Texas Advocates

05/10/2026

05/04/2026

🚨Act Now: By May 5, Tell Texas House Committee on Human Services to prioritize investments in services for Texans with IDD. Learn what's going on, and how to make your voice heard (sample language and contact info provided) at https://tinyurl.com/ActByMay5

🔸What's Happening
On Tuesday, May 5, the Texas House Committee on Human Services will hold a public hearing to study the services available to Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This hearing represents a critical opportunity for Texans with IDD and their families to share their experiences and ensure Texans with IDD can access services that are timely, reliable, and responsive to their needs. Although the committee will only hear invited testimony, the public is invited to submit written comments using the House Public Comment Portal. The committee will consider this interim charge: Provision of Services for Texans with IDD: Evaluate the availability of services for Texans with IDD, including service coordination, Home and Community-Based Services, and the functionality of the waiver interest list. Ensure vulnerable Texans are protected by the current regulatory landscape and make recommendations for improvements.

🔸Why It Matters
Texans with IDD rely on a variety of supports to live full and self-determined lives, including Medicaid, HCBS waiver programs, services provided by local IDD authorities, and natural supports from families, among others. These services help meet everyday needs such as personal care, medication management, transportation, employment supports, and more. However, Texas struggles to ensure these supports are available when needed:
--More than 198,000 Texans with disabilities continue to wait on interest lists for Medicaid waiver services, with some waiting up to 17 years.
--Ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining a stable, high-quality direct care workforce make it difficult for people to receive services consistently, even after they are authorized.
--These challenges highlight the urgent need for a system that ensures timely access to services that are available, reliable, and responsive to each person’s needs.

Thank you!

04/30/2026

03/13/2026

Leadership is powerful.
Programs like LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advocacy & Development) help self-advocates learn skills to lead their chapters and communities.
💬 Question:
What leadership skills would you like to learn?

03/12/2026

📸 Photo Challenge!
Show us how you advocate!
Post a picture in the comments of:
• You speaking at a meeting
• Your local chapter
• A training or event
• Something you’re proud of
We may feature your photo this month!

03/11/2026

Advocacy means speaking up for yourself and others.
Self-advocates across Texas are leaders in their communities.
💬 Question for our members:
What does self-advocacy mean to you?

03/10/2026

DD stands for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
People with IDD live, work, vote, advocate, and contribute to their communities every day.
Everyone deserves:
✔ Respect
✔ Opportunity
✔ Choice
✔ A voice in decisions
💬 Question:
What is one thing you wish people understood about IDD?

03/09/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
At Texas Advocates, we believe people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be heard, respected, and included.
This month we will share stories, ideas, and voices from self-advocates across Texas.
💬 Tell us in the comments:
What does inclusion mean to you?

02/27/2026

We’re off to a GREAT start at our LEAD Training with the Gulf Coast Self Advocates! 💙
The room is full, the energy is high, and our attendees are ready to learn how to LEAD in their communities.
Today is all about building confidence, growing skills, and stepping into leadership. The future is bright when self-advocates are leading the way. 💪✨