The Arc of DFW Area
Welcome to
We envision an INCLUSIVE SOCIETY where people with intellectual and development disabilities live SELF DETERMINED LIVES.
What we
PROVIDE
Information and referrals to the I/DD community
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Regular training on I/DD topics, such as special education, transition to adulthood, legal rights and options, and Medicaid supports
Educational, Advocacy, and Awareness opportunities
We also seek to collaborate with local and state policy-makers to advocate for the I/DD community and educate them on I/DD priorities.
We do not offer direct or paid services.
EVENTS
Upcoming
The Arc of DFW Area’s events bring together Families, Advocates, and Professionals in the disability community to gather and collaborate.
A Look Ahead - November 2025
The A Look Ahead Conference Series brings together expert speakers for training focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the people who support them, and the community at large.
11/8/25, 2:30 PM
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THE SELF DETERMINATION GROUP
Established in 2014, The Self-Determination Group is a cross disability group run by and for individuals with disabilities (“PWD”).
RESOURCES
Trusted
The Arc at School supports families and professionals in navigating special education for students with IDD. Their advocacy curriculum covers IDEA, IEPs, and 504 plans, while their resource directory connects users to local and national programs, ensuring comprehensive support and education for individuals with disabilities.
The Arc of the DFW Area is part of The Arc’s national network, advocating for people with IDD. While The Arc National promotes inclusion and policy change, the DFW chapter offers regional programs and tailored services to empower individuals and families locally.
Navigate Life Texas provides resources for families of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs. Topics include education, health care, and transitioning to adulthood. The site also connects families to Medicaid waivers, financial aid, and support groups, empowering them to navigate complex systems.
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en
Disability Rights Texas protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. It provides free legal services and advocacy in areas like education, housing, healthcare, and employment, ensuring equality and accessibility while helping individuals exercise their legal rights.
Texas Advocates is recognized as the leader in self-advocacy in Texas. Texas Advocates advocate for more and better services and supports for persons with disabilities to be included in their communities.
The Center is as clearinghouse, training and technical assistance source on self-determination in the U.S. and other countries. The Center is devoted to working within the public and private sector to move power and authority over resources directly to individuals with disabilities, families and allies.\
GET INVOLVED
How to
Volunteer with Us
By committing your time, you actively support our mission and foster community engagement. Volunteer to make a difference in the lives of those with disabilities.
Become a Member
There are no limits to being a Member of The Arc of DFW Area! Support the Arc as a disabled individual, family member or advocating voice! We are a membership-driven organization, so our members direct us in how we can best serve our community.
Make a Donation
Since 1971, we’ve relied on the generosity of supporters like you to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Your contributions fund vital programs, advocacy efforts, and resources that create lasting change.
Frequently Asked
QUESTIONS
Self-determination “encompasses concepts such as free will, civil and human rights, freedom of choice, independence, personal agency, self-direction, and individual responsibility” (University of Illinois at Chicago National Research & Training Center, 2002).
Self-Determination is…
a natural part of life
a combination of attitudes and abilities that lead a person to create a meaningful life based on their own wants, needs, desires and dreams
about being in charge, but is not necessarily the same thing as self-sufficiency or independence
person-centered & person-directed
the counterpart to self-advocacy
based on five principals (S.C.A.R.F)
Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise
People with disabilities with higher levels of self-determination are healthier, more likely to be employed, earn more per hour, and experience more independence. – Wehmeyer & Schwartz
When denied self-determination, individuals with disabilities are more likely to feel helpless, hopeless, and passive, and are at greater risk of abuse. – Khemka, I., L.Hickson & G. Reynolds 2
The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer organization which does not provide direct services. We believe you are your child’s best advocate and want to empower you with tools and information for this opportunity. Our Arc @ School (https://thearcatschool.org) advocacy curriculum provides the basic information that parents, educators, and other advocates need. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) also has extensive resources, including those specific to Texas. We hope you are successful and do not require a third-party to assist you in dispute resolution; however, we understand some situations unfortunately can’t be resolved without additional support.
Since self-determination skills are most effectively learned and developed by practicing them, individuals with disabilities should be given ample opportunity to make choices and to use their self-advocacy, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
start early
have high expectations and communicate those expectations – “I believe in you” are the four most powerful words you can say to a child
don’t let your child’s disability get in the way of taking responsibility – disability is never an excuse
encourage your child to explore their interests – avoid limiting options to only those designed specifically for individuals with disabilities
encourage problem solving
promote self-advocacy
develop goal setting and planning
help your child understand his or her disability – strengths and needed supports
promote reasonable risk taking – walk the tight rope between protection & independence
Thank you for considering a donation to The Arc of DFW Area. As an all-volunteer agency we are unable to collect physical donations. The Arc of DFW Area does not operate any donation centers or drop boxes.
The Arc of DFW Area does not host monthly dances; our primary activities focus on family support through education and advocacy. Our affiliate, The Self Determination Group, which is led by and for self advocates ages 14 and up, meets monthly to discuss opportunities for advocacy. The members of The SDG are also friends who often socialize outside of the monthly meetings, like going out to eat, bowling, or going to the movies.
Identifying and selecting the best housing resources for a family member or loved one can seem overwhelming. The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer organization and unfortunately can't directly support your search; however, Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) has extensive information to help you.
The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer agency which does not provide direct services. Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities in Texas. DRTx advocates for and helps protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to have full and equal participation in society.
The Arc of DFW Area does not maintain a list of area summer programs, but Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) does maintain a list of available adaptive camps. Be An Angel (https://beanangel.org) is also a great resource for camps and financial assistance.
Guardianship is a viable option when it’s needed, but it’s not the only option as it had been in years past. For many years, agencies, lawyers and schools have advised parents of children with disabilities to seek guardianship. Now guardianship is considered a last resort. Disability Rights Texas (https://disabilityrightstx.org) is a great resource to learn about Supported Decision Making and guardianship.
Texas Medicaid Long-term Services and Supports Programs, or LTSS programs, assist individuals of all ages to live in the community instead of an institution. Unfortunately, services are generally not immediately available as most LTSS programs have a long waiting list because of state funding limitations. The wait time can be as long as 17-18 years for services. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) provides a Texas Medicaid Waiver Overview and details on each program.
Self-determination “encompasses concepts such as free will, civil and human rights, freedom of choice, independence, personal agency, self-direction, and individual responsibility” (University of Illinois at Chicago National Research & Training Center, 2002).