well as the opportunity to connect with others. National Center for Learning Disabilities 212-545-7510; www.ncld.org NCLD enables young adults, empowers parents, and advocates for policy creation in an attempt to improve the lives of disabled people. They have great resources for parents, adults with disabilities, and educators. NIH (National Institute of Health) 301-402-4336; www.nih.gov NIH is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and shares information on new developments and studies regarding mental and physical health. Stephen Groft at the office of rare diseases provides information on which hospitals and physicians are doing research or clinical trials on any disease. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) 800-999-6673; www.rarediseases.org NORD provides information and resources for patients, families, other organizations, and medical professionals regarding rare disorders. They also advocate for consistent and fair government policies and support innovative research. Social Security Supplemental Security Income 800-772-1213, www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi The Social Security Administration provides certain benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income sources. Give them a call or check out their website to find out how you can get these benefits. Waisman Center www.waisman.wisc.edu While located in Wisconsin, the Waisman Center is an excellent resource for staying up to date on the latest research on developmental disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases.