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Autism and Special Needs

How to Request a 504 Plan

Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD or is simply struggling in school and you would like to request an evaluation for a 504 plan for accommodations but aren’t sure how to get started? Check out the links below for information on what the 504 process is, who qualifies for it, how to request an evaluation, and what to expect during the evaluation, and lots more!

 

504-Process-edited.pdf_safe

 

Requesting-a-504-Accommodation.pdf_safe

 

How to Request an IEP

Has your child received a diagnosis such as Autism, Down Syndrome, or even severe ADHD and you are concerned they are struggling in school but not sure how to help? They may qualify for an Individualized Education Plan or IEP. Check out the links below for the process for requesting an evaluation for an IEP, the process schools to follow for evaluation, and what you as a parent should expect and need to provide.

 

How-to-Request-an-Initial-Evaluation-for-Special-Education-Eligibility.pdf_safe

 

SAMPLE-LETTER-REQUESTING-AN-INITIAL-SPECIAL-EDUCATION-EVALUATION.pdf_safe

 

Has your child previously been evaluated but still struggling? You can also request a Re-Evaluation at any time. Check out the following sample letter below.

SAMPLE-LETTER-REQUESTING-A-REEVALUATION.pdf_safe

 

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) / Respite Program

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) / Respite Program

A monthly program during the non-summer months that provides an opportunity for a child to experience a camping experience. Counselors and qualified medical personnel will care for children in a multipurpose, heated/cooled facility at Camp CAMP located 10 miles southeast of Kerrville, Texas.
www.campcamp.org

National Down Syndrome Congress

The National Down Syndrome Congress is dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. We are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome.

https://www.ndsccenter.org/

San Antonio Public Parks & Pools

San Antonio parks give people an opportunity to spend time enjoying the outdoors, with fresh air, sunshine and exercise on  tap for visitors. Take a walk, enjoy the scenery, and de-stress. Studies show people who spend time in parks outdoors will be sick less often, which means less time missing from school and work, as well as lower healthcare costs and better overall health. And it’s fun and refreshing. Visit a San Antonio park or pool today!

https://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Parks-Facilities/All-Parks-Facilities/Pools

IEP Versus 504 Plan

Confused about the difference between an IEP versus a 504 plan? Does your child need one or both? Which should you request from the school? Check out the link below for helpful information that explains what an IEP (or Individualized Education Plan) and a 504 plan are and details regarding both, including how to start the process for your child.

IEP vs 504 Plan

 

 

 

 

Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)

 

Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)

Provides a variety of services that allow individuals under age 20 to live at home and avoid nursing facility placement. Provides respite care, adjunct support services, minor home modifications, adaptive aids and transition assistance services. Individuals eligible for MDCP also receive services through the State Medicaid Program. There is an interest list.
Click here for more information

 

Employment for People with Disabilities

Texas Health and Human Services is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have access to meaningful employment services in the community, especially integrated competitive employment.

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – passed Congress in 1975 to ensure all children with disabilities in the U.S. receive free and appropriate public education (FAPE)- Birth to 3 years old is under Part C of IDEA Act. From third birthday to 1st grade is under Part B:Section 619 of IDEA.

ABA Therapy Providers in San Antonio Area

Please click the following to see resource list of ABA therapy providers. Feel free to call as many needed to coordinate the best schedule and therapeutic goals as recommended by your provider.

ABA Therapy Providers in San Antonio Area (Updated)

Any Baby Can – San Antonio

Any Baby Can services are provided at no cost – regardless of income – to families who have a child birth through 17 years of age with ANY medical diagnosis, including a chronic illness, disability, developmental delay, or health risk.

Any Baby Can also has the region’s only private Prescription Assistance Program, which helps uninsured and underinsured patients of all ages, get access to free or low-cost medications.

The child must reside in either Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Blanco, Caldwell, Comal, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Medina, Real, Uvalde or Wilson County.

anybabycansa.org

The Arc of San Antonio

The Arc of San Antonio was founded to create a network of support and services for their children with special needs.  The Arc has developed programs and partnerships that address the most critical issues facing people living with disabilities.  It offers one of the largest continuum of services for children and adults with a broad range of developmental abilities.

http://www.arc-sa.org/pages/about-us/

 

Autism Community Network

Local nonprofit organization focused on early recognition, diagnosis, and management of autism spectrum disorder. They provide education and training to families touched by autism. They help form community networks to connect you to relevant services and resources.

https://www.acn-sa.org/

Camp CAMP

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) provides recreation, rehabilitation, respite, and educational services for children with special needs.

www.campcamp.org

Disability Rights Texas

Our mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society.

www.disabilityrightstx.org

Down Syndrome Association of South Texas

Our mission is to provide services and support for children and adults with Down syndrome and their families in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.  Through partnerships with other agencies, medical professionals, educators, and parents, the DSASTX gathers and shares resources and information for those with Down syndrome and their families.  The DSASTX provides opportunities for families to foster friendships and offer mutual support through Parent Support Group meetings, community-based social activities, special events, and educational programs.

 

www.dsastx.org

Kinetic Kids

Mission is to enrich the lives of children with special needs and their families through sports, fine arts and educational programs to foster the development of courage, confidence, fitness, pride, joy and community.

https://www.kinetickidstx.org/

Learning Disabilities Association of America

LDA’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities through support, education, and advocacy.

LDA provides support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources.

www.ldaamerica.org

Learning Disabilities Online

LD Online in conjunction with the National Education Association seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate information and advice about learning disabilities. LD OnLine  provides educators and families with accurate, authoritative information about learning disabilities so they can obtain the help and support they need

www.ldonline.org

Medical Visits Transportation

Nonemergency medical transportation services are available for Medicaid beneficiaries or their child. These services include rides to doctor’s office, dentist’s office, hospital, drug store or any place that provides covered health care services.

Types of rides include:

  • Public transportation, like the city bus.
  • A taxi or van service.
  • Commercial transit, like a bus or plane, to go to another city for an appointment.

Services may also include:

  • Money for gas.
  • Meals and lodging for children and youth 20 and younger staying overnight to get covered health care services.
  • Payment for some out-of-state travel to neighboring states (Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico).

Services do not include making arrangements for emergency or nonemergency transportation by ambulance. If you have a Car but not money for Gas there are also options through this program!

Can I get a ride?

To get a ride, you must be enrolled in one of the following programs and not have any other means of transportation

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-members/medical-transportation-program

Morgan’s Wonderland

Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first theme park designed with individuals with special needs in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment. The completely wheelchair-accessible park features more than 25 elements, including rides, playgrounds, and other colorful attractions. From the very beginning, anyone with a special need has been admitted free of charge, no questions asked.

https://www.morganswonderland.com/

 

National Center for Learning Disabilities

The National Center For Learning Disabilities is an advocacy program that has scholarships/awards as well as resources for young adults (e.g. leadership opportunities, research, etc.) with learning disabilities. NCLD hopes to empower young adults with learning and attention issues through initiatives, including an online community, leadership opportunities, and research.

www.ncld.org

The National Down Syndrome Society

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is a nonprofit organization committed to being the national advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.

www.ndss.org

Parent Center Hub

Central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities.

https://www.parentcenterhub.org/

Respite Care of San Antonio

Respite care for children with disabilities including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Intellectual or Developmental Disability, Speech/Motor/Cognitive Delay, Microcephaly, Hydrocephaly/VP Shunt, Seizure Disorders, TBI, or various other syndromes. Non-disabled siblings may also be enrolled in community programs to help encourage a cohesive family unit.

Different programs include: Mother’s Day Out, Family Day Out, Parents’ Night Out, and other services. Explore the website for full details and enrollment information.

www.respitecaresa.org

Special Olympics Texas

The mission of Special Olympics is to 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.

https://www.sotx.org/

Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children

Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children promotes early identification and intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and helps them develop their maximum potential through listening, spoken language and literacy.

https://sunshinecottage.org/

 

Texas Parent to Parent

Texas Parent to Parent provides support, information, and education for families of children and adults with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions and other health care needs.

Programs include the Peer to Peer parent mentor program, the NICU network which is a network of network of mentors to provide support to parents of premature infants and babies hospitalized in the NICU, and the Pathways to Adulthood transition program.

https://www.txp2p.org


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