Navigating benefits, educational systems, and care coordination can often feel overwhelming. This section highlights professionals, organizations, and community resources that help families access support, advocate effectively, and navigate important decisions throughout every stage of life.

Resources in this section may include care advocates, case managers, educational consultants, nonprofit organizations, respite care providers, community support programs, and advocacy groups dedicated to serving individuals with special needs and their families.

These professionals and organizations play an important role in helping families access services, strengthen support networks, build meaningful connections, and create opportunities for individuals with special needs to thrive within their communities.

Family Support & Resource Organizations

For Families of Special Needs, Inc.
Organization specializing in assisting individuals with disabilities and their families in understanding social systems and benefits that may be available to them.
Website: https://www.forfamiliesofspecialneeds.com/
Email: support@txlifeplanning.com

A Look Ahead
Support programs for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Website:https://thearcofdfw.org
Email: alookahead@thearcofdfw.org

Autism Society of Texas
Statewide autism resources, education, and community support.
Website: https://www.texasautismsociety.org/resource-guide/
Phone: (512) 479-4199

Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) – Formerly MHMR
The entry point for Texas state-funded intellectual and developmental disability services. LIDDAs provide eligibility determination, service coordination, crisis support, and access to Medicaid waiver interest lists such as HCS, TxHmL, and CLASS. Families should contact their local LIDDA to begin the process of accessing long-term services and supports.
Website: https://resources.hhs.texas.gov/directories/lidda

Partners Resource Network
Texas parent training and information center offering advocacy and family support resources.
Website: https://prntexas.org/
Email: info@prntexas.org

Partners Resource Network PATH
Advocacy services and parent support resources.
Website: https://prntexas.org/
Phone: (409) 898-4684

Region 10 / Special Education Information Center
Special education resources, training, and guidance for families and educators.
Website: https://www.spedtex.org/
Phone: (972) 348-1366
Contact: Doug Brooks

Texas Parent to Parent
Parent support, transition planning, and peer-based family assistance.
Website:https://www.txp2p.org/
Phone: (512) 458-8600

Parents with Purpose
Parent coaching and family support services.
Website: https://parentswithpurpose.com/
Phone: (214) 502-2827
Contact: Donna Bateman 

Aging & Disability Resource Services

Aging & Disability Resource Center
Disability resource center and family support services.
Phone: (888) 743-1202
Contact: Dulce Ramirez

Awesome on the Spectrum
Community support and inclusive programming.
Phone: (682) 227-6039

Hank’s Friends
Collaboration of nonprofits, businesses, families, and individuals supporting the special needs community.
Website: https://hanksfriends.org
Email: aaron@hanksfriends.org
Phone: (214) 641-0117
Contact: Aaron Mangum

Metrocrest Services
Community services and family assistance programs.
Website: https://metrocrestservices.org/
Phone: (972) 446-2100

Gordon Hartman Family Foundation
Support programs and nonprofit community initiatives.
Website: https://gordonhartman.com/

The Clubhouse for Special Needs
Community engagement and support programs.
Website: https://theclubhouse.org/
Phone: (817) 285-0888

Mental Health & Behavioral Support

LifePath Systems
Mental health and IDD support services.
Website: https://lifepathsystems.org/
Phone: (972) 727-9133
Contact: Ashley Hart

NAMI North Texas
Mental health education, advocacy, and support.
Website: https://naminorthtexas.org/
Phone: (214) 341-7133

Employment, Vocational & Independent Living Support

Goodwill North Central Texas
Employment readiness and vocational support services.
Website: https://goodwillnorthcentraltexas.org/
Phone: (817) 332-7866

Reach Unlimited
Residential support and independent living services.
Website: https://reachunlimited.org/
Phone: (281) 213-2582

Segue Center
Adult programming and life skills support.
Website: https://seguecenter.org/
Phone: (214) 561-7668
Contact: P. Quarterman

29:11 Pathways
Life skills development, community integration, independent living support, and vocational/pre-employment services.
Website: https://2911pathways.org/
Phone: (214) 693-0775
Contact: Brittan Rudd

Adina Rich
Adina Rich Consulting
Website: https://www.richeducationalconsulting.com/
Phone: (972) 816-3100

Dudley Advocacy & Consulting
Charlotte Dudley
Email: charlotte@dudleyadvocacyandconsulting.com
Phone: (972) 752-0229

Elevated IEP Collab
Email: info@elevatediepcollab.com

Equipped Advocacy
Email: info@equippedadvocacy.com

Family-Centered Educational Solutions
Lisa Brackin
Email: lisabrackin.com
Phone: (214) 549-6651

Special Ed. Advisor
Email: special.ed.advisor@gmail.com
Phone: (817) 680-6560

Sunflowereds Coaching
Website: https://sunflower-coaching.net/
(727) 272-2350

DFW Advocacy, LLC
Website: https://dfwadvocacy.com/
Phone: (682) 235-6265

The Arc DFW Area
Email: info@thearcofdfw.org

ACC STEPS
Website: https://continue.austincc.edu/steps
Phone: (512) 223-7657

Steps Program – Austin Community College
Christine Price
Phone: (512) 223-7856

E4Texas
Website: https://disabilitystudies.utexas.edu/e4texas
Phone: (512) 232-0772

Project SEARCH
Website: https://www.projectsearch.us/
Phone: (513) 636-4200

The professionals listed on this page are independent of Life Planning for Families of Special Needs. We do not receive compensation for referrals, nor do we provide compensation for being listed. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of services. We encourage you to conduct your own due diligence before engaging any professional.