Advocate and Take Action

Advocate and Take Action

Connect Regionally

We partnered with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to develop a regional coordinator initiative to give people with disabilities and others around the state access to region-specific information, resources, and events. Your regional coordinator is the go-to person for disability issues in your region.

Specifically, regional coordinators:

• provide information;
• collect and share resources;
• promote educational trainings;
• host events;
• make connections with individuals and organizations; and
• foster a broad network of disability advocates and experts.

You can connect with your regional coordinator directly by phone or email to stay up to date with what’s new and what’s happening in your part of the state.

Connect Locally

Another great way to make a difference in your community is to connect with local leaders. Building local relationships is incredibly powerful for sharing your story and advancing change. Reach out to your mayor or provide public comments at your city council meeting.

TCDD supports community leaders and local programs that address the diverse needs of all Texas communities. Through our Council, we support programs across the state that address issues such as health care, education, employment, peer support and more. You can search for more TCDD-supported programs by region and interest area in the Funded Projects section of our website.

Advocacy Opportunities

There are many ways to get involved in disability advocacy in your community and across Texas. To keep up to date on new advocacy opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Legislative Advocacy

We’ve gathered legislative advocacy resources to support your advocacy journey. These resources include information on how to connect with legislators, tips for giving public testimony, and ways to track legislative activity.

Give Public Comment

TCDD is led by a 27-member board that includes people with DD, family members, and representatives from state agencies. We encourage you to share your story with the state agencies represented on our Council. These agencies all provide opportunities for public comment, which you can learn more about by signing up for their email lists.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) works to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Texans. You can sign up for the HHSC mailing list on the agency’s website. Representatives from the following departments serve on our Council:

• Texas HHSC: Title XIX Medicaid
• Texas HHSC: Older Americans Act of 1965
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Title V Maternal and Child Health

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees public grade-school education. Sign-up for the TEA newsletter.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers vocational rehabilitation services for youth and students with DD, as well as adults with DD. To sign up for TWC newsletter and receive information about topics impacting people with DD, visit the agency’s website.

Become a Leader

State Government

Leadership opportunities exist at all levels of government and throughout your community. Serving in state government is an effective way to create lasting change in Texas. There are many paths to take, whether it be running for election, participating in state agency workgroups, or serving on an advisory committee:

• Governor appointments: Here you can find a list of the boards appointed by the governor.
• State agencies: There are many disability-related agencies in Texas. You can find a list of agencies to connect with online. Some agencies offer taskforce or workgroup opportunities for people with DD to share their experiences and insight.
• Advisory committees: Serving on an advisory committee is another way to make your voice heard in statewide decisions. HHSC offers a list of advisory committee opportunities on the agency’s website.

Local Government

Texas is a big state made up of many local governments that serve their communities. The following list includes boards and commissions for the state’s four largest cities. If your city isn’t listed here, search online for opportunities near you. Use these links to learn more about available leadership opportunities:

• Austin
• Dallas
• Houston
• San Antonio

Community

Never underestimate the power of working hyperlocal. Serving in neighborhood associations, school boards, and local political parties can create change in your community. Find local nonprofits, boards, church groups, and clubs to create relationships and impact in your own neighborhood.