Welcome to TCDD Extra, a newsletter published every two months with a selection of recent disability news, resources, training, advocacy opportunities, and more. This newsletter highlights TCDD activities and initiatives but may also share information from other organizations.
Table of Contents
New Mentorship Program for Careers in the DD Field
Professional Pathways, a TCDD-facilitated mentorship program for Texans interested in working in the developmental disability (DD) field, is accepting applications until Thursday, Oct. 15. The program is ideal for Texans with disabilities, family members, or professionals early in their careers. Selected participants will be paired with established mentors based on their interests and career goals. Learn more and apply for Professional Pathways.
Learn About Texas ABLE Savings Accounts for People with Disabilities
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) is hosting a webinar on the Texas ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program from 3-4 p.m. Central time (CT) on Monday, Oct. 12. Texas ABLE is a special savings program that allows people with disabilities to save money for future expenses without affecting benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). During the webinar, AACOG will provide an overview of the program as well as information about eligibility and qualified expenses. Compete an online registration form if you would like to attend the event.
The webinar is part of a TCDD-funded project coordinated by AACOG to support adults with DD as well as their older family members and caregivers.
Raising Texas Voices Professionals Survey
Raising Texas Voices has a new online survey for disability professionals to share their thoughts on training and resources that could support them in working with people with disabilities. The survey is part of a statewide study to learn what matters most to Texans with disabilities and their families when it comes to language, advocacy, and learning.
Raising Texas Voices, a TCDD-funded project led by the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing, seeks to enhance advocacy training for Texans with disabilities and their family members, including people from communities that often have less access to services and supports. TCDD support for the project is part of a larger initiative to develop a deeper understanding of the disability experience, self-perceptions, preferred learning styles, and preferred advocacy methods of people with DD and family members across generational ages and life experiences.
Disability-Focused Summit on AI and Enabling Technology
A nationwide partnership of disability and technology organizations is hosting a free virtual conference on supporting people with DD in understanding artificial intelligence (AI) and enabling technology. The National Disability AI & Enabling Technology Summit will take place from 1-4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The event will include interactive breakout sessions, practical demonstrations of AI and technology tools, success stories from people using AI to increase independence and community participation, and more. Visit the event’s registration page to learn more and sign up to attend.
Voting Information for Texans with Disabilities
With Election Day getting closer, now is a good time for voters with disabilities to make sure they’re ready to vote. People with disabilities have the right to accessible voting options and accommodations at polling locations.
Here are important dates to know for the November election:
- Last day to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 5
- Early voting begins: Monday, Oct. 19
- Last day to apply for a ballot by mail: Friday, Oct. 23
- Early voting ends: Friday, Oct. 30
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3
TCDD has information on voting rights, accessibility, accommodations, and resources for voters with disabilities on its Voting Information page. If you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote in the upcoming election, see TCDD’s video on how to check your voter registration status.
For more voting resources, Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) offers information on election-related topics through its Voting Resources page. You can also review DRTx’s recent newsletter: Don’t Wait Until Election Day to Read This.
Inclusive Recreation Training Course for Youth with Disabilities
The TCDD Learning Center has added a training course on practical strategies for creating accessible recreation and camp experiences that support the participation of youth with disabilities. Through the course, you can explore the benefits of accessible recreation, learn how to implement accommodations and support strategies, and develop skills to create welcoming environments where all youth can participate. The course was created by TCDD’s Disability Community Coordinators, an initiative developed by TCDD in partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Quotable
“We want to make sure students are being provided the supports and services they need. ... At the end of the day, it's the student that's going to suffer if their needs aren't met.”
— TCDD Council Member Shana Halvorsen, in an interview on Houston Public Media’s “Houston Matters” program. Halvorsen spoke about recent changes to special education services at Houston ISD and offered perspective on how families can support students with disabilities.
TCDD is Hiring a Public Policy Analyst in Austin
TCDD is seeking a Public Policy Analyst to perform policy and legislative advocacy activities that support the Council’s goals and priorities. In this Austin-based role, the Public Policy Analyst will monitor disability policy discussions and recommend strategies to advance TCDD’s mission and policy positions. There is no deadline to apply. The position is open until a qualified applicant has been selected. Learn more and find details on how to apply.
Project Spotlight: Students as Partners in Academic Leadership
Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center is leading a TCDD-funded project to develop specialized self-advocacy training for youth with DD to support them in making their own choices and playing a meaningful role in their educational planning. By creating opportunities for participants to develop as leaders and advocates, the project fosters a school culture where students actively shape their education both now and in the future.
With support from the project, participants have achieved significant milestones. One student completed college applications and is getting ready to attend a local community college. Another student reached a personal goal to take a driver’s education class and earn a driver’s license, which allows them to drive to school on their own.
