Resources
DSPNT is committed to providing the latest resources that support the individuals and families we serve. The resources and information shared should not be considered an endorsement by DSPNT, but rather a way for us to inform visitors to our website. DSPNT is simply providing resources so families can make decisions based on the information provided. If you have questions about resources or would like to see a resource listed, please email DSPNT.
Recursos en Español - Próximamente
Champion Cheer: all-abilities cheer squad
Southlake
817-251-1546
The Cheer Connection: All-abilities cheer squad
Fort Worth
817-735-4474
Encore School of Dance : no boundaries dance show team
Saginaw
817-232-9393
Frances Lea Dance Center- No Limits Special Needs Dance Class
Crowley
817-263-7888
Rejoice Dance Studio: Adapted Ballet Class
Fort Worth
817-523-8308
Fort Worth
Dual Diagnosis Autism/Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome-Autism Connection
National nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide education and support to individuals facing the unique challenges caused by co-occurring Down syndrome and autism.
Hope center follows the research model supporting early intervention as vital to the recovery process. We also believe people with autism can succeed and learn at any age. We tailor one-on-one programs specific to each individual at all levels of autism.
When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect: A Guide to ds-asd for Parents and Professionals
This book offers a thorough examination of the unique profile of a Down syndrome-autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and best practices for screening, treatment, and caretaking through the lifespan.
Disability Rights Texas - education
Assists people with disabilities in Texas understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society.
Down Syndrome: Guidelines for Inclusive Education
Developed in 2021 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and Down Syndrome Education International to address the education settings that support students with Down syndrome, covering the period from early intervention and primary education through secondary and higher education, with the primary focus being k-12 students.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
A statewide program within the Texas Health and Human Services commission for families with children birth up to age 3.
Green Oaks Education and Support, Arlington, TX
Green Oaks Education and Support, Inc. is a unique Christian school and adult day program for individuals with Down syndrome and similar intellectual disabilities in the North Texas area. Green Oaks Education and Support, Inc. consists of three programs, Green Oaks School, Green Oaks Adult Learning, and Green Oaks Life Prep.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes a free appropriate public education available to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.
Navigate Life Texas - education and schools
Comprehensive website dedicated to helping Texas families find the resources and services they need to support their loved ones with disabilities.
Partners Resource Network Path Project
The path project is one of three federally funded parent training and information centers (PTI) serving Texas parents of children and youth with disabilities ages 0-26. Path offers individual assistance over the phone and in-person, workshops and webinars on a variety of special education topics, and access to resources such as printed publications and online courses.
Region 11 Education Service Center
The ESC Region 11 special education department is dedicated in helping parents, administrators, and educators understand how to best meet the needs of students with learning differences.
Ruby’s Rainbow
Grants scholarships to adults with down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, enrichment, or vocational classes.
Special Education Teacher List by District
SpedTex
Provides information and resources that can help you understand your child’s disability, your rights and responsibilities under individuals with disabilities education act (idea), and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services to children with disabilities in Texas.
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) Higher Education Resource Guide
Includes information for future college students, parents, high school counselors and other educators.
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
State agency that oversees primary and secondary public education.
Think College
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability.
Wrightslaw
Provides accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
#dsworks® - National Down Syndrome Society
Employment program whose goal is to encourage corporations and businesses to invest in hiring people with Down syndrome and increase the number of opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to work in meaningful and competitive employment settings. Resources include partnering for career success guide, resume guide, resume checklist, resume template, guide me & watch me succeed, webinar series, and more.
Employment services assist job seekers with disabilities in searching, finding, and maintaining meaningful employment.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provider for Texas Workforce Solutions (TWS).
As a not-for-profit leader, goodwill offers job training and other services to help people with disabilities and disadvantages achieve their maximum independence. Through goodwill, job seekers, individuals with special needs, families, and other members of our community gain self-esteem and become independent, self-sufficient citizens.
A unique on-the-job training concept for adults with intellectual disabilities located in Mingus, Texas. The setting combines historical roots and repurposing, designed to encourage, guide, and train adults with IDD who want to enter the workforce with marketable and life skills.
Quest is focused on helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals. They are a full-services employment and career guidance agency based out of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Texas Workforce Commission
Vocational rehabilitation programs help people with disabilities prepare for, find, or retain employment and help youth and students prepare for post-secondary opportunities.
Ability Connection Texas
The residential program at ability connection includes both home and community-based services (HCS) and intermediate care facility housing.
Community for Permanent Supported Housing
Non-profit organization dedicated to finding supportive community-based housing for adults with special needs.
Daymark Living, Waxahachie
Residential community located just outside of DFW offering a wide variety of social and enrichment opportunities for residents.
Down Home Ranch, Elgin, TX
Down Home Ranch is a 410-acre working farm with a mission to empower the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through social, educational, residential, and vocational opportunities.
Heather’s Old Skool Village – Lake Worth
A day program village for special needs adults to live, work, and play.
Marbridge, Austin, TX
Non-profit residential community that offers transitional and lifetime care to adults with a wide range of cognitive disabilities and provides them opportunities to learn, experience, and achieve a whole new life.
Guaranteed Life Insurance Program
As part of DSPNT’s mission to provide support and advocate on behalf of individuals with down syndrome, we are committed and actively pursuing unique programs and services that will benefit our community and their families. DSPNT is partnering with the Wellness Association of America and Calstar Benefits to offer guaranteed issue term life & benefits plans to any individual age 18 – 74. These are membership-based insurance options that include life insurance coverage, supplemental healthcare coverages, accident medical, and critical illness plans. DSPNT does not endorse any products offered and are solely sharing for informational purposes.
More insurance and financial resources coming soon.
Dana Zachary, Attorney
817-857-4690
817-878-3517
201 Main St, Suite 2500
Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-332-1116
817-284-4747
1060 W Pipeline Rd. #110
Hurst, TX 76053
817-416-0121
2812 Bedford Rd Suite 100
Bedford, TX 76021
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas works to advance and protect the rights of millions of low-income people in North and West Texas by providing free civil legal help through representation and advocacy that meets our mission of ensuring equal access to justice.
817-638-9016
214-269-4290
5600 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 105
Plano, TX 75024
817-653-4547
Arlington, Texas
The ARC of Texas
Promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD)
CTD has built a reputation as one of the foremost advocates in the state for public policy that protects and benefits Texans with disabilities.
Disability Rights Texas
Assists people with disabilities in Texas understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society.
National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC)
Designed to educate individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, and other allies about policy issues and give them the advocacy tools and techniques they need to effectively engage with their legislators to advocate for change.
National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
The NDSC policy & advocacy team is comprised of disability policy professionals who are experienced, well-connected, and highly regarded national subject matter policy experts and leaders; however, your voices help ensure equal rights and opportunities for individuals with down syndrome.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
The NDSS National Advocacy & Public Policy Center advocates for federal, state and local policies that positively impact people with Down syndrome across the country.
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD)
TCDD monitors key legislative issues that affect people with developmental disabilities. In addition to developing strategies to advance TCDD positions, public policy staff members promote TCDD positions to the general public, state agencies and federal and state policy makers.
The mission of the Annie Louise Foundation is to empower families by making resources readily available and accessible to bridge the gap between the medical world and parenting.
A Family Toolkit: Pediatric-to-Adult Healthcare Transition
Helps guide youth’s transition from pediatric to adult health care. The toolkit includes a set of easy-to-use resources, including a transition timeline, questions to ask your doctor, turning 18 and what it means, and more. (en español)
Aging and Down Syndrome: A Health & Well-being Guidebook
Guidebook produced by NDSS to provide guidance, education and support to families and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome.
Alzheimer’s Disease & Down Syndrome: A Practical Guidebook for Caregivers
Guidebook produced by NDSS in partnership with the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Cook Children’s Genetics Clinic
Cook Children's offers one of the largest pediatric genetics centers in the United States, providing both clinical and metabolic genetics evaluation, testing, treatment and counseling. The doctors and medical team work closely with you, your child and your family to help you understand your child's specific genetic disorder and treatment plan. The team can also assist you with referrals to community resource services, should the need arise.
Located in Grand Prairie, this dental office aims to accommodate and provide high-quality, informed care to people 13 years and older who have physical and intellectual disabilities.
DS-connect™: The Down Syndrome Registry
People with down syndrome and their families can connect with researchers and health care providers, express interest in participating in certain clinical studies on Down syndrome, and take confidential health-related surveys aimed at better understanding the health of people with Down syndrome across their lifespans.
Down Syndrome Clinic to You (DSC2U)
DSC2U gives caregivers an opportunity to complete an online intake form, where they can identify current health concerns about their son or daughter with Down syndrome. The responses will generate two personalized documents–a plan for caregivers and another one for the primary care provider.
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.
Lumind IDSC Foundation
National organization committed to accelerating research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options and empowering families through education, connections, and support.
Will reimburse your family’s private health insurance premium if one family member also has Medicaid as well as private insurance.
Black Down Syndrome Association (BDSA)
Connects black families in the Down syndrome community with resources to improve their lives in a more meaningful way by addressing the many inequalities present that increase barriers to access, support, and education.
Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA)
Comprised primarily of local Down syndrome organizations across the U.S., committed to serving affiliates through collaboration, resource sharing, and networking.
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN)
DSDN provides multiple online membership groups and annual retreats for families.
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.
Hope Story
Provides free resources to the medical community to help doctors deliver a Down syndrome diagnosis, and helps parents of children born with Down syndrome use their story to bring hope to others.
Jerome Lejeune Foundation
International organization focused on three core pillars of expertise — research, care, and advocacy.
Lumind IDSC Foundation
Accelerates research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options and empowering families through education, connections, and support.
My Down Syndrome Community (MYDSC)
Developed by the Lumind IDSC Foundation, this free online library includes a comprehensive directory of evidence-based resources and useful tools for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
Specializes in ensuring that every child born with Down syndrome has the opportunity to grow up in a loving family.
National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
Leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
Leading human rights organization for all individuals with down syndrome.
Navigate Life Texas
Comprehensive website dedicated to helping Texas families find the resources and services they need to support their loved ones with disabilities.
Texas Council For Developmental Disabilities (TCCD)
Helps people with developmental disabilities achieve their potential for independence, productivity and integration into their communities by working to develop a comprehensive system of service and supports in Texas.
Texas Parent To Parent
Committed to improving the lives of Texas children who have disabilities, chronic illness, and/or special health care needs.
New Parent/New Diagnosis Support
Julia’s Way
Julia's Way is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring parents, medical professionals, and the general public to reimagine what's possible for those living with Down syndrome through education, advocacy, and awareness. Their current project focuses on inspiring and encouraging mothers of children with Down syndrome to breastfeed their babies as well as educating medical professionals on how to support mothers to help their babies breastfeed successfully.
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
DSDN is the largest national organization supporting new and expectant parents with a Down syndrome diagnosis. The mission of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network is to connect, support, and provide accurate information to parents - and the medical professionals who serve them - from the time of diagnosis through age 3 while fostering the opportunity for lifelong connections. Our vision is that every Down syndrome diagnosis will be delivered in an unbiased, factual, and supportive way every time and that families can quickly find meaningful connections.
Program through the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas to match new parents of a child with down syndrome to trained and screened volunteers who also have a child with Down syndrome. Email info@dspnt.org or call 682-316-3121.
Global, National Down Syndrome Society. and the National Down Syndrome Congress worked together to create a comprehensive pamphlet that covers all aspects of pre-natal and newborn care.
National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
NDSAN is the only national organization dedicated to adoption for individuals with Down syndrome. Their mission is to ensure that every baby born with Down syndrome has the opportunity to grow up in a loving home.
Pre-Teens & Teens
A Family Toolkit: Pediatric-To-Adult Health Care Transition
This toolkit by NDSC helps guide youth’s transition from pediatric to adult health care. The toolkit includes a set of easy-to-use resources, including a transition timeline, questions to ask your doctor, turning 18 and what it means, and more. (en español)
The Guide To Good Health For Teens & Adults With Down Syndrome
Drs. Chicoine and McGuire provide invaluable insight into what health problems are more common in their patients, and how medical issues can “present” differently in people with Down syndrome.
Dr. Couwenhoven is a sex educator who has created programs and resources for parents and caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has spent her entire career creating and implementing programs for diverse populations. She has several books available on her website for every age and stage of development.
This book outlines the steps of transitioning, with an emphasis on the necessity of the child playing an active role in the process. It considers everything families need to know—from meeting broad, basic needs such as finding meaningful ways to fill one’s days (work, volunteering, leisure activities, training & education, exercise) and how to get around (driving vs. Using public transportation) to addressing specific needs such as whether to leave high school at age 21 or earlier and how to maintain eligibility for benefits by keeping income and assets within allowable limits.
Supporting Positive Behavior In Children And Teens With Down Syndrome: The Respond But Don’t React Method by David Stein, Psy. D.
This book examines how the brain of a person with down syndrome works, how those differences impact behavior, and why bad behavior should not be viewed as a willful act. Governed by this new awareness, parents are in a better position to change and manage their child’s behavior using several guiding principles.
Adventure Kids Playcare- Flower Mound
690 Parker Square Flower Mound TX 75028
(972)899-2060
flowermound@adventurekidsplaycare.com
Fridays & Saturdays open until 10 pm/ Reservation required
Adventure Kids Playcare-Fort Worth
9160 North Freeway #410 Fort Worth TX 76177
(817)741-2572
ftworth@adventurekidsplaycare.com
Saturdays open until 10pm/ Reservation required
“Harvey Kid” Holy Covenant United Methodist Church
1901 Peter’s Colony Rd Carrollton TX 75007
(972)-492-1371
Saturday once a month 6-9 pm
Northwood Church - Keller
Revive Respite for up to 18 years of age.
The Hills Church- NRH Location
6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX 76180
One Saturday every other month from 2:00-5:00 pm
Registration required at https://thehills.org/specialneeds
The Hills Church-Keller Location
2525 Florence Road Keller, TX 76262
One Saturday a month during the school year.
Please contact stacy.barnes@thehills.org to apply.
The Hills Church- Fort Worth Location
2828 Longvue Avenue, Fort Worth, 76108
2023- January 21, February 25, March 18, April 15 from 4:00pm-7:00pm
Registration required at https://thehills.org/specialneeds
Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course On Down Syndrome For Brothers And Sisters by Brian Skotko & Susan P. Levine.
This book gives teens the green light to explore their own feelings and questions about their sibling with Down syndrome and how their relationship may change in the future.
National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Adult Sibling Toolkit
Just for adult siblings, this toolkit is designed to jump start conversations with parents about becoming more involved in their brother or sister’s life.
SibShops
SibShops provide young brothers and sister peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting. Find a local sibshop.
Music therapy in-person or online based in Burleson serving Tarrant and Johnson counties.
Beelieve Pediatric Therapy - North Fort Worth (Keller)
Physical, speech, occupational, feeding, myofunctional, intensive, and aquatic therapies available.
Insurance: BCBS, Cigna, United Healthcare, UMR, Tricare, Medicaid, Aetna Medicaid
Cook Children’s Outpatient Behavior Therapy - Fort Worth, Denton, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Southwest Fort Worth, Mansfield and Southlake
Cutting Edge Pediatric & Adult Therapy -
Mansfield & Allen: Occupational, Physical, Speech, Feeding, Aquatic, & ABA therapies are available. Counseling services are also offered. At their outpatient facilities, they see a variety of clients with developmental delays & special needs from newborns to young adults.
Green Apple Therapy - In home or school
Speech, physical, and occupational
Aetna, Amerigroup, CHIP, Medicaid, First Care, BCBS, Superior
Kinactive Kids (Southlake)
Combines physical therapy with chiropractic care.
Monkey Mouths - Coppell, Frisco, Fort Worth, Hurst, Southlake, Stephenville
Speech, Occupational, feeding, audiology, AVT, OMT, swallow Studies, pelvic floor, lactation consulting therapies available
Insurance: Aetna Better Health ( Aetna Medicaid), Blue Cross Blue Shield (excluding Blue Advantage plans), BCBS Medicaid, CHIP, Star and Star Kids, CHIP, Star and Star Kids, Superior Medicaid (Stephenville only, expanding to other clinics soon), Oscar, Traditional Medicaid, TRICARE (out of network – Preferred Provider), United Healthcare – UMR, All Savers, Oxford (out of network for Audiology)
Patricia Martinez Therapy Services – Arlington
Occupational, physical, feeding, sensory integration, and speech therapies
Pediaplex – Frisco, Southlake, Fort Worth
Autism, ABA, occupational, speech, feeding sensory processing, social, handwriting evaluations
Ready, Set, Grow Therapy Services, in-home and community based
Occupational and feeding therapy.
BCBS of TX, United Healthcare, UMR, Cigna, Aetna Better Health of Texas, Tricare, and traditional Medicaid
Adult speech, occupational, physical, and dietary therapy through Medicaid Waiver Programs.
Talking Tadpoles - Arlington, Benbrook, Fort Worth, Weatherford
Speech and occupational therapy
BCBS, United Healthcare, Tricare, Amerigroup, CHIP, Aetna, Star Kids
Therapedia, LLC - Keller, Justin
Occupational, speech, physical therapies available
Insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UMR, United Healthcare, Tricare, Meritain, Medicaid, Scott & White, Imagine 360
Occupational, therapy, speech
Aetna, Amerigroup, CHIP, Medicaid, First Care, BCBS, Superior
A Fair Choice - provides Long-Term Care for children and adults with special needs. Located in Arlington, Texas, AFC's mission is to advocate for the rights of Special Needs individuals and to provide the means for each individual to lead an independent and abundant life.
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Tarrant County
Serves people who are 60 or older or have a disability, and their caregivers. They empower people by helping them understand their options and successfully connecting them with the services and supports they need.
REACH provides services for people with disabilities so that they are able to lead self-directed lives and educate the general public about disability-related topics in order to promote a barrier-free community.
Offers supervised travel opportunities for individuals with disabilities. All trips include all of the following for you or your loved one with a disability: transportation to & from determined drop off location, admission to all attractions, a meal or snack depending on time of the trip, supervision by trained caregivers, and a day of respite for families and caregivers.
Catholic Charities
We provide transportation to eligible clients for: employment trips, medical trips, rides for education, paratransit transportation and rides for seniors.
City of AZLE
The City of Azle has a contract with Trinity Metro (formerly the "T") to provide door-to-door transportation service throughout Tarrant County to Azle residents who are disabled or 65years of age or older. This is available on Mondays only.
HEB Transit is a low-cost transportation service for HEB residents who need assistance with trips to work or work-related activities, such as job interviews, training, education and childcare. Eligible trips include those that begin and end within the cities of Hurst, Euless or Bedford, as well as trips to the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) stations at Hurst/Bell and CentrePort/DFW Airport.
NETS is a door-to-door, demand responsive para-transit service and is available to and resident or non-resident of a participating city who is disabled or 65 or older.
My Ride North Texas serves all residents of North Central Texas but strives to connect aging populations and individuals with disabilities to transportation services and inform regional medical trips through public transit.
VIA Serves the City of Arlington plus the CentrePort TRE Station.
You may ride ZIPZONE throughout Tarrant County between 7 a.m. -7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is only $3 per ride.
Travelers with a disability can call and request a passenger support specialist Mon-Fri 8am to 11pm EST.
800.433.7300
800.438.6744 x 70025
800.221.1212
800.221.1212
800-547-8493
855.232.5463
844.878.1773
800.435.9792
800.228.2744
Provide a wide array of activities geared to help you gain strength and independence in the gym. We are certified personal trainers and group fitness instructors providing 1-on-1, small group personal training and large group fitness classes to people with physical and intellectual limitations and their caregivers.
Provides children and young adults the opportunity to play baseball regardless of their abilities. The Miracle League removes the barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off the field and allows them to experience playing as part of a team.
Provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Use adaptive fitness to help people with mental, physical and cognitive challenges including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, rare genetic conditions, and many more conditions.