Community Inclusion
What is Community Inclusion?
Title V supports activities that increase the number of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families who receive the support and services they need to be fully included, participating members of their communities.
Explore the Institute on Community Integration website at the University of Minnesota Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
Community Inclusion Brochures
Our family and provider Community Inclusion brochures describe what makes an environment inclusive. There are resources to learn more about inclusion and find inclusive programs. Order our brochures directly through the HHSC Warehouse or call them at 512-250-7162 for assistance with your order. You can also download electronic versions below.
Communicating with and about People with Disabilities Handout
The way you speak to and about people with disabilities matters. This one-page handout provides guidelines that are accurate and respectful. Order this handout directly through the HHSC Warehouse or call them at 512-250-7162 for assistance with your order.
Community-Based Organizations
Title V contracts with community-based organizations throughout the state. For a list of organizations by region visit the CSHCN Contractors page. Find resources, services, and events for children with disabilities in your community using the searchable lists of local programs and groups on the Navigate Life Texas website.
Parent Support
Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) improves the lives of Texas children who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, and/or special health care needs. TxP2P empowers families to be advocates through parent-to-parent support, resource referral, and education.
Learn more about Texas Parent to Parent
Respite
Respite means having someone else care for your child or loved one while you take a short break. Respite can take place either in your home (or that of a family member or friend) or at a location in your community.
A variety of people can provide respite. Sometimes a family member or friend can step in when you need a break. Other times, you may need to hire someone. What’s most important is having a plan that is right for your family so you can access respite to refresh and renew.
Some government programs may provide free or low-cost respite care. To find out if your child qualifies for federal or state respite services, call 1-855-937-2372 to talk to a trained professional about your options.
Visit Take Time Texas to learn more about respite and search for respite providers in your community.
Learn more about choosing a respite provider from the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center.
People First Language
People with disabilities are, first and foremost, people.
People First Language is a respectful way to speak about people with disabilities by emphasizing the person first, rather than the disability. In 2011, the 82nd Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1481, adding the Person First Respectful Language Initiative to the Texas Government Code. The language used to reference people with disabilities shapes and reflects society’s attitudes toward people with disabilities. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion. Using People First Language highlights a person’s value, individuality, and capabilities. People First Language can get rid of stereotypes, negative assumptions, and generalizations.
The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health's Language Matters in Mental Health publication provides examples and terms to avoid.
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities has a bilingual handout that includes examples of People First Language.
Summer Camps
Use the links below to search for summer camps for children with special health care needs:
- American Camp Association Use the “Find a Camp” feature.
- Camp for All
- Kids Camps
- Very Special Camps
Inclusive and Accessible Playgrounds
The accessible playground directory and learning lab help families find a place where all children will be able to play. View the accessible playground directory for Texas.
Adaptive and Inclusive Recreational Programs
Use the links below to search for inclusive programs near you:
- How I Roll Sports
- Special Olympics of Texas
- National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD)
The Department of State Health Services provides external links as possible resources but does not endorse the links. Links may also not be accessible to individuals with disabilities.