Know your rights
Federal and state laws protect the rights of people with disabilities in housing, employment, education, transportation, and access to public services. Understanding your rights is the first step to getting the support and accommodations you are entitled to.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. It covers employment, access to state and local government services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. ADA.gov is the federal government's central resource for understanding your rights and how to file a complaint.
Disability Rights Texas
Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is the federally designated protection and advocacy organization for Texans with disabilities. They provide free legal help, self-advocacy resources, and information about your rights in housing, education, employment, and interactions with law enforcement.
If your rights have been violated
If you believe you have experienced disability discrimination, DRTx can help you understand your options at no cost. You can also file a complaint directly with the ADA National Network or the U.S. Department of Justice.
Support and services for people with disabilities and their caregivers
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) coordinates a wide range of services for people with disabilities and their caregivers — from local resource coordination to long-term care and transportation support.
Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCGs)
CRCGs help individuals and families with complex needs navigate the service system when a single agency cannot meet all their needs. Local groups bring together representatives from health, education, and human services agencies to coordinate support for people of all ages, including children and adults with disabilities.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
ADRCs are local access points where Texans can get information and referrals for long-term services and supports. Whether you are looking for home care, community programs, or help navigating Medicaid, an ADRC can connect you with options in your area.
Support for caregivers
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.
Disabled parking placards and license plates
If you have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for a disabled parking placard or specialty license plate from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). These allow you to park in designated accessible spaces. Applications require certification from a licensed healthcare provider.
Work and employment support
Having a disability does not have to be a barrier to employment. Texas has programs and services to help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep meaningful work — including vocational training, job placement support, and guidance on workplace accommodations.
Employment First
Texas follows an Employment First approach, which means competitive, integrated employment in the general workforce is the first and preferred option for people with disabilities who want to work. State agencies coordinate services with this principle in mind, so support is designed to help you succeed in a real job at real wages alongside non-disabled coworkers.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) VR Program helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job. Services may include career counseling, job training, help paying for school, assistive technology, and job placement support. VR is available to eligible Texans whose disability creates a barrier to employment.
Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center
The Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center in Austin is a residential training facility operated by TWC for adults who are blind or have significant visual impairments. Programs cover orientation and mobility, braille, computer technology, and daily living skills to help participants enter or return to work.
Workplace accommodations
Under the ADA, employers with 15 or more employees are required to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you need help understanding your rights or requesting accommodation, Disability Rights Texas can assist.
Education and technology
Texas provides specialized schools, academic accommodations, and assistive technology programs to support students and Texans with disabilities in education and daily life. Resources are available for K–12 students, higher education, and adults seeking technology support.
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
TSBVI is a state-supported school serving students with visual impairments from across Texas. It offers residential and day programs covering academics, orientation and mobility, daily living skills, and vocational preparation. TSBVI also provides outreach and professional development to school districts.
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 an environment that centers American Sign Language and Deaf culture.
Section 504 accommodations
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.
Assistive 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 — from statewide lending libraries to free training programs.
Not sure where to start?
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) can connect you with education and technology resources, along with other disability services. Find an ADRC near you through the Support and Services tab.