Fulshear-Katy Community Guide & Directory 2022-23

E D U C A T I O N Resources Special Needs by Carey Nelson Handley

photo by Robson Photography

vision was to build a continuum of services that will help them unlock their potential and successfully enter adulthood to become productive members of society.” Texana Center ’s Fulshear campus became a reality in 2020 as well as the Texana Center for Advancement . This new program, located at the Fulshear campus, has the feel of a community college. Here young adults can learn social and employment skills, explore their strengths and prepare to lead fulf illing lives through an array of classes like the Social Connections Club and several computer classes. (texanacenter.com) SOCIAL Children with differences are sometimes not accepted by their same-age peers. For tunately, there are excellent resources available to help them through social groups. Village of Triumph (facebook .com/ villageoftriumph) and Focus on Friends (facebook .com/groups/ focusonfriendsKaty) have provided programs such as Parents’ Night Out , movie and dinner nights, cooking classes and par ties. The Arc of Katy serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides enriching activities through day programs, summer programs and vir tual programs. The Arc of Katy recently moved into its new facility in Brookshire. Past President Fred Shafer states that The Arc “recognizes the impor tance of providing social and recreational activities that enable our Par ticipants to be respected and engaged members of their community.” (arcofkaty.org) EMPLOYMENT For people with Special Needs, being employed teaches them skills while suppor ting their need to be productive members of their community. The Brookwood Community, with nearby locations in Brookshire and in Gallery Furniture on the Grand Parkway, offers teacher-suppor ted vocational programs for its par ticipants, known as Citizens. Brookwood offers both a day program and residential living. Adrianne Nowlin, Director of Work Program for the Brookwood Community, says “Brookwood believes that work equals wor th. Through visual suppor ts, structure and social programming, we strive to give every Brookwood Citizen the oppor tunity to feel proud and productive.” Brookwood has been a leader in the Special Needs Community since 1985 and sits on an idyllic 475 acre campus. (brookwoodcommunity. org) Organizations like Easter Seals (eastersealshouston.org), the

T he challenges that parents of children with Special Needs face are often broader and more comprehensive than those of other parents and can be lifelong. Having resources and information to guide these parents is crucial. The Fulshear Katy area offers many resources that can help children with Special Needs reach their fullest potential. As soon as a child is diagnosed with Special Needs, parents should inquire about Medicaid Waiver Interest Lists. Medicaid Waiver services allow states to provide long-term suppor t services for those with disabilities who are eligible for Medicaid. To inquire about these lists in Harris County, call The Harris Center at ( 713) 970-7308. In For t Bend and Waller counties, call Texana Center at (281) 342-0090. Family to Family Network , a nonprof it parent advocacy organization, guides families through case management , training, resource referrals and suppor t groups. Says Executive Director Mary Jane Williams, “Many families isolate themselves when their child gets diagnosed with a disability. Family to Family helps families develop a positive

vision for the future while building a network of suppor ts to make that future a reality.” (f2fn.org) The Navigate Life Texas website is f illed with statewide resources, explanation of services and suppor t for families. It offers comprehensive information for parents of children from bir th through transition to adulthood. (navigatelifetexas.org) Additionally, there are suppor t groups on Facebook such as the Special Needs Parent Suppor t - Katy Area page. EDUCATION The sooner a child is evaluated by their school district , the earlier they can get needed intervention. Depending on your child’s needs, these oppor tunities can begin prior to entering school. Each district has its own early childhood education intervention program that serves children with developmental delays or cer tain medical diagnoses from bir th to age 3. Children ages 3-5 may par ticipate in Early Childhood Special Education programs after meeting with a diagnostic specialist .

As children with Special Needs enter public school with their peers, each district has Special Education programs for them that align with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act . These programs serve children ages 3-21 and provide education and life skills suppor t tailored for each child. In Katy ISD, call the Special Education Depar tment at (281) 396-2630. In Lamar CSID, call (832) 223-0476. Information on area private schools for children with Special Needs can be found at (texasprivateschools. org/special-education). For parents considering home schooling their child with Special Needs, the Texas Home School Coalition is a good resource. (thsc.org/home-school-resources/ special-needs) Texana Center has many programs for people of all ages who have autism, intellectual disabilities or struggle with mental illness. Texana Community Relations Manager Andi Wallis says, “ Texana realized there was a growing need for post-high school education for these young adults. Texana’s

68 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2022-23 ISSUE