The Arc of DFW Area

Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise

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)(https://thearcatschool.org/) advocacy curriculum provides the basic information that parents, educators, and other advocates need. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org)(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.

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,(https://www.thearcofdfw.org/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)(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 (https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/en/home/)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)(https://navigatelifetexas.org/) does maintain a list of available adaptive camps. Be An Angel (https://beanangel.org)(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)(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)(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).