The Arc at School supports families and professionals in navigating special education for students with IDD. Their advocacy curriculum covers IDEA, IEPs, and 504 plans, while their resource directory connects users to local and national programs, ensuring comprehensive support and education for individuals with disabilities.

The Arc of the DFW Area is part of The Arc’s national network, advocating for people with IDD. While The Arc National promotes inclusion and policy change, the DFW chapter offers regional programs and tailored services to empower individuals and families locally.

Navigate Life Texas provides resources for families of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs. Topics include education, health care, and transitioning to adulthood. The site also connects families to Medicaid waivers, financial aid, and support groups, empowering them to navigate complex systems. https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en

Texas Advocates is recognized as the leader in self-advocacy in Texas. Texas Advocates advocate for more and better services and supports for persons with disabilities to be included in their communities. Texas Advocates

The Center for Self-Determination

The Center is as clearinghouse, training and technical assistance source on self-determination in the U.S. and other countries. The Center is devoted to working within the public and private sector to move power and authority over resources directly to individuals with disabilities, families and allies.\ The Center for Self-Determination

ARCO DEL ÁREA DFW.

Q: Disability Rights Texas

Disability Rights Texas protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. It provides free legal services and advocacy in areas like education, housing, healthcare, and employment, ensuring equality and accessibility while helping individuals exercise their legal rights.

Bienvenido a la

Visualizamos una SOCIEDAD INCLUSIVA donde las personas con discapacidades intelectuales y de desarrollo vivan VIDAS AUTODETERMINADAS.

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

Lo que nosotros

Proporcionar

Information and referrals to the  IDD community

Regular training on IDD topics, such as special education, transition to adulthood, legal rights and options, and Medicaid supports

Educational, Advocacy, and Awareness opportunities

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

We do not offer direct or paid services.

EVENTOS

Upcoming

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

EXPLORAR EVENTOS

Tour Across Texas

Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, will be joining The Arc of Texas's Tour Across Texas, hosted by The Arc of DFW Area at Irving Bible Church. The Arc of Texas team hits the road every other summer before the Texas Legislative Session starts to visit local chapters of The Arc.

13/6/26, 15:00

LEARN MORE

ACE Virtual Workshop

Join us for our next ACE Workshop! Help us make change for Texans with disabilities. Your voice can make a difference!

11/7/26, 14:00

LEARN MORE

A Look Ahead - August 2026

The A Look Ahead Conference Series brings together expert speakers for training focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the people who support them, and the community at large.

8/8/26, 13:30

LEARN MORE

The Self Determination Group group picture

EL GRUPO DE AUTODETERMINACIÓN

Fundado en 2014, The Self-Determination Group es un grupo multidisciplinario dirigido por y para personas con discapacidades (“PWD”).

MÁS INFORMACIÓN

RECURSOS

De confianza

GET INVOLVED

How to

Volunteer with Us

By committing your time, you actively support our mission and foster community engagement. Volunteer to make a difference in the lives of those with disabilities.

VOLUNTEER

Become a Member

There are no limits to being a Member of The Arc of DFW Area! Support the Arc as a disabled individual, family member or advocating voice! We are a membership-driven organization, so our members direct us in how we can best serve our community.

LEARN MORE

Make a Donation

Since 1971, we’ve relied on the generosity of supporters like you to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Your contributions fund vital programs, advocacy efforts, and resources that create lasting change.

DONATE

Preguntas frecuentes

Preguntas

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.

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.

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.

ARCO DEL ÁREA DFW.

Bienvenido a la

Lo que nosotros

Proporcionar

EVENTOS

Upcoming

EL GRUPO DE AUTODETERMINACIÓN

RECURSOS

De confianza

The Arc at School

The Arc National

Navigate Life Texas

Disability Rights Texas

Texas Advocates

The Center for Self-Determination

GET INVOLVED

How to

Preguntas frecuentes

Preguntas

What is the Arc of DFW Area's Service area?

¿Cuál es el área de servicio del Arc of DFW?

Does The Arc of DFW Area accept donations of clothing, furniture, or other household items?

Does The Arc of DFW Area host monthly dances for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities?

Can The Arc of DFW Area help me find a home for a family member?

Can The Arc of DFW Area provide legal assistance?

I’m looking for summer programs for children with disabilities, can The Arc of DFW Area help?

How do I apply for guardianship of my child or family member?

What Medicaid services are available in Texas for individuals with intellectual disabilities and how do I apply?

What is Self-Determination?