State Resources
Advocacy
Texas Civil Rights Project: 512-474-5073
Attorneys who specialize in discrimination law and other ADA related issues.
DisabilityRights Texas: 512-454-4816
Formerly named Advocacy, Inc., this agency provides services that include specific case investigation, mediation, negotiation, and legal counsel and representation. This agency also offers training for people with disabilities on their individual rights, how to self advocate, and accessing services from state agencies.
Brain Injury Resources
BrainHQ is an online brain-training system that represents the culmination of 30 years of research in neurological science and related medicine. It was designed by an international team of neuroscientists, led by Michael Merzenich.
Brain Injury Association of America: 1-800-444-6443
Provides nationwide resource information, holds national conferences and educational seminars, and advocates for congressional public policy change.
Hope after brain injury: 817-983-1807 (Deana Adams, Ph.D.)
A faith based organization that offers online and personal support for brain injury survivors and their families.
How to Help Someone Who Has a Brain Injury (refer to Disease and Conditions)
This eight page free document contains excellent advice and helpful information (English and Spanish versions available). To obtain a copy, write to: Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
Medical Coverage for People with Disabilities
More Than Survivors: 512-444-1141 (Phyllis King)
MTS is a monthly Christian support letter for the brain injury community. The monthly publication allows others to share notes, letters, articles, artwork, and poetry with the brain injury community. One can also request a Pen Pal.
Office of Acquired Brain Injury (HHSC):
The Office of Acquired Brain Injury (OABI) 512-706-7191 is Texas’ premier resource for providing education, awareness, prevention, and service referral and coordination in regards to brain injury. The office has a wide array of materials available to help to understand brain injury, raise awareness, and to find the resources you need.
Texas Brain Injury Alliance: 512-910-7108
Formerly the Brain Injury Association of Texas, this organization provides statewide resource information, holds conferences, and advocates for public policy for the benefit of survivors of brain injury, their families, and caregivers.
Pilot International adopted brain-related disorders as its service focus. BrainMinders and traumatic brain injury camps are the signature projects for their organization with the support of 43 Chapters in Texas. Pilot supports three weekend camps and one day camp for adult traumatic brain injury survivors. Texas Pilot has created the TBI Camp Foundation to help support these camps.
Children’s Services
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)
CSHCN provides services to children with extraordinary medical needs, disabilities, and/or chronic health conditions. Services include payments for medical care, family support services and related services not covered by Medicaid, CHIP, private insurance or other “third party payers.”
CHIP/Children’s Medicaid: call 211
Texas families with uninsured children may be eligible for health insurance through Children’s Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). Both programs provide a wide range of benefits including regular check-ups and dental care to keep kids healthy.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI): 1-800-628-5115
ECI serves children up to three years of age who have a disability. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided in home and community settings. Referrals can be based on family concerns or professional judgment.
General Disability Resources
A list of Texas camps that specialize in providing a unique camping experience for people with disabilities.
Community Action Network (CAN)
Website provides computer links to information about pertinent disability related issues.
Family Eldercare: 512-450-0844
Program provides essential services for elders, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them. Fees vary on a case by case basis.
Imagine Art: 512-448-1840
A nonprofit Christian faith based agency that offers specialized supports to empower artists with disabilities to create art.
Intendu: E-mail: contact@intendu.com
Adaptive video games for training functional cognitive skills
Lash and Associates Publishing/Training: 919-556-0300
Lash publishes practical and affordable materials on traumatic brain injury to children, youths, adults, and veterans. Information is presented in a jargon-free, user-friendly format. Some material is free of charge.
Morgan’s Wonderland: 210-495-5888
This 25 acre Family Fun Park located in San Antonio is designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, their families, caregivers, and friends. This affordable, unique oasis has special accommodations and is worth the visit.
NAMI Texas: 1-800-273-8259
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Texas has a variety of education and support programs directed to individuals living with mental illness, family members, friends, professionals and other stake holders.
Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
Senior Living Choices: 1-800-643-1183
Call for a free copy of area resources and services with program description and location. Listings include:
Assisted Living Programs Home Health Care Adult Day care
Independent Living Retirement Assisted Living Skilled Nursing
Texas Assisted Living Association: 512-479-0425
Provides information on choosing an appropriate assisted living facility based on individual needs. Provides free referral information ( by phone or online) to assisted living facilities in Texas.
Texas Rowing Center: 512-467-7799
Located on Ladybird Lake next to Austin High School the facility provides affordable year round rentals for rowing, paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing
VSA (Very Special Arts) Texas: 512-454-9912
A nonprofit organization that strives to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. Must visit their website to appreciate their diversity of services.
Government Resources
Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS):
512-908-9435
DADS provide long-term care services and supports for people with disabilities (except mental health disabilities)
Department of State Health Services (DSHS): 512-458-7111
DSHS Audiovisual Library: 512-458-7111, Ext. 2787
“If you are involved with health education, safety on the job, safety and health training, or emergency services, our media can be valuable to you. The collection includes print and audiovisual materials on topics such as child development, disabilities, intervention strategies, rehabilitation, assistive technology, brain injury and much more.”
Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Your Texas Benefits
Provides easy and secure online access to Texas Health and Human Services Commission benefits including Medicaid, Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Children’s Health Insurance, Nursing Home care and other services for people who are elderly and/or have disabilities.
HHSC – Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CRS) (877) 787-8999 Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services
The CRS program helps persons with spinal cord and traumatic brain injury receive intensive therapies to develop and enhance individual independence.
HHSC – 211 Texas
This program helps Texas citizens connect with the services they need. Dial 2-1-1 anywhere in Texas to locate the services you need within your community.
HHSC – Office of the Ombudsman
Provides assistance to Texans who need resolution regarding Texas state government health and human services programs. Conducts independent reviews of complaints concerning agency policies or practices and performs informal dispute resolution review for certain long-term care facilities.
HHSC – TANF, Medicaid, or Food Stamp Eligibility Concerns: 1-888-834-7406
HHSC – All other HHSC program concerns: 1-877-787-8999
Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 application online
SSI/Medicaid — Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people who are disabled and have limited income or resources. Parents need not be eligible themselves in order for a disabled child to receive SSI. When you get SSI, you may also get Medicaid, which helps pay doctor and hospital bills ( case by case basis ).
SSDI/Medicare — Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments for workers and eligible members of their families if an illness or injury is expected to keep the worker from working for a year or longer. You should apply for benefits once disabled because it can take a long time to process an application for disability benefits (up to 5 months). Enrollment in the Medicare program is automatic 24 months after SSDI benefits begin.
Texas Workforce Solutions (TWS)
TWS (thru the Texas Workforce Commission) has programs that help people with disabilities secure employment.
State Office 1-800-628-5115
Austin Regional Office 512/451-9579
East Austin 512/383-7000
North Austin 512/483-0900
South Austin 512/383-7040
Round Rock 512/310- 3070
San Marcos 512/396-7930
Bastrop 512/303-9270
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with disabilities prepare for, locate, and secure and maintain jobs. Work related services are individualized and may include counseling, training, medical treatment, assistive devices, job placement assistance, and other services.
Housing
Accessible Space, Inc: 651- 645-7271
Program that provides accessible, affordable, assisted/supportive and independent living opportunities for persons with physical disabilities ( including brain injuries ) as well as seniors. It operates six apartment complexes in Texas.
Provides help with securing housing and numerous other resources.
Community First Village: 512-234-3630
One of the most comprehensive resource for affordable and special needs housing in Texas
Community First Village: 512-234-3630
Community First Village is a 27-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas. Amenities a garden, place for worship, medical facility, walking trails, outdoor movie theater, community market and bed & breakfast for overnight visits.
Live Oak Living Community: 512-357-4023
This program is founded by David Seaton and provides an array of therapeutic residential settings including a rural residential program, group home and long term living options promoting client-centered involvement.
Marbridge: 512-735-2704
Located in Marbridge, Texas the programs provides a wide continuum of services including short and long term care, a a rehab center, a skilled nursing facility and community integration programs.
Therapeutic Communities: 512-357-4023
Community living programs located in Austin, San Marcos, and Martindale. All services are client based and community integrated. Contact David Seaton.
Prescription Drug Assistance
Community Assistance Program: 1-877-459-8474
Print out an online a medical discount card for an average savings of 55% on generic drugs and 15% on brand names.
Print out online discounts for over 4,000 medications and supplies.
Technology Access
FlagHouse: 1-800-793-7900
Company provides a wide range of therapeutic equipment and recreational resources to enhance one’s quality of life. Please refer to their online catalogue listed on their website for more details.
Transportation
TXDoT Medical Transportation Program: 1-877-633-8747
When eligible Medicaid recipients have no other means of transportation to access a Medicaid-covered service, MTP will arrange a cost-effective mode of transportation to a reasonably close healthcare provider. MTP provides non-emergency transportation services to authorized medical and dental care. Service delivery is safe, prompt, cost-effective and takes into account the customer’s health needs.
Vision
Irlen Clinic: 1-800-554-7536
Do you prefer dim lighting over normal or bright lighting when reading a document or article? Does working in an environment with fluorescent lighting make it more difficult to function? Do you have noticeable difficulty with depth perception? If so, please refer to the clinic’s website above.
Quality Vision Eyewear: 512-462-0001
Provides low cost eye exams and eye glasses for people receiving Medicaid and post-surgery Medicare.