5 Advocacy Opportunities for You: Take Action Now

Published: Wed, 01/28/26

Updated: Wed, 01/28/26

The next Texas Legislative Session begins January 2027, but our advocacy cannot rest during the interim. Here are a few ways to engage right now!

Take Survey by Feb. 5: Provide Input on New Intensity of Service Funding System for Special Education

During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 568, a key policy priority of The Arc of Texas, to modernize special education funding through an intensity of service funding model aligned with students’ individual needs. The Texas Education Agency is now seeking input to help define this new funding system for students receiving special education services, including the service tiers and groups that will guide how funding is structured. Take the survey by February 5.

The Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will host a webinar about the Texas Education Freedom Accounts Program (educational savings accounts) on February 3 at 11:00 a.m. to provide an overview of the program, including funding and eligibility considerations for students with disabilities. Parents can submit applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program starting on February 4.

Related Resource: For additional information, including how student rights and protections may differ between public and private schools and important considerations for families, please review this joint resource from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and The Arc of Texas.

The Rehabilitation Council of Texas is hosting six Town Hall meetings across the state to gather input on the challenges Texans with disabilities face when seeking employment and to inform their Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment. Texans with disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation clients, family members, and other relevant stakeholders are encouraged to participate. The first meeting will take place on February 4 at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom and in person at the Disability Rights Texas Office (2222 W. Braker Lane Austin, TX 78758). View all dates and register for a Town Hall near you or on Zoom.

Apply by Feb. 27: ACT LEND Program

The Autism Consortium of Texas Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ACT LEND) Program brings together graduate students, family members, and self-advocates to build leadership in culturally informed diagnosis, support, and advocacy for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. This 9-month program includes coursework, mentorship, and hands-on clinical or community experiences; trainees complete 300 hours of training and receive a $9,000 stipend, with flexible timelines for self-advocates and family members. Learn more and apply by February 27.

Apply by Mar. 20: Texas Partners in Policymaking Program

Texas Partners in Policymaking is a leadership development program for people with developmental disabilities and their family members who want to strengthen their advocacy skills and influence public policy. Organized by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, the program includes six two-day online training sessions held monthly from September through March, with sessions on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn more and apply by March 20.

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