Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2024-25

EDUCATION

Resources Special Needs by Carey Nelson Handley

P arenting any child can be filled with challenges, but parenting a child with special needs brings its own unique lifelong challenges. A strategic plan from the first diagnosis gives children with special needs the best chance of having a fulfilling life. RESOURCES One of the most crucial things parents can do is contact their Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) about Waiver programs that provide long-term services and supports for those who qualify now or after age 18. These lists have extremely long waiting lists, so early contact is essential. In Harris County, call The Harris Center at (713) 970-7799. In Fort Bend and Waller Counties, call Texana Center at (281) 239-1363. Some local organizations specialize in helping special needs families by providing resources, education, advocacy, and information. A few organizations to contact are Family to Family Network, The Arc (Fort Bend, Katy), NAMI Greater

children ages 3-21 and provide education and support services plus life skills support. Texana Center, the Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority for Fort Bend and Waller counties, offers programs for people of all ages with autism, intellectual

Houston (National Alliance on Mental Health), Partners Resource Network, Hope for Three, Autism Rescue Angels, and Katy Autism Support Group. Facebook groups like Special Needs Parent Support – Katy and several others bring parents together to share resources and information. EDUCATION Each district has an early childhood education intervention program for children with developmental delays or certain medical diagnoses from birth to age 3. From ages 3–5, children may participate in Early Childhood Special Education programs. The first step is to contact your district’s Special Education Department for an evaluation with a diagnostician. In Katy ISD, contact (281) 396-2630 and in Lamar CISD, call (832) 223-0400. When children with special needs enter public school, accommodations can be made to help them succeed academically. Districts follow the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504. These programs serve

and fulfilling life.” SOCIAL

disabilities, or mental illness. Texana Center’s Fulshear campus with the Texana Center for Advancement has the feel of a community college. Young adults learn social and employment skills and can attend classes. Kate Johnson Patagoc, Director, Autism Services for Texana Center, states, “At Texana Center, we are able to support clients at every stage of life, from toddlers to adulthood. Through our innovative programs and a compassionate team dedicated to our client’s well-being, we are here to support them in achieving their goals for a happy

Children with special needs often struggle to fit in with neurotypical peers. There are social activities geared specifically for children and adults with disabilities. The Arc, with several local branches, offers resources and events while helping with public policy and advocacy. Ana Esparza, parent advocate, states, “The mission of The Arc is to promote wellness, enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their

Providing Food to 1,000 families each month

+ Food Fairs held in Richmond, Fulshear, and Wallis

+ Emergency Food Pantry in Fulshear

Touching 50,000 lives each year

+ Furniture, Education, Assistance, & Events

TTTT R FAMILIES IN NORTH FORT BEND COUNTY TRANSFORMING HURTING PEOPLE INTO HEALTHY

familyhopefulshear.org

68 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2024-25 ISSUE