- Midway ISD
- Transition
- Student/Parent Transition Information
Special Education, Section 504, and Dyslexia
Student/Parent Transition Information
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Local & State Agencies
Texas Workforce Solution Vocational Rehab – Schedule Intake Appointment through Kim Johnson
Toni (Toniziun) Ball -Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
1416 S. New Road
Waco, TX 76711
254-296-5200 (option 2) or 1-800-687-6903
OFFICE 254-296-5311
Email: toniziun.ball@twc.state.tx.us
What is TWFS VR?
TWFS VR helps persons with disabilities prepare for a job and become more independent. To be eligible for services, your disability must keep you `
TWFS VR has developed a partnership with MHS to help students make a smooth transition after school ends.
HOT Region Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) Center
110 S. 12th St., Waco, TX 76703
254-752-3451 (Mental Health)
254-752-7889 (Klaras Center Age 3-18)
254-757-3933 (IDD Services)
www.hotrmhmr.org
24 hour crisis hotline: 1-866-752-3451
What is MHMR?:
MHMR provides services to individuals and families coping with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, developmental delays, and emotional conflict.
MHMR provides: community support, respite, day habilitation, employment assistance and supported employment, and specialized therapies.
MHMR also works with the following specialized services. Contact number for all services is 254-757-3933. Please see website for more details or what services they provide and eligibility criteria: www.hotrmhmr.org.
Klaras Center
1105 W. Jefferson Ave., Waco, TX 76701
254-752-7889
This center assists children and youth ages 3 – 17 who evidence significant emotional and behavioral difficulties.
IDD Services – Intake for services
254-757-3933
HCS Services – Homes and Home Based Services (Waiver lists)
- Intermediate Care Facilities for People with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR): provides group home living for individuals with developmental disabilities who are in need of a more structured living environment as they acquire skills leading to quality community involvement.
- Home and Community Based Services (HCS): is a Medicaid Waiver program that provides specialized services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their home or in a home-like environment. To put your child in the waitlist - Linda Tovar 254-297-8920
- Texas Home Living (TxHmL): is a Medicaid Waiver program that provides specialized services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their home.
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)
Inquiry line: 1-800-252-8023
Temple Regional Office: 1-800-789-2865
This agency works with children that have a primary diagnosis of a physical
chronic condition or disability that has lasted or will last 12 months. They help
children with special health-care needs and people of any age with cystic fibrosis.
Children’s Special Needs Network
254-770-2353
www.special-children.org
This nonprofit organization (based in Belton) assists families and professionals in accessing appropriate services for children with physical or psychological needs.
Services provided include: a statewide conference, a loan closet, afternoon respite, in-home respite, home modifications, counseling services, medical equipment, camp scholarships, a newsletter, a resource library, and monthly parent and professional training workshops.
Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center (HOCTIL)
1300 Lake Air Dr., suite 7, Waco, TX 76710
254-754-7050
www.hoctilc.org
This is a non-residential resource agency whose goal is to promote independence of persons with disabilities through “self-determination” and to advocate for persons with disabilities for equal access and participation in their community.
Central Texas Youth Services
Waco Office - DeDe Gordon 254-217-1967
1200 Bagby Apt.1, Waco, TX 76701
Administrative Office - 254-939-3466
Belton, TX
www.centraltexasyouthservices.com
This is a non-profit organization that provides services to runaways, homeless and troubled youth and their families.
*Option House: 254-634-2085
Provides emergency shelter, food, care, counseling, medical/dental screening independent living skills training, information and referral.
*Star Counseling: 1-800-634-8336
Provides counseling services and crisis services to children, youth and their families ages 0-17 at no cost
*Project F.U.T.U.R.E.: 254-634-0117
Provides transitional living arrangements, education, job readiness training, independent living skills training, employment assistance, transportation, and case management for ages 16 - 21
*Safe Place, McLennan County: 254-217-1962
Provides counseling, emergency shelter, transitional living services, food and hygiene packs, information and referral services at no cost to eligible youth and their families 24 hours a day
Klaras Center
1105 W. Jefferson Ave., Waco, TX 76701
254-752-7889
This center assists children and youth ages 3 – 17 who evidence significant emotional and behavioral difficulties.
The ARC of McLennan County
1300 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701
254-756-7491
www.wacoarc.org
*After School Care
The ARC provides care and support for persons and families impacted by autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities; services include: after-school care, summer camp, adult self-advocacy, money management, social development and advocacy.
*The Opportunity Center of The ARC of McLennan County
www.wacoarc.org/programsandservices.hmt
email: theopcenter@gmail.com
Facebook site:TheOpportnityCenter
A day program for adults on spectrum that Fosters social, artistic, vocational, volunteer and entrepreneurial development. They offer GR8 Expectations, 1 on 1 services and College Support. Open five days a week 10:00 – 3:00.
Friends for Life
5000 Lakewood Dr.
Waco, Tx
254-772-7600
Friends for Life is a 501(c)(3) charity that was founded in Waco, Texas in September of 1989 to improve the quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities, particularly those who are without family to care for them.
*Mission Statement
Friends for Life helps the elderly and people with disabilities live independently as long as possible, protects and cares for those who are unable to care for themselves and brings generations together to enrich lives.
*Friends for Life: Areas of Service
Friends for Life serves the elderly and people with disabilities through five different program areas:
- Guardianship
- Money Management
- Independent Living and Quality of Life Programs
- Adult Day Care
Central Texas Helping Hands
105 Tampico Dr, Hewitt, TX 76643
CTHelpingHands.com
254-732-4455
Patty Robledo, Director
Stuart Castro, Executive Director
Mission Statement
To support seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families. We want all individuals to reach their full independence – with an emphasis on community involvement – by promoting the care for each adult with dignity and respect.
Services
Central Texas Helping Hands is open to offer therapeutic and social activities under medical supervision during the day. Participants will engage in life-affirming activities like music, exercise, gardening, brain fitness, games, special events and community interaction. Loved ones are cared for while care givers go to work, school or simply receive respite.
Local Special Olympics Organizations
School Age Special Olympics -
Julie Bezinski. Midway ISD – julie.biezenski@midwayisd.org, 254-761-5625 ext. 1175
Adult Special Olympics –
The Increadibles – 214-766-3260 or Akkarney@hotmail.com
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Parent Resources
Texas Parent to Parent
1805 Rutherford Lane
Suite 201
Austin, TX 78754
1-866-896-6001
Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is committed to improving the lives of Texas children who have disabilities, chronic illness, and/or special health care needs. TxP2P empowers families to be strong advocates through parent-to-parent support, resource referral, and education. In addition, TxP2P educates professionals about the unique needs of our children with the goal of improving care and opportunities for our children. Lastly, TxP2P is dedicated to championing the efforts of a diverse set of parent support groups and advocacy on behalf of our children’s well-being.
The heart of TxP2P is the parent-to-parent peer support model—parents volunteering to provide support and information to other parents. The parent-to-parent model ( P2P Best Practices) has been developed by and for parents to address the powerful emotions, new responsibilities, stress and isolation that parents and families face in caring for a child with special health care needs. Parent-to-parent support sustains parents as they develop the skills to manage the new demands on their families and themselves and to advocate effectively for their children.
PATH Network
www.PartnersTx.org
A grant project of Partners Resource Network, Inc., one of three federally funded Parent training and Information Centers (PTI) serving Texas parents of children and youth with disabilities from the ages of 0-26.
Regional Coordinator- Kim Torres
ktorres@partnerstx.org
210-884-3608
2-1-1 Guide to Helpful Resources and Information
www.211texas.org
This guide answers questions about health and human services. 2-1-1 is the
abbreviated dialing code for free information and referrals to critical health and
human services provided by nonprofit organizations and government agencies
in individual communities. One can also ask for 2-1-1 assistance in another
city, and one can also request directories for other counties.
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SSI/SSDI Help
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
Apply online at https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ssi.html
To apply for a child...
Go to https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/apply-child.html
Or call 1-800-772-1213
You will need to complete an Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) AND a Child Disability Report. The report collects information about the child’s disabling condition and how it affects his/her ability to function.
At this time, only the Child Disability Report can be completed online. Please contact us by phone or in person to schedule an appointment to complete the SSI application. We will help you in person or by phone.
Saving Money with SSI/SSDI Benefits –
ABLES Accounts –
General Information:
https://www.ablenrc.org/what-is-able/what-are-able-acounts/
How do I start an account:
https://www.ablenrc.org/get-started/how-do-i-enroll-in-a-program/
Special Need Trust
https://specialneedsanswers.com/what-is-a-special-needs-trust-13601
Guardianship and other options
- Guardianship: https://texaslawhelp.org/article/guardianship
- Videos and Toolkits: Supported Decision-Making Resources, Disability Rights Texas, available at https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/resources/supported-decision-making
- The ARC of Texas Fact Page: Alternatives to Guardianship: Supported Decision-Making Agreements, The Arc of Texas, available at https://www.thearcoftexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Supported_Decision_Making_For_Families_UPDATED_Jan_2016.pdf
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Local Therapy Options (These are just a few…there are more available)
Pet Therapy
Angel Paws - 254-744-9926
Email- angelpaws@hot.rr.com
Equine Therapy
Reach Therapeutic Riding Center
254-848-7888
Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center
310 Tours Rd.
Ross, TX
254-749-2612
Elite Therapy Center (Waco Clinic)
601 W. Loop 340
Waco, TX 76712
Phone: 254-399-TALK (8255)
Fax: 254-235-3408
Hope and Believe Pediatric Therapy
6701 Sanger Ave. Suite 104
Waco, TX 76710
Phone: 254-848-6284
Fax: 254-848-4193
Behavior Therapy
Central Texas Behavior Solutions
(254)760-0494
Focus Behavioral Associates
620 N. Robinson Dr.
Robinson, Texas 76706
254-732-2262
Thrive Behavior Consulting
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Where Do I Go
State ID
Available at the Texas Public Safety Department, 1617 E. Crest Drive (759-7100)
Must bring: original or certified copy of birth certificate
plus 2 other forms of identification such as (Social Security card,
school records, high school diploma, transcript, or GED)
Cost: $16
Good for 6 years
https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/appointments.htm
Voter Registration Cards
Cards are available at the post office and in Government/Economic classes.
Registration can be done online: www.sos.state.tx.us
To be eligible to register in Texas, you must:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be a resident of the county
Be 18 years old (you may register at 17 years and 10 months)
Not a convicted felon
Not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law
Selective Service registration (for males)
Males are required by law to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday or as early as 3 months after 17th birthday. It is a felony not to register; not registering can result in fines up to $250,000 or 5 years in prison.
Males can register at the Selective Service website (www.sss.gov) or by mail;
Forms are available at the post office.
Social Security Card:
Social Security Administration
6801 Sanger Ave., Waco, TX 76710
254-741-2331
1-800-772-1213
Local Driver’s Education Programs:
Central Texas Driving School –
18+ course available In English 2nd Saturday and In Spanish 3rd Saturday of the month
7524 Bosque Blvd
Waco, Tx 76712
254-751-1000
http://centraltexasdrivingschool.com
XLR8 Drivers Education – Parent Taught Online 504 and SPED Friendly Program
254-751-1136
Austin Driving School
611 Hwy 6
Waco, Tx 76710
254-772-4897
http://austindrivingschool.com/locations/waco-tx/
Public Transit -
Waco Public Transit - https://www.waco-texas.com/transit/
Training – https://www.waco-texas.com/transit/how-to-ride.asp Travel Training (How to ride): (254) 750-1900
Demand response - https://www.waco-texas.com/transit/demand-van.asp
Disability Forms – https://www.waco-texas.com/transit/forms.asp
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College Information
How do I apply for colleges of interest?
1) Go to www.applytexas.org
2) Create a new account (make sure it is a something you can remember or put the login info in your phone)
3) Click “My Applications” once logged in
4) Click “Create a new application now”
5) Follow the steps to fill out applications with your college(s) of interest
MCC Accommodations Center
1400 College Dr.
Waco, TX 76708
Amy Sireci
254-299-8446
TSTC Disability Services
located in the Student Services Center
3801 Campus Dr.
Waco, TX 76705
Marilyn Harren or Jennifer Foster
254-867-3600
Every College Campus will have an Office of Disability Services. Take your last ARD paperwork and request college level accommodations
TSI
Texas Success Initiative Assessment Student Informative Brochure
Learn more about what the Texas Success Initiative Assessment is and how it works.
https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/tsai-assessment-student-brochure.pdf
TSI Web-Based Study App
The TSI Web-Based Study App features practice tests aligned to the TX College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Performance Expectations. You can access the site from your computer, tablet, or Smartphone (see supported browsers & mobile O/S below) and familiarize yourself with the basic content areas of TSI tests.
https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/
SAT & ACT Registration:
SAT
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register
ACT
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act-educator/accommodations.html
FAFSA:
What is FAFSA?
Completing a FAFSA is the first step in applying for most federal, state, and college-provided financial aid for students. It stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid because it is filed with the US Department of Education, but most state-sponsored and college-sponsored aid requires the same FAFSA filing, so it is not only for federally sponsored student aid as the name might imply.
The FAFSA is used by aid providers to determine the amount of the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is the amount that they expect the student's family could contribute toward the student's college education. EFC varies from student to student since it is based on the specific financial situation of the student and often of the student's parents as well.
The FAFSA is often 100+ questions long and can cover various areas such as the student's family situation, the student's educational background, the student's educational plans and prospective colleges, the student's finances, the student's spouse's finances, and the student's parents' finances. Whether or not parent financial information is required depends on whether or not the student is determined to still be a dependent of one of their parents.
Once the FAFSA application is completed and filed, a federal processor will examine all the information provided and pass the examination results on to the financial aid offices of the preferred colleges listed on the FAFSA.
In short, the FAFSA is often the first step in applying for your share of the billions of dollars in student financial aid that are available every year, including scholarships, grants, low-interest loans and work-study programs. We can help prepare and file your FAFSA now, on the web or over the phone. Start today and file with confidence, using our proven assisted service.
http://www.fafsa-application.com
If you need help filling out the FAFSA: Free Service
Contact: Brandon Chapel & Marlena Massey
Title: Waco Foundation-Director of Scholarships & MAC Program
Phone: 254-752-9457
Texas Colleges Programs Designed for Students with Disabilities
https://thinkcollege.net/college-search?f%5B0%5D=tc_state_province%3ATexas
If you have been within the foster care system-
Texas Department of Family Protective Services:
Information on waived (free) college tuition and fees
Contact Information for Regional Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Coordinator: Tacolya Singletary 512-834-3111
*This contact can send you a signed tuition fee waiver letter for the registrar’s office at your college.
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Employment Help
Texas Workforce Commission
1416 S. New Road
Waco, TX 76711-1335
254-754-5421
www.twc.state.tx.us
This state agency oversees and provides workforce development services to
employers and job seekers.
HOT Goodwill Industries, Inc.
1700 South New Road
Waco, TX 76711
254-753-7337
Goodwill works with those who have disabilities and disadvantages by expanding their opportunities and capabilities through employment and training programs.
They offer the following employment resources: resume writing, job search assistance, interview skills training, goal setting, employer expectations, career exploration, job retention, and job opportunity boot camp.
Goodwill offers classes every week. The Learning Center is open Monday – Friday from 8a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Aramark at Baylor University
- Go to the website: dining.baylor.edu to download an application for employment, or visit 1919 S. 1st St., Waco, TX 76706 to pick up or drop off an application.
- Must be 18 years old to be eligible for employment.
- Some begin work with a job coach provided through MHMR or Texas Workforce Solutions, and some begin work independently.
- Most hires are made in August before the school year begins, but there is always some turnover.
- Hours usually are 11-3 or 5-9 Mondays through Fridays.
Job Corps Texas
800-733-JOBS (5627)
If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Kim Johnson, Transition Specialist at Midway ISD.
Phone Contact: 254-761-5680 ext. 1310
