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THE ARC OF THE DFW AREA.

Welcome to

We envision an INCLUSIVE SOCIETY where people with intellectual and development disabilities live SELF DETERMINED LIVES.

Diverse group of individuals holding hands high in unity, promoting empowerment and inclusion for people with I/DD

What we

PROVIDE

We also seek to collaborate with local and state policy-makers to advocate for the I/DD community and educate them on I/DD priorities.

We do not offer direct or paid services.

EVENTS

Upcoming 

The Arc of DFW Area’s events bring together Families, Advocates, and Professionals in the disability community to gather and collaborate.

Group advocating for the I/DD Community

Day of Mourning 2025

March 1st is Disability Day of Mourning; on this day we honor disabled individuals who have passed due to filicide or homicide.

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Group advocating for the I/DD Community

A Call to Action: Enlisting Families to Advocate for Change in Texas

Join Julia Chalker and The Arc of DFW Area for an overview of the state of Long Term Services and Supports in Texas and learn how you can advocate for change. This program is provided in partnership with The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas.

March 7, 2025 at 1:00:00 AM

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Group advocating for the I/DD Community

Voices from People with Lived Experiences

Please join Jordan Smelley, a statewide Self-Advocate who will share his experiences as a Peer Support Specialist, People Planning Together Trainer, and a Legislative Policy Organizer. Email ewilliams@aacog.gov to register.

February 21, 2025 at 7:00:00 PM

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The Self Determination Group group picture
The Self Determination Group Logo

THE SELF DETERMINATION GROUP

Established in 2014, The Self-Determination Group is a cross disability group run by and for individuals with disabilities (“PWD”).

RESOURCES

Trusted

  • What is the Arc of DFW Area's Service area?
    Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area provide an advocate to help me with my child’s ARD/IEP meeting?
    The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer organization which does not provide direct services. We believe you are your child’s best advocate and want to empower you with tools and information for this opportunity. Our Arc @ School (https://thearcatschool.org) advocacy curriculum provides the basic information that parents, educators, and other advocates need. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) also has extensive resources, including those specific to Texas. We hope you are successful and do not require a third-party to assist you in dispute resolution; however, we understand some situations unfortunately can’t be resolved without additional support.
  • Does The Arc of DFW Area accept donations of clothing, furniture, or other household items?
    Thank you for considering a donation to The Arc of DFW Area. As an all-volunteer agency we are unable to collect physical donations. The Arc of DFW Area does not operate any donation centers or drop boxes.
  • Does The Arc of DFW Area host monthly dances for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities?
    The Arc of DFW Area does not host monthly dances; our primary activities focus on family support through education and advocacy. Our affiliate, The Self Determination Group, which is led by and for self advocates ages 14 and up, meets monthly to discuss opportunities for advocacy. The members of The SDG are also friends who often socialize outside of the monthly meetings, like going out to eat, bowling, or going to the movies.
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area help me find a home for a family member?
    Identifying and selecting the best housing resources for a family member or loved one can seem overwhelming. The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer organization and unfortunately can't directly support your search; however, Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) has extensive information to help you.
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area provide legal assistance?
    The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer agency which does not provide direct services. Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities in Texas. DRTx advocates for and helps protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to have full and equal participation in society.
  • I’m looking for summer programs for children with disabilities, can The Arc of DFW Area help?
    The Arc of DFW Area does not maintain a list of area summer programs, but Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) does maintain a list of available adaptive camps. Be An Angel (https://beanangel.org) is also a great resource for camps and financial assistance.
  • How do I apply for guardianship of my child or family member?
    Guardianship is a viable option when it’s needed, but it’s not the only option as it had been in years past. For many years, agencies, lawyers and schools have advised parents of children with disabilities to seek guardianship. Now guardianship is considered a last resort. Disability Rights Texas (https://disabilityrightstx.org) is a great resource to learn about Supported Decision Making and guardianship.
  • What Medicaid services are available in Texas for individuals with intellectual disabilities and how do I apply?
    Texas Medicaid Long-term Services and Supports Programs, or LTSS programs, assist individuals of all ages to live in the community instead of an institution. Unfortunately, services are generally not immediately available as most LTSS programs have a long waiting list because of state funding limitations. The wait time can be as long as 17-18 years for services. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) provides a Texas Medicaid Waiver Overview and details on each program.
  • What is Self-Determination?
    Self-determination “encompasses concepts such as free will, civil and human rights, freedom of choice, independence, personal agency, self-direction, and individual responsibility” (University of Illinois at Chicago National Research & Training Center, 2002).
Trusted I/DD Resources

GET INVOLVED

How to

Frequently Asked 

QUESTIONS

  • What is the Arc of DFW Area's Service area?
    Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area provide an advocate to help me with my child’s ARD/IEP meeting?
    The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer organization which does not provide direct services. We believe you are your child’s best advocate and want to empower you with tools and information for this opportunity. Our Arc @ School (https://thearcatschool.org) advocacy curriculum provides the basic information that parents, educators, and other advocates need. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) also has extensive resources, including those specific to Texas. We hope you are successful and do not require a third-party to assist you in dispute resolution; however, we understand some situations unfortunately can’t be resolved without additional support.
  • Does The Arc of DFW Area accept donations of clothing, furniture, or other household items?
    Thank you for considering a donation to The Arc of DFW Area. As an all-volunteer agency we are unable to collect physical donations. The Arc of DFW Area does not operate any donation centers or drop boxes.
  • Does The Arc of DFW Area host monthly dances for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities?
    The Arc of DFW Area does not host monthly dances; our primary activities focus on family support through education and advocacy. Our affiliate, The Self Determination Group, which is led by and for self advocates ages 14 and up, meets monthly to discuss opportunities for advocacy. The members of The SDG are also friends who often socialize outside of the monthly meetings, like going out to eat, bowling, or going to the movies.
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area help me find a home for a family member?
    Identifying and selecting the best housing resources for a family member or loved one can seem overwhelming. The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer organization and unfortunately can't directly support your search; however, Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) has extensive information to help you.
  • Can The Arc of DFW Area provide legal assistance?
    The Arc of DFW Area is an all-volunteer agency which does not provide direct services. Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities in Texas. DRTx advocates for and helps protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to have full and equal participation in society.
  • I’m looking for summer programs for children with disabilities, can The Arc of DFW Area help?
    The Arc of DFW Area does not maintain a list of area summer programs, but Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) does maintain a list of available adaptive camps. Be An Angel (https://beanangel.org) is also a great resource for camps and financial assistance.
  • How do I apply for guardianship of my child or family member?
    Guardianship is a viable option when it’s needed, but it’s not the only option as it had been in years past. For many years, agencies, lawyers and schools have advised parents of children with disabilities to seek guardianship. Now guardianship is considered a last resort. Disability Rights Texas (https://disabilityrightstx.org) is a great resource to learn about Supported Decision Making and guardianship.
  • What Medicaid services are available in Texas for individuals with intellectual disabilities and how do I apply?
    Texas Medicaid Long-term Services and Supports Programs, or LTSS programs, assist individuals of all ages to live in the community instead of an institution. Unfortunately, services are generally not immediately available as most LTSS programs have a long waiting list because of state funding limitations. The wait time can be as long as 17-18 years for services. Navigate Life Texas (https://navigatelifetexas.org) provides a Texas Medicaid Waiver Overview and details on each program.
  • What is Self-Determination?
    Self-determination “encompasses concepts such as free will, civil and human rights, freedom of choice, independence, personal agency, self-direction, and individual responsibility” (University of Illinois at Chicago National Research & Training Center, 2002).
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