When you find out that your child has learning or social differences, there can be grief and fear. And as your child ages, that grief and fear doesn’t go away. Parents find themselves wondering:
What happens when my child graduates from high school?
Where will my child live when they can no longer live with me?
Who will care for my child when I’m gone?
Will my child be able to work as an adult?
These are big, scary questions. Schools have transition programs and resources, but ultimately the school system stops serving students when they graduate. And there are major gaps in government services, especially in Texas. All of this paints a pretty bleak picture, but here’s the good news: there are LOTS of organizations out there working to provide safe and meaningful lives for adults with special needs. It’s not easy, but with help you can start planning a hopeful future for your child.
(There are many sports, arts and social opportunities for adults included in our newsletter, and in the categories at the bottom of our Family Resources page.
AFTER-SCHOOL AND DAY PROGRAMS
Ability Connection in Irving
Individualized Skills and Socialization program
Programs include a full schedule of training, education, community activities, recreation, music, art, exercise, and volunteer opportunities throughout the week.
Monday-Friday from 7:30-4:30
Connecting Point of Park Cities in Dallas
Ages 16 and older
Works to enhance the lives of adults with special needs by providing their Teammates with engaging and stimulating activities such as art, music, visiting museums, vocational opportunities, and experiencing the feeling of community.
Monday-Friday from 9:00-2:30 with extended hours available
Caring Pathways in Carrollton
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Integrated program for underserved adults with developmental disabilities. They promote skills of self-determination, independence, and social interaction through real-life application of basic skills and regular outings and participation in local events.
Monday-Friday from 7:30-3:30
City of Irving Therapeutic Day Program
Irving residents ages 18 and older
The program was created for adults who require moderate staff assistance and instruction with leisure activities and physical fitness. Daily activities teach social and recreational skills and provide learning opportunities which promote a healthy independent lifestyle.
Most of the year from 9am-2pm
Clubhouse for Special Needs in Bedford
Ages 13-22ish
Mission is to provide a safe and fun place for teens and young adults with mild to moderate, intellectual/physical challenges. Provides an opportunity for education, socialization, and independence in a recreational atmosphere.
After school: 3:30-6:30, Day Program (including school breaks): 7:30am-6:30pm, Drop-off available
29:11 by Altruistic in Plano
Ages 16 & up
Day program that offers life skills, vocational skills, community skills, and recreational and educational time.
Monday-Friday, 8:30-2:30 with aftercare from 2:30-5:00.
Champions in Southlake
Ages 18 and up (Champion Services must be their HCS provider)
Offers day programming for individuals to receive the supports necessary to actively participate throughout the fabric of the community and realize their unique passions and skills.
9am-4pm Monday through Friday, closed on major holidays.
Special Abilities in Lewisville/Flower Mound
Contact for ages served
Day program focuses on 5 pillars: Community Inclusion and Social Development, Home and Independent Living Skills, Pre-vocational and Vocational Training, Creative Arts, and Health and Fitness.
Monday-Friday, contact for times
Our Hearts in Lewisville
Contact for ages served
Day habilitation program for individuals with special needs
Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm
H.E.R.O.E.S in Richardson
Ages: those who have completed secondary education and are transitioning to adulthood.
Devoted to helping young adults realize their potential and gain confidence in their independence. Teaches life skills, job skills, helps students find work, and helps them become independent, contributing members of society.
Full-time program
Behavior Network in McKinney
ABA center that specializes in teens and adults with severe behavioral needs through their Crisis Center
also provides ABA services for school-aged children and teens
My Possibilities in Plano
Adults with cognitive disabilities
Designed to provide people with cognitive disabilities the chance to continue their education. We provide vocational skills, socialization opportunities, trade skills, and independent living skills to HIPsters (Highly Important People) that give them the chance to live the life they deserve.
Full-day, full-year program with a Campus for Higher Learning in development
Open Horizons in McKinney
Adults
Enriching the lives of special needs adults through life skills and social activities in the outdoors, the community and the home environment. Located on five acres where the consumers can have unconfined space to be outdoors.
Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm, main program 9-3
IMPACT program in Dallas
Ages 16 & up
Goal-driven day program and training center for adults with disabilities. Provides individuals the opportunity to attain personal goals through life skills, education, personal growth, training, recreation and leisure activities, community inclusion, and socialization.
Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm
Achievement Center of Texas in Garland
Ages 13 & up
Goal-driven day habilitation program; Students move from one classroom to another to train in the various skills provided by the teachers. Includes life-skill training lab.
Monday-Friday from 8:30am-2:30pm
Come Read with Me in Euless
Adults
Life-long learning and therapeutic center offering academic and interest-based courses.
Monday-Thursday from 10:00am-3:00 pm (part-time options available)
Green Oaks Adult Learning in Arlington
Adults
A module-based program with an emphasis on academics, social skills, vocational training and additional life skills.
Monday-Friday from 7:45am-5:30pm (part-time options available)
Stepping Stone at FUMC Mansfield
Adults
A community life group for adults with disabilities. Guest speakers, music activities, cooking lessons, yoga, art activities and birthday celebrations and more.
First and third Friday from 9-12
Innovative Pathways in Bedford
Ages 18+
Life Skills Workshops and Job Coaching
Workshops are Fridays from 12-5
No Labels LLC in McKinney
All ages
Center-based homeschooling, tutoring, and adult day camp
Think College website
Focused on helping students with intellectual disabilities find inclusive higher education
Search for college programs across the country
Trainings and other resources available
Emma’s Education Center in Garland
Open to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities of any age and any learning level
Combines life skills with academics
Everyone’s Day Hab in Allen
9:00-3:00 Mon-Fri
Cornerstone Ranch in McKinney
Residential program that also provides day programming to residents and non-residents
Built on 6 pillars: serving, developing life skills, healthy living, learning, working, having fun
Coventry Reserve in St. Paul (11 miles east of Plano near Wylie)
Small group model
Designed to promote life enrichment and personal development
Evergreen Life Services in Dallas/Garland
Variety of activities to meet the social, emotional and educational needs of individuals with disabilities
Includes vocational training
Not a day program, but provides coaching and companion services to adults with IDD/Autism
Both individual and group services available
HOUSING
Group homes, supported housing & other resources
Evergreen Life Services (community-based housing and independent living support)
Planning for Person-Centered Independent Living guide
EMPLOYMENT
Texas Workforce Solutions - Vocational Rehab services
Needs assessments
Referrals to community support systems
Vocational counseling and guidance
Assistive devices and technology
Supportive employment
Group and individual placements
Vocational training
Job Skills Training
Job Placement & Supported Employment
Contracted with TWC, HCS, and Ticket to Work
TRANSPORTATION
Curb-to-curb service
Travel training and orientation
Reduced fares for individuals with disabilities
Span Transit - Denton County door-to-door service