Happy New Year from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities! As we look back on our recent work, we notice some key themes. In 2024 one theme stood out: connection. Building connections in our community requires a unique approach and a deep reach into all corners of our complex and expansive state. In 2025, we will continue innovating ways to connect people with disabilities and their families to resources they need, training to reach their goals, platforms to share their insight, and support to build their communities.
The Texas Legislative Session Begins This Week
The 89th Texas Legislature is here! Scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the session will continue until Monday, June 2. Throughout the session, the TCDD policy team serves as a resource to legislators for disability information. We also provide weekly updates related to disability legislation to help you stay connected with what’s happening at the Capitol. During the 89th session, we’re sharing the following information:
- Bill of the Week: We highlight noteworthy bills related to our Public Policy Priorities and other important issues for Texans with DD.
- Video Updates on Instagram: Our public policy director, Scott Daigle, shares brief Instagram videos on the Legislature’s latest activities.
- Texas Legislative News: We provide regular updates from the Capitol, including important testimony, hearings to watch, legislative resources, and more.
You can subscribe to our newsletter and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to follow our updates and track how lawmakers address disability issues.
Leadership and Advocacy Training Opportunities
Throughout the year, TCDD provides leadership and advocacy training opportunities to people with disabilities, their family members, and professionals in the disability field. Ready to take your advocacy to the next level? Learn more about our Training Sprints and register for our upcoming programs:
Representation and Inclusion in Media and Performing Arts
Wednesday, April 9 | 6 p.m. CT
Register Online to Attend
Exploring Community Supports, Access, and Emergency Response Planning
Wednesday, July 9 | 6 p.m. CT
Register Online to Attend
TCDD Youth Ambassador Projects
The TCDD Youth Ambassadors are working hard to share alternatives to guardianship with their communities. After participating in a training series through our Center on Youth Voices Youth Choices program, these four exceptional individuals found unique and creative ways to impact their communities through what they learned. Here’s a sneak peek at how they are helping promote independence for Texans with developmental disabilities (DD).
Kason Erwin developed a presentation for self-advocates, families, and service providers. He is informing them about inclusive post-secondary college opportunities for people with DD. He has presented at the Texas Parent 2 Parent Conference, Texas Advocates Conference, Central Texas vocational rehabilitation counselors, and his local Lions Club.
Matt Leos has developed foundational parts — including character designs, a world map, and story elements — of a video game that gives youth with DD the opportunity to practice choice-making skills in a safe and fun way.
Paola Martinez created a youth and family-friendly brochure introducing concepts of school and adult transitions, including topics about individualized education programs, alternatives to guardianship, and some helpful resources for further exploration.
Ashley Sattler is partnering with her local elementary school to develop and install three visual aid communication boards. These boards will help youth who do not use verbal communication and students who speak English as a second language communicate their wants and needs on the school playground.
This new year is an opportunity to create lasting change in the lives of Texans with DD. Connection can transform barriers into opportunities, stigma into understanding, and isolation into engagement. We invite you to create your own connection! Contact us to continue the conversation and help improve the lives of individuals with DD across Texas.
