“Our mission is to include, teach & support people living with & without dis(abilities) to be a part of the skateboarding and action sports community.”
This organization has started holding sessions at the Southside Skatepark (South Houston). It is a good way to teach autistic kids how to skateboard.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (210)514-8958
According to their website, “Care Connection” is an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), established by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADs), to serve as a convenient and reliable resource for locating both private and public services for older adults and individuals with disabilities of all ages.”
Care Connection will work to identify services to help you, your family, your clients or your patients. We can connect you to quality service providers near you. Our information and referral service is free to use.”
This is Houston’s premier Meet Up group, that is, a way to connect with others whose lives have been touched by autism. Joe Lippeatt has maintained the group for years, though I think he has tried to pass the baton to others–a victim of his own success I guess. We’ve attended a few meet ups, but most of the action is in Katy or Tomball. Not much in Clear Lake, though I did volunteer to host one event at It’z Pizza in Pasadena one Friday night.
Once joining, anyone can suggest/host a meet up. The site makes it easy to do so. It also acts informally as a list for discussion about various topics, treatments, advice about schools and so forth.
Autism on the Seas has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007 in developing cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. These services quickly expanded to other cruise lines.
We provide Cruises with our Staff (selected from regular cruises throughout the year) that assist adults and families in accommodating the typical cruise services, as well as providing specialized Respite and Private Activities/Sessions that allow our guests the use of the ships entertainment venues in an accommodated and assisted manner. Our professional Staff (educated, experienced, background checked and sanctioned by the cruise lines) accompanies you on your cruise to provide these amazing vacation and travel experiences onboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney and Carnival Cruise Lines. We also provide a “Cruise Assistance Package” (Cruises without our Staff) on all of the major Cruise Lines to help accommodate guests who wish to cruise on their own.
I just want to add that while the cruises do seem wonderful–and quite a few leave from Galveston–there is no discount rate or special grant to send your family on a cruise. The program seems to be all about providing additional staff and accommodations, if these are needed, plus some respite/babysitting services. Also note, these are not “autism” cruises like singles cruises. These are regular Royal Caribbean cruises but with special staff to assist. In addition to their website, they have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/autismontheseas.
Autism Pediatric Therapy is an organization which provides both one-to-one and group training for children with autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, reading disabilities, behavior problems and ADD. We believe in the importance of helping each and every child reach new goals and milestones. Our goal is to provide our children with a positive and enriching environment, where they are able to learn and grow everyday.
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and look forward to continued successes in the years ahead.
Avondale House is a United Way agency providing day school, adult day
habilitation, and residential services for individuals with autism in Houston since 1976.
Avondale House appears to do good things–I toured the school one time, years ago, and was favorably impressed. But it’s too far from Clear Lake to be a resource for our family at this point. They offer three group homes in Southwest Houston, serving a total of 18 adults.
Behavior Frontiers offers solutions to help individuals with autism and other special needs reach their potential using state-of-the-art applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment programs. Every individually designed ABA treatment program is tailored to meet the unique needs of the client and family with the goal of improving their quality of life. Treatment plans are delivered by our knowledgeable, expertly-trained and compassionate clinical staff members using accurate and results-driven ABA methods. We invite you to contact us to see how Behavior Frontiers can help individuals with autism and other special needs live their very best lives.
Behavior Therapy & Learning Center (Behavior TLC) is owned and operated by two Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA’s) dedicated to providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for individuals with Autism and other developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and their families. Behavior TLC services include a clinic-based day program, school consultation, parent and teacher training, social skills, and occasional in-home programs.
Day Program
•The BTLC Day Program focuses on acquiring new skills, maintaining existing skills and decreasing unwanted behaviors.
•This service is a clinic-based, one-on-one service.
•A portion of clinic time will also focus on caregiver training and sibling training if appropriate.
•The Day Program offers full time, half time, and hourly tuition packages.
•The hours are from 8:30-2:30, Monday through Friday
•This service focuses on assessment-based, individualized curriculum
•The clinic has a camera system for viewing sessions
•The Day Program schedule imitates a typical classroom including calendar time, art, and group games daily
In Home ABA
BTLC’s in home ABA programs are geared specifically to the families’ individual needs. In Home services are limited to those clients who are medically unable to travel to the clinic or for those clients whose behavior plans are specific to the home environment. Due to the high demand for in home services we have very limited availability and the ability to provide those services are at the discretion of the supervising BCBA. Club TLC-Afterschool Program
•BTLC offers an afterschool program Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30-5:30.
•This program focuses on homework help and social skills for our elementary-intermediate aged students.
•This program is individualized as each student receives one-on-one assistance
•Lesson plans geared towards clients’ specific goals as indicated by assessment and parent report.
Consultation
For those clients whose needs do not fit into one of the above models, we do offer a consultation service. This service can be used on an hourly basis with one of our BCBA’s or BCaBA’s as a provider. Often the consultation service is a parent training program where the therapist meets with the parent to discuss issues and guides the parent to implement a behavior plan in the home. This service can also be used for one of our therapists to attend ARD meetings or provide training to other caregivers or family members.
Behavioral Innovations has been committed to translating evidence based practices for people with autism within a practical and encouraging learning environment since 2000.
We are dedicated to transforming the lives of children, their families and their community by providing the highest quality of services. Our vision is to become the #1 trusted resource by delivering the highest quality of services in the most ethically and socially responsible way through eliminating boundaries for children with disabilities.
Mission
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Who We Serve
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
Programs
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing support, education and respite events for families living with Autism. Autism is a condition that isolates Autistic individuals and their families from society.
Our goal is to provide support and education for families living with Autism primarily in the Houston Texas area. We are committed to organizing and providing support for BSoA group respite events for a limited number of families living with Autism. Our mission is to organize events that raise funds which will be used to fund BSoA’s stated goals.
These fund raising events, support meetings, educational opportunities and respite events are designed to create a sense of normalcy, bonding and community support among families living with Autism as well as promote a awareness for a misunderstood condition.
The results are commonly achieved in the form of much needed respite, support, family adventure, bonding opportunities, and education sessions that allow Autism parents to be better positioned to provide the best possible care for their Autistic children.
BSoA has meet-ups and events in the Clear Lake / Pasadena area.
I have not visited Bridgewood Farms because of COVID and the distance from Clear Lake, but I wanted to add the listing.
Brookwood is Christian residential facility for adults with disabilities. They appear to have a pretty nice art gallery, greenhouses and cafe where the residents may work or generate an income. I have not toured Brookwood yet, but it is beyond our family’s means. . . don’t see how with all the “estate planning in the world” we can possibly provide that kind of income for him to be a Brookwoodian.
I’d like to hear what others have to say about Brookwood . . . to me, their marketing seems more God-centered than client-centered, which makes me nervous (especially the empty God/Windsor chair placed throughout the community, to remind people of God’s presence. Yikes, what happens if someone sits in it?).
Here’s the info from their website:
Located in Brookshire, Texas, 40 miles west of downtown Houston, The Brookwood Community is a non-profit (501(c)3) residential facility and vocational program for adults with disabilities.
We see every individual as a unique creation of a wise and loving God, deserving not only of our abiding patience and respect, but of boundless awe. We cherish diversity in all forms and eschew narrow-minded notions of normalcy.
A God-centered educational, residential, and entrepreneurial community for adults with disabilities
Through the Grace of God, The Brookwood Community provides an educational environment that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging, and demands dignity and respect for adults with disabilities.
Our campus consists of: Eight group homes, two single-family staff homes, a residential Inn, health and dental clinic, Worship Center, enterprise building, activities and administration building, 47 greenhouses, Gift and Garden Center and the Café at Brookwood, and several other support buildings.
Our programs serve: 110 resident adults (known as Brookwood “citizens”) who are functionally disabled and live at Brookwood 24/7. Another 80 plus adults participate in our day program. The range of diverse needs we help include people with autism spectrum disorders; intellectual disabilities; developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury; dual diagnosis; and/or aging care needs.
Resident & Work Program Tuition
Listed below are the fees associated with Residential and Day Program Citizens. Brookwood strives to provide financial assistance to those in need and to those who qualify.
Adult Work Program
$500 Registration (One time fee)
$1,000 Evaluation and Intake (One time fee)
$1,010 Monthly Tuition*
$85 Monthly Bus Fee (not available in Georgetown)Full Residential Program
$1,000 Registration (One time fee)
$2,000 Evaluation and Intake (One time fee)
$4,400 Monthly Tuition**Extra care fees may apply – this will be determined at the intake meeting. Tuition assistance may be available. A financial adviser will perform an analysis based upon complete disclosure of your financial situation and form a recommendation per our Scholarship Committee.
Camp CAMP’s summer camp program is a series of six-day, five-night sessions for children and adults, aged 5 to 50 years, with a variety of special needs and their siblings. Currently, Camp CAMP offers 2 one week sessions for kids (5-21) with autism out of the 9 Summer Camp sessions held.
The Summer Camp sessions are held at Camp CAMP in Center Point, Texas. Camp CAMP has 55 acres and includes activities like canoeing on the Guadalupe River, horseback, Aquatic Center, music, sports & recreation, arts & crafts, and outdoor cooking. CAMP modifies traditional summer camp activities to include everyone, regardless of the severity of the CAMPer’s physical or developmental needs. Each CAMPer is assigned to a Tribe based on gender and age with a CAMPer:counselor ratio of 1:1 to 4:1, depending on the need of the CAMPer.
Each of the 9 Summer Camp sessions has varied age requirements and diagnosis guidelines; additional information is available on the 2014 Summer Camp Schedule. Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The Summer Camp application becomes available in February.
Camp LIFE is a camp for kids with disabilities and their siblings ages 5-21.
About Camp LIFE
LIFE— it stands for Leadership, Independence and Friends through Experiences, and it’s what embodies the spirit of Camp LIFE, a unique and inclusive camping adventure for children with disabilities and their siblings.
Held twice a year in Burton, Texas at the accessible facilities of Camp For All, Camp LIFE provides recreation for children ages 5-21 and their siblings while offering a weekend of respite for their parents.
History
Texas A&M graduate Sterling Leija (Class of ’02) founded Camp LIFE in 2004 with the support of Dr. Amy Sharp, director of the Family Support Network at Texas A&M University.
Leija’s vision began as part of a self-directed study at Texas A&M University and has now served more than 600 children with disabilities throughout Texas. Camp LIFE is now celebrating its tenth year of operation.
Camp LIFE gives campers the choice to participate in every activity you would see at any other traditional camp. Campers can experience horseback riding, fishing, archery, the zip line and rope course activities, as well as a petting zoo, canoeing, dancing and even karaoke.
The camp is staffed by pre-service special education students at Texas A&M who have the rare opportunity to experience a weekend supporting children like those they will one day serve in the classroom. Availability of a one-to-one counselor to camper ratio ensures that each camper with a disability receives the support he or she needs to fully participate in all activities. Additionally, sibling campers enjoy an extra dose of attention not always available to them when their parents are understandably busy caring for their child who has special needs.
Camp Worth is a residential program for adolescent boys and girls, ages 11-17, who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We provide a safe, supportive environment for young people who need help with emotional regulation, functional communication and social skills, and impulse control so they can succeed at school and at home. This nurturing environment not only helps teens with ASD but educates parents and other family members as well. Our ASD treatment center works with every part of a child’s life so they can start living their best lives.
Camp Worth is a full-service program with access to board-certified behavior technicians and behavioral therapists. The ability to narrow down diagnoses in a high-level care program makes a positive impact on our children.
A combination of treatment programs teaches our loved ones different ways to communicate, life skills to function independently, and ways to process emotions. The skills learned during the following programs prepare a higher level of independence when returning home:
– Applied behavior analysis program
– Education program
– Autism parent support program
– Food and nutrition program
Individualized treatment plans may also include:
– Daily physical exercise and activity
– Functional communication training
– Recreational therapy
– Medication management
– Individual therapy
– Family counseling
– Social skills groups
– Functional skills training
Becky Siekierski, Ph.D., LSSP, NCSP
Dr. Becky Siekierski is a Licensed Psychologist with extensive training and experience in the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents. She earned her doctorate from Texas A&M University in College Station and has over 12 years of experience working in public schools, with additional training experiences in community mental health clinics and hospital settings. Dr. Siekierski specializes in autism spectrum disorder assessment and intervention, differential diagnosis of ADD/ADHD and emotional/behavioral disorders, and assessment of early childhood disorders.
As a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), Dr. Siekierski has served in a number of different roles, including consultant, parent trainer, therapist, supervisor, multidisciplinary team member, and evaluator. She values the collaboration among schools, parents, and related service professionals and is eager to assist parents in identifying the supports they need to facilitate their children’s development.
Support for Parents
Individualized Parent Support
- We offer one-on-one consultation to parents to discuss specific concerns and identify strategies for addressing them.
- We can provide recommendations for a number of issues, including behavior, discipline, academic performance, social skills, tantrums, anger, sensory issues, grief, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and many more.
- We can review a child’s special education records, evaluations, services, and programming to assist parents in making informed educational decisions.
In-Home Parent Training and Behavior Support
- Learn how to implement strategies for improving behavior and communication in the home setting
- Our parent trainer will visit the home to complete a needs assessment in order to identify the most important behaviors to target and then we’ll develop a plan for how to implement the strategies recommended.
- Parents will receive individualized visual supports for the home along with direct instruction and practice in the most effective ways to work directly with their children.
Parent Education Workshops
Group parent education workshops are offered periodically on topics including:
- Behavior Intervention
- Social Skills Strategies
- Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Understanding the Special Education Process
Visit the Parent Education section for more information including dates/times of upcoming workshops!
Child Therapy
One-on-one support with child/adolescent to address anxiety, depression, coping skills, social skills, impulse control, behavior, etc.
Special Needs Tutoring
One-on-one, individualized tutoring for students in kindergarten through high school, provided by a special education certified teacher. We’ll create and utilize specific instructional tools based on your student’s needs. Find out more information here.
School Consultation
Consultation to School/Daycare Staff
We offer individualized consultation on a case-by-case basis or group trainings on topics such as:
- Behavior Intervention
- Social skills strategies/supports
- Classroom/schoolwide behavior management
- Disability Awareness
- Bullying awareness/prevention
Screenings/Evaluations
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Developmental Delay
- Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disability
- Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
- ADHD
- Learning Disability
Visit the Evaluation section for more information on screenings and evaluations offered at Clear Lake Children’s Center
Support for Parents
Individualized Parent Support
- We offer one-on-one consultation to parents to discuss specific concerns and identify strategies for addressing them.
- We can provide recommendations for a number of issues, including behavior, discipline, academic performance, social skills, tantrums, anger, sensory issues, grief, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and many more.
- We can review a child’s special education records, evaluations, services, and programming to assist parents in making informed educational decisions.
In-Home Parent Training and Behavior Support
- Learn how to implement strategies for improving behavior and communication in the home setting
- Our parent trainer will visit the home to complete a needs assessment in order to identify the most important behaviors to target and then we’ll develop a plan for how to implement the strategies recommended.
- Parents will receive individualized visual supports for the home along with direct instruction and practice in the most effective ways to work directly with their children.
Parent Education Workshops
Group parent education workshops are offered periodically on topics including:
- Behavior Intervention
- Social Skills Strategies
- Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Understanding the Special Education Process
Workshops are two hours each and participants must be registered in advance.
Visit the Parent Education section for more information including dates/times of upcoming workshops!
Individual Services
Therapy
One-on-one support with child/adolescent for anxiety, depression, coping skills instruction, etc.
Social Skills Instruction
Individualized social skills instruction for children and adolescents
School Consultation
Consultation to School/Daycare Staff
We offer individualized consultation on a case-by-case basis or group trainings on topics such as:
- Behavior Intervention
- Social skills strategies/supports
- Classroom/schoolwide behavior management
- Disability Awareness
- Bullying awareness/prevention
Do you have more questions? Visit our FAQ page
My children attended this KinderCare for a few years and it was very good for us for a while. Susie is a good Director who does her best to try to accommodate kids with special needs. My son with autism was age 7 or 8 before he was toilet trained and they agreed to take him when other daycares (including Kids R Kids) refused, saying that they didn’t have the staff for his level of care. Christopher attended preschool and after school care there. One staff member was able to give him a lot of 1:1 attention and my son made progress reading and writing (I had to pay extra for their Phonics class). Once she left, however, my son languished, lying on the floor staring at the ceiling, or else climbing on tables and chairs out of boredom because he couldn’t do what other kids his age could do for play; and although he could make his basic wants known to adults, he couldn’t talk to other kids. When we came to pick him up he would bolt out the door. There were too many big kids crowded into a small space and it was too noisy, but I felt I didn’t have options because I didn’t think anyone else would take Christopher. KinderCare was good for us for a while, but as he got older he needed more stimulation than what a large daycare could provide. ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS BUSED TO: Ward Elementary, Brookwood Elementary, Clare Lake Elementary, North Pointe Elementary, Armand Bayou Elementary, Witcomb, Falcon Pass.
Provided through the Gulf Coast Regional Center, the Connect Transit program provides free transportation to individuals with intellectual disabilities so they can get to appointments or go shopping.
To schedule transportation or for information call:
800-266-2320 or 409-945-0820.
I hate dwelling in hypotheticals, but I am wondering if they would be willing to cross county lines to take someone to an appointment on the Houston/Harris County side of Clear Lake? I’m going to ask the same thing of the Harris County RIDES program, will they take a resident of Houston in 77062 to the Baybrook Mall, which is technically outside of Harris County. . . if anyone has used either of these, please post a comment or review.
Free Texas Virtual Public School
Students in grades 3–12 throughout Texas are thriving at Texas Connections Academy @ Houston (TCAH), a tuition-free Texas virtual school. TCAH gives students the flexibility to learn at home with a curriculum that meets rigorous state education standards. TCAH offers:
- A challenging curriculum developed by leading education experts
- Instruction from state-certified teachers experienced in online instruction
- Support from trained counselors, the principal, and the administrative staff
Get to Know Texas Connections Academy @ Houston
Take a look inside TCAH and learn what students, parents, and teachers enjoy most about the flexibility of public online education.
Welcome to Texas Connections Academy @ Houston
TCAH is not just a virtual public school in Texas. It’s a tight-knit online school community offering all of the services and resources needed to create a well-rounded student experience with:
- Highly qualified and responsive teachers
- Field trips that give students and families the opportunity to learn together and make new friends
- Clubs and activities that foster social development and academic growth
- An involved community of students and their families
Our Mission
Texas Connections Academy @ Houston is a leader in virtual education excellence that provides unparalleled individualized learning experiences. Our Texas virtual public school is designed to prepare and inspire each student to maximize his or her potential and succeed in an ever-changing world.
Find Out More about Virtual School in Texas
Want more information about Texas Connections Academy @ Houston?
- Attend an upcoming information session.
- Find out how to enroll in our virtual school in Texas.
Consolidated Planning Group is a family-owned, unique and holistic planning firm that centers around special needs. We are well connected within the special needs community and help families in Texas and nationwide, to navigate the vast, and sometimes confusing, special needs landscape. In addition, we are fully licensed financial advisors and insurance brokers, who help plan for retirement, and for the future of your special needs loved ones.. Three of our most popular personal financial planning services that we offer include;
-
Comprehensive Personal Financial Planning
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Special Needs Consultative Services and Guidance
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Social Security Maximization Analysis
You are invited to schedule a FREE financial planning consultation. We are actively taking bookings for November appointments now.
Feel free to make your appointment on this calendar link, give me a call (832-622-3220) or simply reply to this email.
Finally, please take a moment to explore our YouTube channel, if you haven’t already, where you can find several recordings of various special needs topics.
Regards,
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Distinct Abilities is an academic preschool in Houston that caters to both non special needs and special needs children and is inspired by the Montessori philosophy. It is also a daycare provider for school-aged children. They also have an inclusive summer day camp with field trips to area attractions.
I personally love Distinct Abilities. They took my autistic son into their after school program when he had aged out of all other child care centers but was not able to be safely home alone, which is when I discovered them. CCISD was able to transport special needs kids there so it solved a real need for working families of special needs kids in the district who have no other options than to hire someone to watch their child after school and over the summer. They have the experience and the facility to provide a structured, stimulating, nurturing environment for all kids.
Since moving into their new location, Distinct Abilities has expanded to add child therapy and sensory rooms. They are a fantastic asset to the Clear Lake area!
Dr. Grilli and his staff are fantastic with special needs kids, which is a specialty. His office features pinball machine, various arcade games, treasure chest of goodies, sun glasses (for kids to wear while being examined), and a pleasant environment. I never thought my son would sit through x-rays and a cleaning, but Dr. Grilli and his staff are so great that my son now looks forward to going to the dentist.
If you’re like me, you’ve always heard references to Easter Seals but were never really sure of what they did.
Nationally, Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 65 years, Easter Seals Greater Houston has been offering help, hope and answers to people of all ages with disabilities and their families. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play.
Founded in Houston in 1947, Easter Seals Greater Houston provides a variety of needed services to individuals of all ages with all types of disabilities and their families in the five counties surrounding the Houston area. We are the only organization in the greater Houston area providing comprehensive services to individuals with all types of disabilities and their families. Originally called the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, the organization was started to provide services to individuals with disabilities living in Houston and Harris County. The Center served as a school and as a therapeutic service center over the years, and was briefly called the Children’s Center for Developmental Therapy. In 1989, the organization changed its name once again and greatly expanded and reorganized it’s services to meet the needs of its clientele.
Easter Seals Greater Houston provides nine service programs (Adult Program, Camps, Counseling & Case Management, BridgingApps, Social Motion Skills, The Caroline School, ECI Infant Program, Housing Initiative, High School / High Tech, Respite Services, Toy / Tech and the Assistive Technology Lab) to children and adults with all types of disabilities and their families.
To learn more about services provided to autistic children and adults, go here: http://www.easterseals.com/our-programs/autism-services.
Excellent Minds Academy is for high functioning students with learning disabilities and/or disorders, as well as general education students who do not function well in large classroom settings . We provide individual, group and computer based curriculum and encourage students to express their Excellent Minds! We believe that Every child deserves an Excellent education so our goal is to provide this education no matter the economic status of the household.
In general, we accept students who fall in the following categories:
- Students Who Need A Small Classroom
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Kinesthetic Learners
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Intellectual Disability
- We offer a challenging curriculum to all grade levels academically and more importantly the social skills most of our students are lacking. A variety of curriculum’s are used to best provide our students the individual education needed with A Beka and Bob Jones Press. Math, language arts, reading and writing are our primary focus. Additional classes in music, art, penmanship, PE and social skills help to round out our student’s development.
Click HERE for registration information.
I just want to say that Families Can has proven to be a very valuable resource for our family.
A trained and knowledgeable parent (by the name of Olga, in our case) visits us in our home annually–even though we are in Clear Lake–and lets us know of programs and services available to us. It is really helpful to hear information from someone who is going through, or has already been through, the same challenges as you. That’s the idea behind Families CAN.
Families CAN provides Parent-to-Parent Services for Families of Children with special health care needs. Family Partners are parent caseworkers who themselves are parents of children with special health care needs. They work one-on-one with families to assist, support and empower them in getting resources for their children and to enhance their families’ quality of life.
Free Services Provided
- Information & Referrals.
- In-home casework services.
- Assistance with getting services from other agencies.
- Assistance with coordination of children’s resources, services and educational programs.
- Family Support Services.
- Advocacy with policy-making committees to represent the parents’ point of view.
- Parent Support Groups
- Transition Workshop for Parents (New)
They also offer a useful resource guide: http://www.las.uh.edu/pep/resources-for-families-and-children-with-disabilities.aspx
The Families CAN Program is funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services: Children with Special Health Care Needs Division.
For more information, contact:
Shelley Townsend (713) 743-5491
FEAT-Houston is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to “improve the quality of life of those affected by developmental disabilities by increasing resources and providing information about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
FEAT sponsors workshops and meetings that provide training on effective treatment strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and also provides information on ABA and special education law trainings through monthly emails and newsletters. Tuition reimbursement and conference stipend programs help support the development of ABA resources in the Greater Houston area and make it possible for more teachers and parents to learn about scientifically validated teaching methods for children, teens and adults with autism.
FEAT-Houston distributes a good newsletter which contains all sorts of classes and programs for autistic kids and their parents.
–A FEAT chapter for Clear Lake used to meet in the United Way building, but I’m not sure that group is still active.
Grants & Scholarships
Grants & Scholarships for Education (I didn’t create separate listings for these)
Don Miller Scholarship through the Arc of Texas https://www.thearcoftexas.org/don-miller-scholarship/ I am uncertain of the details of this award but it appears to pay for college for individuals with IDDs.
Incight Scholarship. Each year, Incight awards up to one hundred scholarships to students with disabilities, who have demonstrated outstanding merit in giving back to the community and overcoming obstacles in order to pursue higher education. These scholarships range in value from $500 to $2,500.
KFM Making a Difference scholarship $500 scholarship to an autistic college student.
Lawrence Madeiros Memorial Scholarship $1,000 per recipient.
This scholarship is to advance the education of individuals that are living with a chronic disorder.
Organization for Autism Research OAR offers the Schwallie Family Scholarship Program $3,000 each across three categories: 1) Four-year undergraduate college or university; 2) Two-year undergraduate college, and; 3) Trade, technical or vocational school. These are one-time awards for any recipient.
Rise Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships for students with a variety of learning disabilities, and it has introduced an award specific to students with autism spectrum disorders. $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend college the following academic year.
Kimberly Hegwood is a lawyer with expertise in estate planning and family law for special needs kids. She is known as the Clear Lake area’s special needs family lawyer, and she also serves on the board of the Arc of the Gulf Coast. She often gives free seminars in planning and protection of people with special needs.
Hidden Talents ABA provides treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our focus is to help children grow and thrive by improving communication, social and adaptive skills. Hidden Talents ABA specializes in services for children from birth to age 12. Our experienced team of BCBAs develops programs to fit each child’s specific needs. The dedication of our clinicians and our comprehensive, collaborative approach will allow our clients to truly shine and succeed.
Hope Village is a closed residential community in Friendswood consisting of several homes located on 18 acres across from a golf course. Full-time residential services are available to all individuals whose primary diagnosis is mental retardation and who meet the admission criteria for ages six years through adulthood. Semi-private and private rooms are available and include assistance with the activities of daily living, medication administration, nutritious meals and 24-hour per day supervision and care in one of five homes on the Hope Village campus.
Residents have the opportunity to attend church and Sunday School, bowling, dances, movies, the circus, BBQs at the beach, Astro’s baseball games and various events including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Residents may also enjoy our on-campus outdoor pool during summer months and our recreation center year-round. They have an excellent resale shop and cafe. Villagers sell soap and ceramics made in their workshops.
The Hope Village Developmental Center includes a large work training area, fully equipped kitchen,ceramics manufacturing area, computer lab,gift shop and the Village Cafe. This 14,000 square foot building is home to our Day Program which operates Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 4:00.
Day Program
In addition to residential services, Hope Village offers respite care and day care. The day program is an integral part of the Hope Village Developmental Center and is a work program licensed by the U.S. Department of Labor. It is designed to develop self-confidence, healthy work ethics and provide a sense of accomplishment. Villagers receive payment on a piece rate scale for each item they complete and each Villager participating in this program is periodically assessed for skill development and mastery. Contracts for services and work to be performed by the Villagers such as packaging, collating, envelope stuffing, sorting and similar work come from businesses in the surrounding communities. We are always looking for more contracts, so if you have a project that you think we could help with, please call 281.482.1663.
Although a foundation for Hope Village is a nonprofit, Hope Village itself is private pay, about $4,000 / month, and as I recall you cannot place a family member there if there is no one who can evacuate him in event of hurricane, or provide for his basic necessities. In other words, this is not the kind of home you can hope to place your adult child into if there is no one to look after him or drop in from time to time.
VAST Academy provides post-secondary transition programs and comprehensive support services which lead to meaningful credentials, employment and independence for differently-abled individuals. Opportunities include vocational certificates, pre-college and freshman success “bridge” courses, career readiness credentials, internships and employment assistance offered through an inclusive, relevant and affordable avenue.
The Independence Village offers room & board to adults with developmental and/physical disabilities in a comfortable, supervised, family setting. We provide a safe home with private living quarters. Balanced meals and assistance as needed with daily responsibilities. We encourage independence and promote community integration by maintaining an active presence in the area, holding fundraisers and participating in area events.
Our privately funded non-profit residence cares for approximately Twenty five residents ranging in age from 20 to 70 years. Our residents are individuals with Down Syndrome, developmental disabilities, or brain injury who need minimal assistance in their daily living. Some of our residents are employed either part-time or full-time.
Although each individual has the opportunity and is encouraged to participate in the community in many ways, the place they call “home” is their Independence Village. The Village includes large suites with living rooms, spacious closets and built in chest of drawers, bathrooms designed for the physically challenged, as well as community areas including a large den and entertainment center. For over 20 years Independence Village staff members have provided a loving and caring home where a family atmosphere is encouraged and fostered. You are invited to visit us anytime and let us show you the comfort and hospitality at the Village. Call us to make an appointment : (409) 935-4335.
Resident Eligibility Requirement
Applicants for residence at Independence Village must:• Be 18 years old or older
• Have a primary diagnosis of Developmental Disability, Down Syndrome,
and/or a Physical Disability.• Be ambulatory (inclusive of self-mobility with adaptive equipment).
• Be able to actively participate in a day program (work, training, volunteering, etc).
• Be able to self-medicate with supervision.
• Be able to communicate needs and understand instruction.
• Be capable of accomplishing self-help tasks with minimal or no assistance.
• Be free of disease (communicable or otherwise contagious) which could endanger other residents.
• Be without mental health problems or any major emotional/behavior problems.
Services
• Spacious Residential Suites
• Well Balanced Meals and Supplemental Snacks
• Limited Transportation
• Twenty-four hour Staffing to assist with everyday living needs
• Activities and Entertainment
• Most of all a loving, caring family environment
In April 2023, the cost is $1500 / month for a shared room and $3000 / month for a private room.
In my experience, JCP is the very best place for autistic kids to get hair cuts. I have taken my kids there for years and I like that they can look into their appointment system and see that my son has special needs, no need to EXPLAIN anything. Plus they know us. Caprice and Michael are excellent. It is never crowded in there and they open early on Sunday if you have a child who doesn’t want to overhear blow dryers. Mine actually enjoys the sensation of sitting under the old fashioned hood dryers (he also likes the sound of fans), and Michael indulges him with that for a few minutes, but when he was much younger a hair cut was absolute torture for him. No idea why it was. You’d think it hurt. Thankfully, he likes having his hair washed and cut now, and they even shave him if I ask.
Chick-fila is in the JCP parking lot so if you want to promise a snack or shake for good behavior, it is right there.
Kennedy Dance Theatre has opened up its studio for a Special Needs Program as a way to reach out to the community. The classes offered are for students with Down Syndrome, Autism and other developmental disabilities. Teachers and student assistants involved volunteer their time each week so the classes can be offered free of charge. (I want to note: I called them in April 2023 and their program is going strong. They have a Saturday morning class which runs the length of the school year with a Recital at the end. They have all ages in the class, including some adults).
This program has been featured on both FOX News and ABC 13 News as a great way for Special Needs children to get involved in an extracurricular activity while improving motor skills, confidence, and socialization. For more information about the program please call the studio at 281-480-8441.
To view the ABC 13 News broadcast please Click Here.
Special Needs Director
Jennifer Holbert
Jennifer Holbert is the Director of the Special Needs Program at Kennedy Dance Theatre, and has over 30 years of dance experience. She has worked with the Special Needs Program at Clear Lake High School, is a former Special Needs Gymnastics Instructor, and is currently the Director of several Special Needs cheerleading teams. Her program here at KDT has been featured on FOX News, ABC News, The Houston Chronicle, and in Dance Teacher Magazine for her continued dedication to the Special Needs community. In addition to the Special Needs Program, Jennifer specializes in teaching many of the Pre-School Dance Education classes here at KDT, as well as directing several award winning performing groups. She also has a nephew with Down Syndrome, so this program is very near and dear to her heart.
– See more at: https://www.kennedydance.com/special-needs/#sthash.b0wAbt43.2KPKINGG.dpuf
Kinetic Learning with Kids is a program that involves learning academics through movement. The program focuses on a stress free environment for children who struggle in school academically and emotionally. We offer a variety of different types of dance, depending on what your child enjoys the most (ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, yoga/stretching). While your child is dancing he will be learning academics. Movement while learning has been shown to help children with understanding concepts, stress relief and memory. We hope to help your child soon!
Ashleigh Gismondi began dancing when she was 3 years old. She was mostly self-taught until 1996 when she joined the Pacific School of Ballet in California. She was taught by Rosemary Molak, Maryann Bayless and Brenda Smith. While in high school Ashleigh also danced on the competitive El Toro High School dance/drill team. After high school Ashleigh continued to dance in college while pursuing a degree in Special Education. She is currently at the University of Houston/ Clear Lake continuing her education in Special Education. Ashleigh has had 13 years of experience working with children ages preschool to 6th grade, at Pasadena Independent School District with the Autistic Program, and Clear Creek Independent School District with Social Development.
THE KINETIC LEARNER PLAN. EACH CHILD WILL HAVE AN INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN DEPENDING ON HIS ASSESSMENT BY THE PROGRAM, “SCOOTPAD.” THIS PROGRAM WILL KEEP TRACK OF THEIR GROWTH ACADEMICALLY, HAVE ASSIGNMENTS AVAILABLE TO THEM 24 HOURS A DAY, EBOOKS AT THEIR READING LEVEL AND EMAILS SENT TO PARENTS SHOWING HOW THEIR CHILD IS PROGRESSING. WE WILL ALSO BE USING ACTIVITIES, MANIPULATIVES, VISUALS AND WRITING TO HELP WITH EACH CHILD’S ACADEMIC SUCCESS. WHEN IT IS TIME FOR A BREAK, WE BREAK WITH A DANCE LESSON THAT INCORPORATES WITH THE ACADEMIC LESSON. THE DANCE LESSON WILL INVOLVE STRETCHING, ACROSS THE FLOOR WORK AND A COOL DOWN. A TOTAL OF ONE HOUR SESSION.
MYAVAILABILITYTY IN THE SUMMER:
SATURDAY 3PM-6PM
SUNDAY 11AM-6PM
MY AVAILABILITY IN THE FALL:
FRIDAY 1PM-5PM
SATURDAY 2PM-6PM
SUNDAY 11AM-6PM
WHAT WE OFFER:
TUTORING IN READING, FINE MOTOR SKILLS, MATH, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, BEHAVIORAL THERAPY THROUGH POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT COST PER HOUR $35
KINETIC LEARNING WITH KIDS
Contact information: 404-803-2664
email: [email protected]
Programs designed to address challenges in speech, language and academics, as well as develop a system for success both for the client and the families. We provide individual & group therapy for the following:
Language Deficits/Delays
Dyslexia
Reading Deficits
Writing Deficits
Oral Motor Skills
Pragmatic (Social Skills)
Learning Disabilities
Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorders/Asperger’s
Voice Disorders
Articulation Disorders
Developmental Apraxia
Auditory Processing Disorders
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Stuttering
Tongue Thrust
Cleft Palate
Apraxia
Dysarthria
Aphasia
The Learning Repertoire, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charity that works directly one on one with children with Autism, PDD, and any other developmental delay. They utilize applied behavior analysis principles (ABA), occupational therapy, and psychological services for treatment.
The Lennar Life and Work Skills Program is a FREE program offered to students with intellectual disabilities. It’s been in existence since 2006. 160 students have graduated from the program.
The program takes place one Saturday a month from 9 AM – 12 PM at our office in the Greenspoint location (I-45 & Beltway 8).
We cover a wide range of topics, including:
Dress for Success, Computer Skills, Cooking, Budgeting Skills, Resumes and Interviewing, Office Services Skills, Riding the Bus, Shopping, and more!
There is no age limit. For an application and more information contact:
Amy Floyd, Lennar Corporation, [email protected], 281-874-8438.
We strive to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment designed to guide children to discover new information, skills and concepts. Our child development curriculum offers the best social, emotional, physical, academic and cognitive experiences for children. We provide a variety of early childhood educational experiences that encourage a positive self-image and a joy in the learning process. We respect each child as an individual who possesses a unique personality, intelligence and creativity. Our enthusiastic and dedicated teachers establish childcare environments that are clean, fun, creative and child-centered and provide children with purposeful direction, positive reinforcement and guidance as they work towards becoming more independent. Learning through play is critical for this stage of learning.
Additionally, we have diligently created an “active” program that encourages an active, healthy and happy lifestyle at a young age which is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Children are introduced to a variety of age appropriate activities and sports with the goal that they learn new skills and gain confidence that will carry over into future endeavors. They will run, jump, tumble, climb, leap and dance in our 28,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facilities. Good physical health is a critical component of brain development as well. The daily schedule provides a consistent structure to the day; allowing for routines and rituals. However, it permits the flexibility and openness to follow children’s interests and address their needs. Our curriculum encourages and supports a balance of free choice and teacher guided activities and allows time for small and large group activities. Math, technology, science, and art components are strongly emphasized and are incorporated throughout the entire day though play based learning activities.
I wanted to say that I visited Marbridge yesterday (1/23/2017) and spoke with Barbara Bush–easy name for Texans to remember. I didn’t take a full tour, just inquired about financing for someone to live at Marbridge. It now comes to about $3650 month and HCS doesn’t pay for it. Marbridge is a cheaper option than Brookwood, which is $5,000 month.
The reality is that private facilities (congregate homes) are beyond the means of most families. While I did not take a tour, I drove around. The campus was nice and well-maintained. (I also had the opportunity to eavesdrop on a staff meeting.) My impression is that this is a good place. Employment opportunities, classes, excursions and activities keep life structured and everyone busy.
Marbridge is a private residential facility for adults, ages 18 and older with cognitive disabilities. We have residents from all over the United States. Our campus is 170 acres comprising of three interlocked communities.
The lowest level of independence is the skilled nursing level, the Villa. This is 24-hr a day nursing care. The Villa accepts major insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid as payment. Residents at the Villa need high levels of assistance in their daily living activities, (showering, dressing, toileting, feeding, etc.).
The next level of independence is our assisted living community, the Ranch. Residents at the Ranch require 24 hour supervision, but are independent in most daily activities; can toilet, shower, and dress themselves, but may not be able to do laundry or cook. Residents in this campus have a daily schedule that centers around a training and education program customized to their abilities and goals. Their living arrangements are configured in a dormitory-style setting in which two residents share a room and a bathroom. There is a common rec room and a common eating area.
The highest level of independent living is that experienced by the residents of the Village. The Village consists of 15 cottages. Each cottage contains 3, two-bedroom suites. Six residents reside in each cottage. The residents here have a schedule as well, but their schedules revolve around their employment schedules with training classes scattered in.
Both the assisted living level and the independent living levels are private pay. If a resident receives a monthly benefit income from social security, disability or veteran benefits, those funds may be applied directly to the monthly tuition, and the family will be responsible for the remaining balance.
The monthly tuition for the Ranch is $3040/month, and the tuition for the Village is $3,095/month. Tuition covers room and board, all training and education classes, an individual program plan, 24-hour supervision, and basic nursing care.
We have two full-time employment coordinators on staff here that assist the residents in finding appropriate job opportunities, and making sure that they get job skills training. Our training and education program runs three semesters a year, with two to three week breaks in between for home visits or travel. The minimum stay for a Marbridge resident is four years, which is usually a good time frame in which to see achievement of goals.
Many families utilize Marbridge as a four year college like experience for their loved one. Nobody on the Marbridge campus drives, although several residents have licenses. We provide transportation to the resident’s work, town trips, special activities, and medical appointments.
Marbridge also offers a Summer camp. Summer camp is a great way for potential residents to get a taste of Marbridge life.
We offered eight, one-week camp sessions this summer (2014) to choose from. I hope this was helpful, please feel free to contact me with any other questions you might have. We can provide you with a campus tour Monday through Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM.
Best Regards,
Jenna
512-282-1144 X1200
“The Meyer Center at TCH provides medically directed diagnostic services for infants, children and adolescents spanning the full spectrum of developmental-behavioral pediatrics – from intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders to learning disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – including services for those at risk due to prematurity or other neonatal complications, birth defects, or genetic syndromes.”
Let me say to all parents that you will be fully charged ($$$) for the doctor’s evaluation, and once you obtain an assessment through TCH, there are not a world of services suddenly available to you. If you already have an autism assessment, getting reassessed through the Meyer Center is probably a waste of time and money. Also, if this is your child’s first assessment, you will want to be assessed right away, rather than waiting two years (see below), so your child can benefit from Early Intervention.
The Meyer Center had us wait 9 months just to make an appointment, and then called me right when school had let out to tell me that my son’s name had come up on the waiting list to be eligible for an appointment, but I needed to have his teachers fill out evaluation forms–also before I could schedule the appointment (which meant waiting until September to make it). After submitting the forms, they lost them, and this resulted in more delay.
After I finally was able to make the appointment, the wait was incredibly long after that to see a doctor. It took me about two years to finally see one of their developmental pediatricians. In the meantime, I had spoken to their administrative assistant several times, saying I already had an autism assessment for my child, but are there services or innovative treatments he can access through Texas Children’s if he is assessed by a doctor down there? She said yes, that’s the point of having one of their doctors do the evaluation. It turned out not to be the case.
Now, I thought the evaluation was quite excellent and thorough, probably the best one I’d seen. I saw Lane Strathearn, MD, PhD. At the end of it, though, we were told our son had classic autism, what we already knew.
Funny thing, I actually was not aware that we were going to be charged for the diagnostic test. Given the two year + wait to see a doctor, I suppose I thought it was a public service provided free of charge by Texas Children’s Hospital.
The mission of the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA) is to “provide or ensure the provision of services and supports in a respectful fashion that are high quality, efficient, and cost effective such that persons with mental disabilities may live with dignity as fully functioning, participating, and contributing members of our community as possible, regardless of their ability to pay or third party coverage.”
MHMRA of Harris County is the conduit (“Local Authority”) through which all Home and Community-based Services (HCS) will be rendered and coordinated once your/my autistic child becomes eligible for HCS, if he/she/we are still residing in Harris County. The waiting list for services is several years long, but that is quite more a Texas than a county phenomenon.
Since Clear Lake is on the boundary between MHMRA of Harris County and the Gulf Coast Center MHMR, I’ve often wondered if it would be better to move over into Galveston County to work with a smaller agency which seems to have its act together. . . though I will say that many are convinced that Fort Bend County is the very best. Lots of things with MHMRA of Harris County strike me as being screwed up–their website has broken links, the online chat doesn’t work, the listings in the vendor resource fair don’t play–all of which (I’m sorry MHMRA) doesn’t inspire confidence. I hate to think that my adult child’s access to services and quality of life is bound up with a big bureaucracy, but that may be the reality.
I haven’t had much interaction with Harris County MHMRA except for one of their psychologists to do an an autism evaluation to get my child on the waiting list for services. I recall the psychologist said my child had moderate autism, and I said,”He’s nonverbal and can’t feed himself. How can that be moderate?” If he can follow direction to sit in a chair and touch his nose with his finger he’s moderate. And he added, “You won’t believe the children I see coming through the door.” Another time when I was contacted about ABA-SKip services which were way too far away (somewhere on 290), too expensive (they applied a sliding scale fee), and held during working hours. Seemed everything they had to offer was for a stay at home mom living at the poverty level. When I contacted them asking about residential facilities in my area they said “it was too soon” for them to speak with me about it and I had to wait until my child’s name came up on the list.
There is a really shining star and MHMRA by the name of Evanthe Collins, who inspired me with confidence and gave me really good information on HCS providers in the Clear Lake area. Thanks, Evanthe! Please do not leave MHMRA!!
Through the county RIDES program, disabled people who are unable to drive can be transported to doctors or to go grocery shopping. See the entry for RIDES under Transportation Services.
THE MOMENTUM ACADEMY, FOUNDED IN 2014, IS THE FIRST PRIVATE SCHOOL IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA, SERVING STUDENTS FROM 6TH – 12TH GRADES WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES.
We believe that the potential of all students is often untapped and that by teaching to individual learning styles, building on students’ strengths, and remediating areas of weakness all students will have a solid foundation and the self esteem to allow them to achieve their loftiest goals.
The Momentum Academy customizes learning to fit the student. Each student receives whatever type of specialized instruction he or she needs. Our school is particularly appropriate for students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, expressive and receptive language disorders, ADHD/ADD, auditory processing disorder, anxiety, and high-functioning autism.
The 2014-2015 school year will begin with a maximum enrollment of 10 students. The inclusion of elementary grades is planned for the future. As the school grows classes will remain small – 8 to10 students – working with empathetic, caring and creative teachers who are trained in working with students with learning differences. The Momentum Academy believes in nurturing the whole child, academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
We invite you to read more about us, call us for more information at (832)819-3320, email us and/or schedule a time to meet. We look forward to it!
UNDER A RENTAL AGREEMENT, OUR NEW LOCATION: LIFE POINT CHURCH, 2450 E. MAIN ST, SUITE H, LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573
CALL (832)819-3320 TO SET UP A TOUR AND RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Our students are 21st Century students and our curriculum reflects such. Our curriculum is individualized for each student’s needs and includes both web-based and direct instruction. The curriculum includes:
| Math | Bible/ Chapel Handwriting/Keyboarding/Writing Workshop | |
| Language Arts | Tools for Living | Community Based Education |
| Science | Physical Education | Community Service Projects |
| Social Studies | Social Skills | Fine Arts Elective |
Please contact us if you have any questions.
My name is Ashley Newell and I am a Transition Advocate with Mounting Horizons, a nonprofit that serves senior citizens and individuals with Disabilities in Galveston County. We are one of 27 Centers for Independent Living in the state of Texas, with a focus on promoting independence and inclusion for people with disabilities and seniors within their communities.
Some of our services include:
ADA Accessible Transportation- servicing Galveston County, Webster, Friendswood, Seabrook, Alvin, and the Clear Lake Area.
Advocacy- Assisting people with questions about Social Security would be an example
Employment/Vocational Training- We are an ESP (Employment Service Provider) and receive referrals from Texas Workforce Commission to assist individuals with gaining competitive employment.
I&R (Information and Referrals)- Help locating Prescription assistance, rental/utility assistance, or performing research based on expressed needs.
ILS- Independent Living Skills Classes- can include: cooking, how to budget, computer classes, and other life skills
TAP- Transition to Adulthood Program- for youth 14-22 years of age.
YAAL- Young Adult Advocates Leadership Club- Youth with disabilities 14-22 learn how to self-advocate, gain leadership skills, and to advocate for the increased inclusion of people with disabilities within their community.
Social/Recreational Opportunities- With all classes and events, these are currently via Zoom during the Pandemic. In the past, we’ve gone on trips to venues, baseball games, photography outings, etc.
Lifting Young Minds to New Heights, LLC provides resources, consultations, comprehensive evaluations, and individualized treatment to children of all ages with a wide variety of speech, language, and behavior needs.
Our mission is to provide quality, evidence-based speech-language therapy services and ABA services to increase communication skills and maximize progress of clients who have communication, cognitive and language impairments. We accomplish this by identifying needs through specialized evaluations and the developments of individualized goals to meet the needs of the client.
My brother goes here and absolutely loves it! We wait for the calendar to come out each month and he picks out what activities and day trips he wants to go to (sometimes 5 days a week). The staff is excellent and I am extremely grateful it is close to home. We couldn't be happier with their program.
Next Step Transition Center is not only a service provider, a day habilitation center, and a group home, but also a home away from home for all of our young adults. Our day program gives young adults a place to increase their confidence by working on their independent living, social, and vocational skills daily.
“Traci Johnston, our founder, began as a life skills teacher in the public school system. As the years went on she struggled with the idea of her students leaving school without a place to go. She came to the realization that she could provide a “college like experience” for these young adults through a structured day program. She developed Next Step as a program where young adults can continue learning and growing towards independence and community integration.
We began in one room at the Deer Park Community Center with a handful of young adults. Information about our structured program began to spread and our group of young adults grew. Before we knew it, we were in need of a new facility in order for all of our young adults to have space to grow and learn.
We continue to grow and look forward to our next steps as a company and day program!”
I just want to say that I attended a presentation by Traci Johnston and was very impressed with her! She is extremely knowledgeable and really on the ball. They are relatively new in our area, but I will be checking out Next Step for my own son.
I have not visited Noah’s House. I wanted to, but due to COVID restrictions, I was not able to take a tour. I wanted to bookmark them. This is a residential facility for adults with IDDs, and one that is much more affordable than others in Texas.
Carnivals, rodeos, roller rinks, bowling alleys, fireworks, go karts, circuses, motor boats, anywhere people applaud or sing, movie theaters, live music, bouncy houses, child care centers, birthday parties and restaurants can be miserably loud and upsetting for autistic children. But there is a solution which will set you and your child free.
While our child has gotten much better with regard to sound and only rarely resorts to ear covering now, we still bring sound-blocking headphones with us to large events or if we go some place new. A pair of noise reducing headphones, the kind worn by drummers, have provided our child with comfort, confidence and freedom–and why put them through it when a simple solution exists?
These can be purchased at Guitar Center or online, and they come in kid’s sizes. Soundblocking headphones are the best purchase we ever made for our au son enjoy family outings and activities!
http://www.amazon.com/Vic-Firth-DB22-Drummers-Headphones/dp/B0002F513E
http://www.amazon.com/Vic-Firth-Kidphones-Isolation-Headphones/dp/B000Z31GGE
Dr. Melissa DeFilippis is a child psychiatrist in the Clear Lake area who specializes in autism and related disorders (she treats everything but she has a great deal of knowledge about behavior management of kids on the spectrum, OCD and anxiety). She is with UTMB and has an office in Webster. Speaking from my own experiences, Dr. DeFilippis is easy to work with, accessible, and has exceptionally good communications skills with kids (she makes sure not just to speak to the parents in a session, but interacts with the child). She is conservative when it comes to prescriptions.
You do not have to wait weeks or months to get in to see her like some child psychiatrists inside Loop 610. I highly recommend her if you are considering medicating your autistic child to assist with behavior management, anxiety, anger, or aggression.
The Reason for Hope is a Christian Pediatric Therapy Center providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Communication Disorders and/ or Behavior Disorders. They take insurance for some providers.
According to their website, “The RIDES program through Harris County is a great option for people for whom public transportation is either unavailable or inaccessible — helping eligible residents make doctor’s appointments, do grocery shopping, or otherwise just get around and remain independent.”
When I called and asked if they provided service to the Clear Lake area, they initially told me no, but then said “yes.” If they turn you down, ask to speak to someone else. They serve the part of Clear Lake that is in Houston/ Harris County.
I am wondering if they would be willing to cross county lines to take someone on the Houston/Harris County side to the Galveston side of Clear Lake? Like to Baybrook Mall? If anyone knows, please post a comment or review.
“Sailing Angels introduces the joy of sailing to children with special cognitive and physical needs and critical illnesses (e.g. Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Blindness, Deafness, MR, Type One Diabetes, physical mobility issues, cancer, etc.), as an opportunity for education and recreational therapy. We provide sailing adventures at no cost to the participants.”
Capt. Dave McCabe, Director
The Sailing Angels Foundation
(281) 507-1867
[email protected]
The School of Rock Clear Lake has been a fantastic experience for our son. The instructors are patient and they have taught him to play drums (he plays to The Who, AC/DC, Aerosmith and many others) and he is just beginning keyboards. When we started, we didn’t know if our son was capable of playing. Now, he is taking lessons and playing with a band at School of Rock. When I saw him up on stage playing “Teenage Wasteland” I started to cry! School of Rock is awesome!! Blake especially is a wonderful and patient teacher.
The Sean Ashley House, located in Houston, is a Texas not-for-profit (501c3) organization designed to provide “model” homes for individuals with autism, blindness, mental retardation, and/or multiple disabilities.
The Sean Ashley House accepts individuals of any age who meet the criteria of the HCS program guidelines. Funding may also be made privately or through a variety of other agencies.
The Sean Ashley House Group Homes are all located in the southwest part of Houston, primarily in the Westbury Subdivision. Our homes are typical homes in the community. Our homes have three to four people living in each home and are staffed 24 hours day.
Go to their website to learn more. Residents live in typical neighborhood houses like the kind we grew up in, in a neighborhood setting.
This is all that they say they do:
|
Case Management
Residential Support Services
Supervised Living
Supported Home Living
HCS Foster Care
Day Habilitation
Respite (Hourly)
Respite (Daily)
Psychological Services
Nursing Services
|
Dietary Services
Speech Language Pathology
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Audiology Services
Supported Employment
Dental Services
Social Work
Adaptive Aids
Minor Home Modifications
|
S.T.E.P.S is a sheltered work day hab in Deer Park for individuals with intellectual disabilities. They have a number of cottage enterprises there: a shirt shop, a balloon design studio, and engraving. They make beautiful laser cut Christmas tree ornaments and many other gift items. I haven’t visited STEPS personally, but I encountered their table at a transition fair. Their facebook page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/STEPSTX/.
SourceAmerica (formerly NISH), a national nonprofit, is the leading source of job opportunities for a people with significant disabilities. Through our work, we make the American Dream more accessible to a segment of the population where nearly 80% do not have jobs.
Through a nationwide network of more than 550 community nonprofit agency partners, we fulfill contracting needs for the Federal Government, commercial businesses and government contractors.
Our network provides training to people with disabilities, assists them in identifying employment options that most of us take for granted, and then enables them to be successful at work. SourceAmerica is the vital link between jobs and the people who can do them.
It’s Working – more than 125,000 people with significant disabilities are employed through SourceAmerica nonprofit agencies.
How does SourceAmerica make this work?
For our procurement customers, SourceAmerica:
- Markets the capabilities of the products and services delivered by people with significant disabilities
- Creates a partnership to ensure quality and satisfaction meets expectations
- Connects the procurement opportunity with the most qualified nonprofit agency
- Provides dedicated customer service
- Includes third party management and collaboration on the statement of work
- Offers competitive pricing
- Supports all aspects of contracting which reduces customer time requirements
For our nonprofit agencies, SourceAmerica provides:
- Legislative representation and regulatory assistance
- Communications and marketing outreach
- Information technology expertise
- Engineering and technical support
- Comprehensive professional training
- Research and development projects
- Grants and financial assistance
For people with disabilities, SourceAmerica created the Institute for Economic Empowerment to conduct research, demonstration, and develop projects to make important progress toward the strategic goal of full and fair employment for individuals with significant disabilities, particularly those facing the most significant disability-related barriers to employment.
Serving families and educators of children receiving special education services in the Clear Creek Independent School District and surrounding areas.
Clear Creek ISD Special Education PTA welcomes families, teachers, administrators and community members to join us in celebrating and supporting our students receiving special education services.
Whether you are a parent wanting to share ideas and experiences with other parents, an educator looking for new ways to help your students, or a community member passionate about providing opportunities to students with special needs, Clear Creek ISD Special Education PTA offers a place to collaborate with others interested in helping make every student’s potential a reality.
The Special Olympics at CCISD is very popular with parents. The CCISD Challengers participate in five Special Olympics Sports in Texas:
- Swimming (August-October)
- Bowling (October-December)
- Basketball (January-March)
- Track & Field (March-May)
- Soccer (March-May)
My son benefitted greatly from the swimming program because they really taught him how to swim. I was always worried about his falling in water, and despite our going to the pool in the summertime he never learned to swim effectively. Their instructors worked 1:1 with Christopher to get him to actually swim. We also did bowling for a time. I think it is an excellent program.
SPECIAL SERVICES PARENT RESOURCE CENTER, CCISD
Whether your child is new to Special Services or you just need a question answered, CCISD’s Parent Resource Center (PRC) is your one-stop shop for all things Special Services. The Parent Resource Center provides trainings and workshops (and a library) and can direct you to important community resources to ensure you are knowledgeable about your child’s education.
In order to access the PRC and receive support, you must have a child currently enrolled in CCISD; but Penny Sweeney, the Director, will probably answer questions from all parents. The PRC is located at the Learner Support Center, 2903 Falcon Pass, Room #1038, Houston, Texas.
According to the CCISD website, the following services are offered through the Parent Resource Center:
- The IEP Process workshops
- The ARD Process workshops
- Curriculum support workshops/Assistive Technology Workshops (District Programs)
- STAAR explanations/options/tutorials
- Hands on make and take classes for parent of students using N2Y curriculum
- Visual schedules and home icon workshops
- Educator resource library
- 18+ option workshops
- Community provider workshops
- SpEd 101 workshops for new parents to CCISD Special Education Programs
- Parent resource connections
- Parent resource library
- Community event postings
- Curriculum support items
- Any other program the Director of Special Education Programs deems necessary for the mission of the CCISD Special Services Department.
They have monthly programs and workshops on different issues. Just gathering with other parents has been helpful to me personally, but their programs are good.
Recently, the PRC has been very helpful to me in terms of transition planning, guardianship information, SSI and services in the area for older kids.
This center is a relatively new initiative by the CCISD, and not to be confused with the “Parent Assistance Center” at CCISD. PRC’s monthly events seem well attended–it was surprisingly crowded for a workday morning when I went–but regrettably they don’t have a good website to disseminate information yet. You can download slides and things from their website, however.
Penny Sweeney, Parent Resource Specialist can direct you to important community resources to ensure you are knowledgeable about your child’s education and community resources, child care and summer programs.
Email Penny
281-284-0751
Special Strong has recently started offering classes in the Clear Lake area. Programs are for kids, teens and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. There are a variety of classes to choose from, from aquatics to trampolines to dance, strength-training and kickboxing. Classes meet at different locations. I just found out about his organization (May 15). To get an idea for the classes offered, I have posted the Spring 2023 schedule below. For more information, call Coach Mike Lutey: 832-856-0158.
The STRIVE program at Avvin Community College offers a 2 year college experience and vocational training for adults with intellectual disabilities. These individuals will work on resume building skills, interviewing skills, life skills for independence and involvement in local community, and vocational training in (but not limited to) basic health care, basic animal care, and horticulture with the end goal of obtaining a job. Upon completing the program, graduates will receive a certificate of completion. Limited seats available. Total Tuition (as of 2014) is $9480
For more information contact Rhonda Boone at 281.756.3805 or email [email protected].
We create an individualized treatment plan for each child to reach missed developmental milestones.
Our long-term objective is to teach functional skills that help our clients become fulfilled adults in mainstream society. We will teach them the skills they need in order to participate in a typical school setting, maintain a job, and live independently as an adult.
Summerhouse is not in the Clear Lake area but might be accessible for those who commute into town to go to work. In addition, it might serve as a model for the creation of a similar organization in Clear Lake.
The Summerhouse conceptualized from a bi-monthly Saturday program with community outings and social activities emphasized on developing social skills and cultivating friendships among young adults with intellectual disabilities. On June 4, 2012, after countless Saturdays engaging in the community, The Summerhouse doors were opened full time by a small group of 4 volunteers and 6 clients with a very basic idea in mind: young adults with intellectual disabilities are deserving of highest quality programming available to enable them to become valued, respected, contributing members of society.
From the beginning, The Summerhouse has focused on providing young adults with a variety of options to obtain the skills necessary for a successful transition into independent adult life. The program’s beginnings as a social skills based program has naturally evolved into a full time daily educational program encompassing not only basic life skills, but functional academics, social and emotional skills, and vocational training focused on entry into community-based employment.
Today, young adults (post-high school) cam participate in daily programming focused on life, learning, and exploring with a small group of peers led by our professional staff. The Summerhouse philosophy is not only to equip each person with individualized skills that enable them to become productive citizens, but to do so in the midst of a conventional neighborhood setting. In this way, they are integrated into the daily life of the community.
The core program runs from 9am-3pm, with supervised activities from 7am-5pm each day.
Members attend Monday through Friday year round.
TEXAS ADAPTIVE AQUATICS
“It Ain’t ‘Bragging If You Can Do It.”
An outstanding adaptive water skiing program that allows people with physical and/or mental disabilities the opportunity to discover the thrill and excitement of water skiing, sailing, and kayaking. T.A.A. founded in 1989 and incorporated in the State of Texas in 1990, is a non-profit sports training program for children and adults with disabilities.
All ski events that are located at the Lake Houston Sports Center, 103 Page Lane, Huffman, TX, are free of charge for people with disabilities and their families. We start at 10:00 am and close at 5:00 pm, lunch is also provided free of charge.
Recently it appears the program has expanded to include hunting under the name “Texas Adaptive Outdoorsman.”
The Arc is a non-profit organization formed nationally in 1950 to advocate for the inclusion of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in all aspects of society and is established at the national, state, and local levels.
“In 1984, a small group of parents and other family members, friends of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and professionals who work with them organized The Arc of Greater Houston. The Arc of Greater Houston is now the largest Arc chapter in the State of Texas, with a membership base of 2000 and growing. Arc representatives serve on the Board of Directors of the state and national Arc organizations as well as on a number of state committees that address disability issues.”
My personal interactions with this Arc have been limited because while they claim all of Houston as their service area, their primary focus is on the north and west side of Houston. They basically have no presence and provide no services in the S. Houston or Clear Lake area.
Established in 1969 and based in Alvin, Texas, The Arc of the Gulf Coast is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their quest for self-determination, ensuring that they have meaningful lives in the communities where they live, learn, work, play and worship. The Arc focuses on three primary areas of activity: 1) individual advocacy efforts for adults and children with IDD in their communities; 2) financial assistance for people with IDD and their families; and 3) community advocacy, which includes advocacy with policy makers and support of self-advocates. They respond to individual needs, “one person at a time.” The ARC will also assist with attending ARD meetings. Its service areas are Galveston and Brazoria counties.
If you need help with an autism-related problem and don’t know who to call, the ARC of the Gulf Coast is a great resource! They have attracted many wonderful, dedicated people to their board, and it is an organization which does a lot of good. My only complaint is that Clear Lake technically falls outside their service area. They’ll still try to assist Harris County residents though.
This is a nonprofit which raises money to support autism research and therapy through the sale of merchandise. Some of the products are autism-related, but most are the type of merchandise you would find in any online mart. Cute women’s clothes, gifts, toys, handbags, household decor, even shoes can be purchased through this website. A percent of each sale goes to fund established autism nonprofits or any other charity you select. It’s a neat idea and very well done–great selection of stuff.
The Center’s Residential Services offer a caring environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to call home. Each is designed to support an individual’s personal goals and choices. Our programs promote autonomy and independence while providing the personalized support our clients need to thrive.
SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
The Center’s Supported Independent Living Program offers adults with I/DD the opportunity to live in their own community-based apartment. An on-site residential administrator is available to help with daily living tasks, meals, and emergencies. This program currently offers units at the Stella at the Medical Center apartment complex with other city-wide options planned for the future.
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
The Center’s Independent Living Program offers individuals the opportunity to live independently in their own efficiency-style apartment while still benefiting from the resources and services The Center has to offer. For some, it is one step towards a goal of independent living in the larger community and for others, they have already met their personal goal. Participants in our Independent Living Program live in Cullen Residence Hall.
ASSISTED LIVING PROGRAM
The Center’s Assisted Living Program exemplifies our vision for all adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive the resources necessary to realize their personal potential. Clients in our Assisted Living Program demonstrate every day all that is possible when the right support is available. Participants in our Assisted Living Program live at Willow River Farms, with some additional availability at Cullen Residence Hall.
HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES (HCS)
HCS is a residential program designed for people who desire to live in full community integration. The service planning team ensures that each person receives the support needed to successfully manage day-to-day living. HCS is a program of choice. Individuals may choose among Supervised Living, Residential Support Services, Community First Choice, and Host Home Companion Care. The Center has a full complement of staff to provide our clients services in management, program coordination, social work, nursing, and residential administration.
Pediatric therapy center provides evaluation and treatment services for children with known or suspected learning and/or developmental problems and has certifications in sensory integration, neurodevelopmental treatment and interactive metronome. TCTCI is the original pediatric therapy center, serving the Clear Lake City area since 1994.
This is a resource guide for people seeking information on college programs for people with IDDs which are available in a particular state. It also features a short documentary called Rethinking College.
Here is what it has for all of Texas, but I know it is not a complete listing:
| Austin Community College | STEPS- Skills, Training and Education for Personal Success | Austin, TX | |
| St. Edward’s University Austin, TX | GO Project at St. Edward’s University | Austin, TX | |
| West Texas A&M University | Where the Learning Continues (WTLC) | Canyon, TX | |
| Texas A&M University | Postsecondary Access and Training in Human Services (PATHS) | College Station, TX | |
| Lone Star College-CyFair | CCDEL | Cypress, TX | |
| Houston Community College – Central | VAST Academy | Houston, TX | |
| Houston Community College Northwest | VAST Academy | Houston, TX |
The art school at the University of Houston Clear Lake offers art classes for kids on the autism spectrum and others with IDDs. These classes are usually on Friday afternoons. My son has been attending (he’s in their flyer for 2023). He enjoyed them very much and it is nice for parents to be able to get together and share. See below for contact info.
Here is how to register:
Hello Art School families,
Our summer classes for students on the Autism Spectrum will start Friday, June 9 and continue through July 28th!
To register and see the schedule, go to our website
https://www.uhcl.edu/childrens-art-school/
Scroll down and click “Artism.”
For those of you already enrolled – we will see you on the 9th! Tell your community of friends.
If you cannot come this time, please feel free to forward our flyer or information to any groups or interested families.
Best wishes for summer.
Beth Sheppard
The Art School
College of Human Sciences & Humanities
University of Houston-Clear Lake
281-283-3344 | [email protected]
The choice is clear.
For current class schedule:
https://www.uhcl.edu/childrens-art-school/
The UHCL Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities is composed of faculty and students in the Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Education graduate programs at UHCL. Its purpose is to train current and future professionals in ABA techniques and assessment, and to provide services to children and their families through partnerships with community organizations. Through CADD, graduate students in the Behavior Analysis program provide services to children and teachers in Clear Creek, Pasadena, and Pearland Independent School Districts. For more information, contact Dr. Dorothea Lerman at [email protected].
Autism Assessment Services
Graduate students in the School Psychology and Clinical Psychology Programs provide evaluations for children and adults on the autism spectrum under the supervision of faculty at the UHCL Psychological Services clinic. The evaluations are designed to identify the individual’s condition, describe functioning levels across several domains, and make recommendations for intervention based on individual needs and research-based practices. For more information, contact uhclpsc@uhcl.edu.
Severe Behavior Disorders Research Clinic
This clinic offers assessment and treatment services to children of all ages who engage in severe problem behavior, such as self-injurious behavior, aggression, and property destruction. Services will be individualized and provided as part of ongoing studies designed to identify the most effective methods of reducing severe behavior disorders. Following the child’s participation in research, families will receive training in effective behavior management strategies to use at home. For more information, please visit the Severe Behavior Disorders Research Clinic website or contact Dr. Jennifer Fritz at [email protected].
Group and Family Counseling
The Graduate Family Therapy Program is teaming up with CADD to provide therapy services for couples, single parents, and siblings of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. These services will be focused on managing stress and relationship issues that often arise when caring for a child with special needs. Dr. Matt Brown will oversee these services and conduct ongoing research related to family needs and effective support. For more information please email to [email protected] or call (281) 283-3304.
Verbal Behavior Clinic
The Verbal Behavior clinic provides empirically based individualized services to children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and their families. These services include assessments, parent training, and the development of teaching procedures relating to language skills. Graduate students in the Applied Behavior Master’s program participate as the primary therapists, and each case is directly supervised by Dr. Sarah Lechago, BCBA-D, director of the clinic. Social skills training, which often includes language skills, is also conducted in the clinic. Services may also be provided in Spanish. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact Sarah Lechago at [email protected].
Clinic and Home Services (Project ABA-SkIP)
Children receive individualized training designed to reduce problem behaviors and to develop age-appropriate social, self-help, school readiness and language skills. Family members and caregivers also learn how to continue the training methods at home.
Services are provided at the UHCL Psychological Services Clinic and in the community. In partnership with the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) of Harris County, this project is being funded through a grant awarded by The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. To be eligible, children must be between the ages of 3 and 8 and diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. To request services, contact MHMRA Program Manager Melinda B. Benjumea at 713-970-8241. For more information, contact Dr. Dorothea Lerman at [email protected].
I don’t live in Pasadena, but the Verne Cox Multipurpose Recreation Center makes me wish I did.
This is a recreational center with pool, gym and classrooms which offers programming for people with disabilities, including adaptive aquatics, outings, cooking and art classes, sports and after school programs for kids with special needs. Right now, its afterschool program is for kids up to the age of 15, but the Director says they may even increase this age limit if there is sufficient demand. Rumor has it that Pasadena ISD and Friendswood ISD provide transportation to Verne Cox after school to their special ed kids can use it, but when I called to enquire, CCISD said “no.” The rec center also offers a summer program and dances.
In September 2000, Kimberly and Linda, as well as several other parents of children with disabilities, founded The Village Learning Center, Inc (dba Village Learning & Achievement Center) as a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation. A monetary commitment was made by both Kimberly and Linda, the organization was created, and the passion to provide quality programs and services to individuals with disabilities was born. The word “village” was chosen because they realized that the organization’s success depended upon the support of their community. They knew that it would take a village to make their vision a reality.
The Village at Stoney Glen provides independent living opportunities in a beautiful residential setting for adults with disabilities. It is designed for individuals who are taking a major step on the road to independence, moving out of their family home for the first time. The staff offers support and training in a home-like setting to individuals who have basic self-care skills. Family interaction and participation are welcomed as our residents transition from the family home to greater independence while continuing to live, work, and worship in their own community.
“VSA Texas is the state organization on arts and disability. We are a statewide arts organization that challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with diverse abilities. Our Artworks: Creative Industries program promotes visual artists all over Texas through exhibition opportunities, mentoring, and workshops that support professional development.”
During each group session, teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during socialization activities.
PEERS® (Program for the Education & Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a 16-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated teens in middle school (grades 6-8) who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends.
During each group session, teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during socialization activities. Topics covered include:
How to use appropriate conversational skills
How to find common interests by trading information
How to appropriately use humor
How to enter and exit conversations
How to handle rejection
How to handle rumors and gossip
How to handle bullying and teasing
How to be a good host during get-togethers
How to make phone calls to friends
How to choose appropriate friends
How to be a good sport
How to handle arguments and disagreements
How to change a bad reputation
Thank you,
Younique Abilities
Inspiring all individuals with unique abilities to shoot for the stars 🧩🦋🧩🦋