The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Partnering with Law Enforcement for Inclusion and Support (New Initiative)

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) addressed barriers that impact people with developmental disabilities (DD) when they are in situations that involve law enforcement. In these situations, police can misunderstand the words, actions, and needs of people with DD they encounter. Some people with DD can also be unfamiliar with how police officers do their job.

UTHealth Houston built partnerships with law enforcement agencies and disability organizations to better understand how police can strengthen inclusion and support for people with DD. The project also developed and tested a de-escalation card intended to provide information to police officers responding to calls involving people with DD. 

TCDD funds New Initiative projects to create new ways for Texans with DD to be included in their communities. New Initiative projects identify and propose innovative solutions to a statewide, regional, or local need. The projects may include programs, partnerships, or policy initiatives to address specific needs that emerge. The projects may also focus on benefiting unserved or underserved groups.