Know your rights
Federal and state laws protect the rights of people with disabilities in housing, employment, education, transportation, and access to public services.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination in many areas of public life. ADA.gov is the federal government's main source of information for people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Texas
Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated protection and advocacy organization for Texans with disabilities. They provide legal help, self-advocacy resources, and information about your rights in housing, education, employment, and more.
If your rights have been violated
If you believe you have experienced disability discrimination, Disability Rights Texas can help you understand your options.
Education
Texas provides specialized schools, academic accommodations, and other programs to support K-12 students, college students, and adults with disabilities in education and daily life.
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
TSBVI is a leading center of educational expertise and resources for all Texas students who are blind, low vision, or deafblind. TSBVI partners with schools, families, communities, and organizations to transform educational outcomes for students, ages birth to 22.
Texas School for the Deaf
TSD is a state-supported school serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students from across Texas. Programs are designed to meet students' academic, social, and vocational needs in a language-rich environment that centers American Sign Language and Deaf culture.
Hazlewood education benefit
The Hazlewood Act provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit at public institutions of higher education in Texas. Applicants qualifying under the Disability Hours category of Hazlewood are entitled to receive 150 credit hours of tuition exemption.
Online learning courses
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) provides a free online learning space with courses for people with developmental disabilities, family members, and professionals who work with the disability community. The lessons use clear language, step-by-step instructions, and flexible pacing to build everyday skills, confidence, and independence.
Section 504 Information and Resources
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires public schools to provide students with disabilities equal access to education through reasonable accommodation and services. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees Section 504 implementation in Texas public schools.
Employment and job support
Texas has programs and services to help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep meaningful work. This includes vocational training, job placement support, and guidance on workplace accommodations.
Employment First approach
Texas is committed to ensuring people with disabilities have access to meaningful employment services. This Employment First principle guides services for people with disabilities, supports self-sufficiency, and enables you to participate fully in your community.
Employment rights and accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that individuals with disabilities who want to work and are qualified to work must have an equal opportunity to work. If you're seeking a job or new to the workforce, learn more about your employment rights and workplace accommodations that may be available to you.
Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center
The Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC) is a residential training facility that serves adults who are blind. The facility helps people with vision loss attend college or trade school, prepare for a job, and learn how to live on their own in the community.
Vocational Rehabilitation program
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job. Offered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), services include career counseling, job training, help paying for school, assistive technology, and job placement support.
Technology
Assistive technology (AT) includes devices, software, and tools that help people with disabilities perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Texas has multiple programs to help residents access, learn, and use AT.
Assistive technology for K-12 students
Find AT that supports the unique needs of your student. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers a large library of resources, information, and support.
Assistive technology training
The Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities hosts learning modules on the use of AT. The Committee encourages widespread use of these modules by public and private entities.
Texas Technology Access Program
The Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP) provides AT device loans, demonstration centers, recycle and reuse programs, and financing options. They also provide AT training, information and assistance, public awareness, technical assistance, and custom activities.
Transportation and parking
Learn how Texas is making transportation accessible to people with disabilities.
Disabled parking placards and license plates
Need a disabled parking placard or specialty license plate? If you have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for these items from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) that will allow you to park in designated accessible spaces.
Transportation and travel resources
Understand your transportation and travel rights as a disabled Texan. Disability Rights Texas provides information, resources, and support.
More resources for disabled Texans and their caregivers
Accessibility at Texas State Parks
Texas is committed to making park facilities and information available to as many Texans as possible. Learn more about accessible features, events, and discounted park entrance fees on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website.
Aging and disability resource centers
Aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) are part of the No Wrong Door system in Texas. They are designed to streamline public access to long-term services and support (LTSS). Whether you are looking for home care, community programs, or help navigating Medicaid, an ADRC can connect you with options in your area.
Community resource coordination groups
Community resource coordination groups (CRCGs) are county-based groups of local partners and community members. They work with parents, caregivers, youth, and adults to identify and coordinate services and support including behavioral health, basic needs and caregiver support.
Caregiver support
Caring for a family member with a disability can be demanding. Texas HHS offers respite care and other relief services to help caregivers take a break and recharge. Support is available for caregivers of children and adults with disabilities, as well as older Texans.
Texas Emergency Assistance Registry
The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry is a free program that provides local emergency planners and responders with information about community needs. People with disabilities, limited mobility, communication barriers, and more are encouraged to register.
Additional disability resources
There are many government and non-government programs and services across Texas that support the disabled community. Download a comprehensive list provided by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).
Disability services for Texans
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) provides a range of services to Texans with disabilities. Learn how they empower disabled Texans to lead healthy lives.