Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2025-26

EDUCATION

Resources Special Needs

by Aydee Deaton

R aising a child with special needs is a journey filled with love, growth, and unforgettable moments. It can also come with challenges that make you feel like you are navigating this journey alone. The good news is you do not have to! We have a beautiful, thriving, supportive community right here in the Fulshear-Katy area! Whether you are new to the diagnosis, new to the area, or just looking for more resources and connections, this guide is here to help you find your people and some tools to make life a little lighter. You deserve support, and we hope this feels less like a checklist and more like a heart-to-heart with a friend who has been there. GETTING PLUGGED IN One of the first big steps for any special needs parent is learning how to navigate the world of advocacy, especially within the school system. ARD meetings, IEPs, and accommodations can sound like alphabet soup! That is where Partners

compassionate, and familiar with the unique challenges families face. INCLUSIVE PLACES TO PLAY Our area has several wheelchair accessible and sensory-friendly parks that are worth a visit! Exploration Park in Katy and Mary Jo Peckham Park offer accessible equipment and inclusive spaces. Super Dave’s All Abilities Park is coming soon to Fulshear, with a projected opening in 2026. If you are up for a little drive, check out Galaxy All Abilities Park in Sugar Land. For indoor fun, We Rock the Spectrum West Houston is opening in Katy soon and will offer sensory-safe play and community for all ages. FITNESS AND THERAPEUTIC RECREATION Movement and recreation matter for every child, and there are some awesome options nearby. Special Strong offers adaptive fitness programs that are fun and empowering. Special Olympics teams are always welcoming new athletes and creating a space where everyone can shine. Locally, the Katy Wolf Pack is a Special Olympics team offering softball,

high-support. Come as you are and refill your cup, literally and emotionally. And while you’re at it, ask Cynthia about “Hello, My Name Is,” a book she wrote to help children introduce themselves to their peers. It’s a wonderful resource for families, classrooms, churches, and neighbors, and it’s available on Amazon. Steel Magnolia Moms is a Houston based nonprofit dedicated to serving moms raising children with disabilities or complex medical needs. It offers an amazing network of support through online groups, moms’ nights out, and retreats. Whether local or virtual, these spaces remind you that you are never alone in this journey. LEGAL HELP As our kids grow, so do the legal needs surrounding guardianship, SSI, and adult services. Disability Rights Texas is a great resource for understanding your legal rights and protections. Locally, Boyd Handley with The Handley Law Office is a trusted name when it comes to navigating the legal side of special education and long-term planning. He is experienced,

Resource Network comes in. They are a nonprofit that serves as the Parent Training and Information Center for Texas. Their team is amazing at walking families through the ins and outs of special education rights and helping you feel empowered to speak up for your child. Family to Family Network is another amazing resource that hosts an annual Special Needs Conference full of workshops, breakout sessions, and vendor booths. It is a one-stop shop of resources and a chance to connect with other parents. SUPPORT FOR MOMS Sometimes you just need to sit across from another mom who gets it without having to explain everything. Local special needs mom, artist, author, and Founder of Dash Blossoms, Cynthia Jackson, hosts a monthly coffee date at Humble Grounds Coffee Fulshear every third Thursday of the month. These gatherings are low-pressure and

Breakfast & Lunch Tuesday - Saturday

Serving exceptional food while supporting employment for neurodiverse people

8 AM - 3 PM 7440 FM 359 Fulshear, TX

Catering: Breakfast, lunch, meetings, employee appreciation Sandwiches, tacos, fresh-made sweet treats Custom cookies: graduation, holidays, awards, celebrations, business events

cafe@texanacenter.com

832-471-7903

texanacafe.com

68 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2025-26 ISSUE