Texas Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in Texas. They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in Texas and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Texas, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The Texas state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is Disability Rights Texas (DRTx). DRTx is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in Texas to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. DRTx is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
Legal Services Organizations
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
- Lone Star Legal Aid
- Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC)
- Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)
- Texas Law Help
- Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas
Other Disability Advocacy Organizations
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
State Medicaid Agency
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Texas.
- Your Texas Benefits
- Medicaid.gov Texas Page
- CHIP - Children's Medicaid
- A Roadmap to Understanding Texas Medicaid Waivers
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Other State and Non-Profit Agencies
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
- Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation for Persons with Physical and Mental Disabilities
- The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
- Texas Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
- Ability Connection
- Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN)
- 211 Texas
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
- Texas Suicide Hotlines
- MHMR Tarrant Crisis Relief
- Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas
Services for Senior Citizens
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
- Texas Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
- Aging Services Council of Central Texas
- Meals on Wheels Association of Texas
- The Senior Source
- STAR+PLUS Program
- Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Waiver
Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Texas disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
Developmental Disabilities Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Texas disability services.
- Department of Aging and Disability Services Programs
- The Arc of Texas
- Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
- Texas Home Living Program
- Home and Community-Based Services Program
Mental Health Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Texas Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division
- Texas Suicide Prevention
- NAMI Texas
- Mental Health America of Texas
- Mental Health Texas
- Speak Your Mind Texas
Physical Disabilities Services
Free or low-cost Texas disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
- Department of Aging and Disability Services Programs
- Texas Centers for Independent Living
- Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Waiver
- Rehabilitation Technology Resource Center (RTRC)
- Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN)
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
Addiction and Substance Abuse Services
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
- Texas Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division
- Substance Abuse - Department of State Health Services
- The Association of Substance Abuse Programs
- The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Low-Income Housing Services
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
- Texas Low Income Housing Information Service
- Texas Affordable Housing Corporation
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help
- Houston Housing Authority
- Dallas Housing Authority