Table of Contents
Welcome to the latest edition of TCDD Extra, a newsletter published every two months with a selection of recent disability news, resources, training, advocacy opportunities, and more. This newsletter may include TCDD-led initiatives as well as information from other organizations.
In this edition:
- TCDD Disability Policy Academy to recap legislative session;
- surveys on disaster resilience, health, and other aspects of daily life;
- resources for mental health awareness and supporting older adults;
- and more.
Legislators Enter Final Days of Regular Session
Texas lawmakers will adjourn the 89th regular legislative session on June 2. Throughout the session, TCDD has shared Texas Legislative News updates and highlighted noteworthy Bills of the Week.
Following the session’s end, TCDD will host a Disability Policy Academy from 1-2:30 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Wednesday, June 25. The free event, titled “A Capitol Recap: Disability Policy in the 89th Legislature,” is open to the public and will feature:
- an overview of new disability-related laws;
- a summary of disability issues that remain unaddressed;
- a discussion on topics lawmakers may cover in a special session; and
- a Q&A with TCDD public policy analysts and other disability advocates.
The event will be held on Zoom. Participants must register ahead of time to attend. TCDD will provide Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) service. If you need other accommodations to participate, please indicate that when registering and email Koren Vogel or call her at 512-948-2035.
Disability-Focused Disaster Resilience Survey
There’s still time to complete the 2025 Disaster Resilience Survey of Texans with Disabilities. Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is conducting the online survey to learn more about disaster resilience among people with disabilities and others connected to the disability community. The survey is a way to share how prepared you are for disasters, what you are worried about, and what you need to be more prepared. Your comments will help DRTx create new resources, develop community training, and educate emergency managers about the needs of people with disabilities. The deadline to complete the survey is May 31.
National Survey on Health and Disability
The National Survey on Health and Disability seeks the knowledge and experiences of adults with disabilities in the U.S. The survey, conducted by the Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies at the University of Kansas, is meant to better understand experiences with housing, health care, health insurance, transportation, community participation, and other aspects of daily life. Your responses will help shape resources, policies, and practice recommendations to improve the health, employment, and overall well-being of people with disabilities in the U.S.
SHARS Draft Policy Available for Public Comment
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is accepting public comments on a draft policy for School Health and Related Services (SHARS). These services include medical and transportation support for children and young adults (age 20 and younger) who are enrolled in Medicaid and eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Visit the HHSC website to view the draft policy and find information on how to submit comments. The deadline for comments is 5 p.m. CT on June 8.
Quotable
“The development and success of children with disabilities are heavily dependent on the quality of services they receive from birth to age five. We believe that promoting collaboration and strategic planning is essential to achieving that shared goal.”
— Testimony from Lauren Gerken on April 8 to the Texas House Committee on Public Education. Gerken, then a senior public policy analyst for TCDD, spoke about TCDD’s engagement on issues related to House Bill (HB) 2310. The bill, which was featured as a TCDD Bill of the Week, would require a new strategic plan to improve and expand early learning and education for young children with disabilities.
Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
For Mental Health Awareness Month this May, TCDD has compiled information and resources from several recent grant projects that developed best practices to support Texans who are dually diagnosed with DD and mental health conditions. Between 30-35 percent of people with DD are also diagnosed with mental illness, according to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center. While people can experience mental health trauma regardless of whether they also have a disability, people with DD experience this trauma more frequently. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn more about available mental health resources and advocate for accessible support and care.
Celebrating Older Texans and Older Americans
Older Americans Month and Older Texans Month, both observed in May, recognize the contributions of older adults to communities and workplaces, including older adults with DD. The Administration for Community Living leads the national observance of Older Americans Month. The 2025 theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging.
Older Texans Month (PDF) offers opportunities to promote local and statewide resources to help people live well as they age. HHSC coordinates several programs in Texas to support older adults, including Age Well Live Well, a statewide campaign that highlights the importance of aging well and promotes community preparedness.
What We’re Listening To: Disability Disrupted Podcast
Disability Disrupted is a new podcast created and co-hosted by Larissa Minner and Nathan Chung, both recent graduates of the Texas Partners in Policymaking program. Minner and Chung explore critical disability issues and share personal and professional perspectives on disability and neurodivergence, lived experiences, public policy, and advocacy efforts. The co-hosts also examine the latest news and research to foster informed dialogue and promote greater awareness of disability rights and inclusion. You can find the latest episodes on the Disability Disrupted Podcast YouTube channel or on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and other audio streaming services.
Project Spotlight: Bobcat RISE Offers College Experience
Texas State University is developing a four-year postsecondary education program for young adults with DD. The TCDD-funded program, called Bobcat RISE (Resilience, Independence, Self-Determination, and Empowerment), utilizes the expertise of the university’s College of Education in special education, developmental education, and therapeutic recreation. In addition to educating students and offering an on-campus college experience, the program includes training for university faculty and staff.
Along with classwork, Bobcat RISE students have opportunities to gain employment skills through other university departments. One student did a job shadow with the Texas State Bobcats volleyball team. The student had a chance to learn and participate in team support roles and even received a championship ring along with players and staff after the team won the Sun Belt Conference championship tournament in 2024.
