Family to Family Network

Not good news for kids with disabilities in public schools.

Trump further guts Education Dept. by shifting oversight of special ed, civil rights The moves to the federal departments of Health and Human Services and Justice, respectively, would further dismantle an agency that President Donald Trump has vowed to close.

Want to learn about Dual eligible SNPs? Join Justice in Aging webinar June 9, 1 pm https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2017774716805/WN_yy7pXv97QJWCAign76lNbA

🧡 The Arc Tour Across Texas is Coming to Harris County! 🧡

Join The Arc of Texas and The Arc of Harris County next Saturday, June 6th as we connect with self-advocates, families, and community members for an important conversation about disability advocacy and preparing for the 90th Texas Legislative Session.

When the Texas Legislature convenes in January 2027, we must continue using our collective voice to educate and encourage lawmakers to make decisions that support—not harm—Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Together, we can create positive change!

📅 Date: June 6, 2026
📍 Location: West Gray Recreation Center, 1475 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
📝 Register here: https://forms.gle/wGHxQv6szPoaKMBr7
Questions? Contact Janniece Sleigh, Executive Director, at [email protected]

Learn advocacy tips, connect with fellow advocates, and help strengthen our movement for disability rights across Texas.

We can't wait to see you there!

TX Parent to Parent conference in July - great opportunity for families!

Free AC give away by - https://forms.monday.com/forms/3c63c30a3301152bd4b71099f31fdba8?r=use1
Applications open through end of may to seniors, low income households, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Must live in Precinct 4 and not have received free AC unit in past 2 years, qualify in at least one of the categories.

Sorteo gratuito de unidades de aire acondicionado por parte de - https://forms.monday.com/forms/3c63c30a3301152bd4b71099f31fdba8?r=use1
Las solicitudes estarán abiertas hasta finales de mayo para personas mayores, hogares de bajos ingresos, veteranos y personas con discapacidades. Es requisito residir en el Precinto 4, no haber recibido una unidad de aire acondicionado gratuita en los últimos 2 años y cumplir con los criterios de elegibilidad de al menos una de las categorías mencionadas.

Advocates and families keep watch and contact your legislators

Lawmakers Knew All Along They Were Voting to Cut Medicaid for Older Adults - Justice in Aging The battle to protect Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities now moves to state capitals — where care hangs in the balance.

We cannot forget history, nor can we return to a time where individuals with disabilities are not valued and forced into segregation. Thanks to the - we are on a school to prison pipeline with no waivers funded for this biennium. Texas already has an institutional bias with 13 SSLCs with 2x more state employees than residents that cost more than group homes or community attendant care.

Before Special Ed, There Was the School-to-Asylum Pipeline. How One Lawsuit Helped End It 50 years ago, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ended the routine institutionalization of kids with disabilities. Advocates fear a return to that dark time.

So many may be wondering about SNAP work requirements - "Taking care of someone who needs help caring for themselves" OR "Not working because of physical or mental health reason".
Questions - How do you prove either thing?
If a young adult is not getting SSI yet because they are waiting on the "backlog" at SSA, do they fall under the rules of having to work 80 hrs/month (especially if not going to school) to receive SNAP benefits?
On a plus - Simplified SNAP applications that are approved are approved for three years. Got to look at the silver lining some days. :)
Learn more at HHSC: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits/snap-work-rules

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who go the extra mile every day for their kids with disabilities ❤️