Federal Law
IDEA - Individuals with disabilities education act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. Learn More ​
section 504 - The rehabilitation act of 1973
​Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It addresses protections for students with disabilities. Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the department. Learn More
ADA - americans with disabilities act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities that are like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications. Learn More

Understanding Your Child's Education Plan
parent's guide to the admission, review and dismissal process
This is a comprehensive guide to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for students in special education. The purpose of this document is to encourage a common understanding of the individualized education program (IEP) process for all stakeholders. ​Learn More
GUIDANCE ON PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS
​This guide explains parents’ specific rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Learn More
educational acronyms
To ensure that we all understand this special language, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has a list of educational acronyms available on their website. Learn More

Texas Project First also provides a list of educational acronyms, including those frequently used in special education, on their website. Learn More

Support for Individuals with Disabilities
family to family network
Family to Family strives to provide programs that help families of children with disabilities by providing information, training, referral, and support.  By providing IEP parent support in Houston, education and training events on the special education process, developmental disabilities diagnosis information,  reliable online resources, and referral to community resources, Family to Family Network offers families of children the opportunity to also network with other families in order to learn from and help on another. ​ Learn More
autism speaks
​Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Learn More
texas project first
​Created by parents for parents, this website will point the way to information you can trust and understand and people or resources you can contact for more information and assistance.
TRI-county behavioral healthcare
Serving Liberty, Walker, and Montgomery counties, Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare offers a comprehensive array of services and supports for individuals with mental illness and with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ​ Learn More
The harris center for mental health and idd
Serving Harris county. The Harris Center offers outpatient mental health services, a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program, Intellectual Disability and Autism services, and forensic mental health services. ​Learn More
the arc of greater houston
The Arc of Greater Houston offers specialized training for families and professionals. One of our primary goals is to provide families and professionals with information than can be easily accessed and used independently at any time. Services offered include Presentations & Training, Social, Leisure, Respite Programs, and Special Education Advocacy.  Learn More