Various Days in May - Virtual: Transition to Adulthood (IDEA Requirements)

• Date & Time: Ongoing / On-Demand (Check site for April/May live dates)
• Location: Virtual (Zoom)
• Description: Hosted by Partners Resource Network, this workshop covers IDEA transition requirements for students preparing for life after high school. It includes information on developing transition plans and identifying essential resources.
• Contact: Kierra Hyder | 832-720-2152 | pathregion4a@prntexas.org.

May 20, 2026 - Transition to Adulthood Learning Collaborative (TALC)

• Date & Time: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT
• Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
• Description: A quarterly collaborative hosted by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This session focuses on Mental Health Awareness Month and transition topics for youth, young adults, and their caregivers, with a specific look at vocational rehabilitation.

Contact: To receive the meeting invitation, email cshcnsdg@dshs.texas.gov

Various Dates & Locations — The Arc of Texas

The Arc of Texas is a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. It works to promote independence, protect rights, and improve access to services through policy advocacy, education, and community partnerships. Public events such as trainings, webinars, and community engagement opportunities are also offered to increase awareness and support for individuals and families.

• Date, Time & Location: 
  • June 5: The Arc of Greater Beaumont
    • The Arc of Greater Beaumont Building at 4330 Westridge Ln., Beaumont, TX 77706 (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
  • June 6: The Arc of Harris County
    • West Gray Recreation Center at 1475 W Gray St., Houston, TX 77019 (10:00 a.m. – Noon)
  • June 13: The Arc of DFW Area with special guest Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc U.S.
    • Irving Bible Church at 2435 Kinwest Parkway Irving, TX 75063 (10:00 a.m. – Noon)

Contact your local chapter for details and to RSVP.

Need assistance? Reach Arc of Texas at publicpolicy@thearcoftexas.org or 512-454-6694.

June 23, 2026 - TXAEYC Presents: Helping Caregivers Cope with Crises

• Date & Time: Jun 23, 2026 01:00 PM CT
• Location: Virtual (Zoom) Register
• Description: Join TXAEYC for the first session in their monthly webinar series, featuring Militza Mezquita, M.A. with Save the Children. This training will focus on the basics of stress management and offer caregivers time to reflect, process, share, and connect. Participants will explore their own well-being, identify sources of stress, discuss coping strategies, and set goals for future self-care. This session is designed for early childhood professionals who support children, families, teams, and communities through challenging moments, while also needing space to care for themselves.

Various Dates & Locations — The Arc of Texas

The Arc of Texas is a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. It works to promote independence, protect rights, and improve access to services through policy advocacy, education, and community partnerships. Public events such as trainings, webinars, and community engagement opportunities are also offered to increase awareness and support for individuals and families.

• Date, Time & Location: 
  • July 14: The Arc of Wichita County
    • The Arc of Wichita County Building at 3115 Buchanan St., Wichita Falls, TX 76308 (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
  • July 25: The Arc of El Paso
    • Time and Location Coming Soon

Contact your local chapter for details and to RSVP.

Need assistance? Reach Arc of Texas at publicpolicy@thearcoftexas.org or 512-454-6694.

July 11, 2026 - Route 66: Abilities Conference!

Date: July 11, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Address: First Christian Church 3001 Wolfin Ave. Amarillo, Texas

Description: Keynote speaker. Dr. Shari Medford, MD. A conference for Families & Professionals who are for Children, Youth and Young adults with Disabilities or chronic illness. 

More information: cohs.net/uniting-parents/uniting-parents-events

Maria Garcia - 806-337-1700

maria.garcia@cohs.net

or

Delesa Kendrick delesa.kendrick@cohs.net

Registration link

Various Dates & Locations — The Arc of Texas

The Arc of Texas is a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. It works to promote independence, protect rights, and improve access to services through policy advocacy, education, and community partnerships. Public events such as trainings, webinars, and community engagement opportunities are also offered to increase awareness and support for individuals and families.

• Date, Time & Location: 
  • August 13: The Arc of the Capital Area
    • The Arc of the Capital Area Building at 1106 Clayton Lane #215E Austin, Texas 78723 (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Contact your local chapter for details and to RSVP.

Need assistance? Reach Arc of Texas at publicpolicy@thearcoftexas.org or 512-454-6694.

A resource that could be useful for families seeking inclusive summer opportunities:

• https://www.summercamps.com/camp/category/special-needs-camps/

Resource Expo Central Texas

• Date & Time: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM CDT
• Location: Harris Community Center | Belton, TX
• Description: A regional expo for families of children with special needs to meet local service providers, including those focused on post-secondary transition and vocational support.
• Hosted by: Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities partnered with Belton Parks & Recreation Department

AUTonomy – Adult Housing Options Workshop

• Date & Time: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12:00 PM CDT
• Location: 5555 N Lamar Blvd, Suite L107 | Austin, TX
• Description: An in-depth look at housing options and independent living strategies for young adults transitioning out of the family home.
• Hosted by: Autism Society of Texas

Temple ISD Sensory Night

• Date & Time: Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 5:30 PM
• Location: Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy | 1717 East Avenue J, Temple, TX
• Description: A low-pressure event for families to explore sensory-friendly activities and connect with inclusive community supports and the Partners Resource Network.
• Contact: Jessica Dominguez | 254-275-1362 | penregion12@prntexas.org.

3rd Annual Cars4Kids: Special Needs Resource Fair

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM
• Location: Silsbee Public Library | 295 North 4th Street, Silsbee, TX
• Description: A resource fair combined with an annual car show, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, and vendors specifically for special needs families.

Empowering Parents Workshops

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:30 AM
• Location: Mission Bend Branch Library | 8421 Addicks Clodine Road, Houston, TX
• Description: A workshop series to help parents understand and manage behaviors of children with special needs using proactive strategies.
• Registration: Limited spots available; register via Eventbrite. 

Recurring Adaptive & Sensory Programs

Homeruns & Heroes

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM
• Location: Greenville SportsPark | 3603 Leo Hackney Boulevard, Greenville, TX
• Description: An inclusive day of baseball activities and community resources dedicated to special and medical needs baseball.

Sensory Sensitive Sundays (Austin & Round Rock)

• Dates: Sunday, April 5 and Sunday, May 3, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Location: Participating local venues (e.g., Chuck E. Cheese).
• Description: Reduced lighting and noise levels to accommodate those with sensory sensitivities.
• Contact: Navigate Life Texas.

Sensory-Friendly Storytimes (Dallas & Cedar Hill)

• Dates/Times: Fridays (Dallas) and select Mondays (Cedar Hill) at 10:30 AM
• Location: Fretz Park Branch Library (Dallas) and Traphene Hickman Library (Cedar Hill)
• Description: Tailored for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing needs, incorporating songs, stories, and sensory activities like fidget toys.

AAC Storytime (Benbrook)

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 25 and Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 11:00 AM
• Location: Benbrook Public Library | 1065 Mercedes Street, Benbrook, TX
• Description: Designed for children (ages 3–21) who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to practice in a supportive space. 

Virtual YOUth Hangouts

• Date & Time: Typically monthly; check April/May dates at 5:30 PM CT
• Location: Virtual
• Description: Supervised socialization for young adults (ages 14–26+) with a disability or learning challenges.
• Registration: Available through the Partners Resource Network

Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) Pathways to Adulthood

• Date/Time: Scheduled as requested by local communities.
• Location: Various locations across Texas.
• Description: Free parent-led workshops covering all major transition topics, including guardianship, SSI, and managing adult medical care.
• Contact: Adriana Valadez | 866-896-6001 | Adriana.Valadez@txp2p.org.

Vocational Rehabilitation – Youth & Students (Pre-ETS)

• Date/Time: Enrollment is open year-round for students ages 14–22.
• Location: Local Workforce Solutions offices statewide.
• Description: Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) including career exploration, work-based learning, and self-advocacy training.
• Contact: Use the TWC VR Office Locator or call 512-936-6400.