Public Policy and Advocacy

The Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University is involved in local, state and national disability policy issues. Since 2005, we have been a member of the statewide Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) which consists of over 25 disability organizations. Together, with these organizations, we assist in the preparation of issue briefs in the areas of:

• Long-term services and supports
• Housing
• Education
• Employment
• Healthcare

Given the reality that Texas ranks in the bottom percentile nationally in almost every aspect of services for people with disabilities, it is critical that public policy initiatives be throughly researched, written and presented in a way that is accessible for all public policy makers and the corresponding agency personnel who implement the legislation that affects people with disabilities. The Center has the capacity of producing these policy initiatives.

 

Since joining the DPC, Center faculty and staff have taken lead roles in the policy areas of community living and education and have provided support for other areas. Our goal is to impact public policy in such a way that it directly translates into better and more inclusive services for people with disabilities and their families.

Legislative Priorities for the 82nd Texas Legislative Session

 

• The Arc of Texas announced its Legislative Platform for the 82nd Texas Legislature (doc).
• The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities published its 2010 Texas Biennial Disability Report and its 2011 Public Policy Priorities.
  
• Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities released its Policy Recommendations for 2011-13

The Texas legislature goes into session every two years. To track legislation, understand the committee structure/schedule, and follow your representative/senator's actions and other important legislative activity, visit Texas Legislature Online (TLO).

Links of Interest

Advocacy Tips and Tools | The Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities compiled this list with tips on writing to and meeting with your legislator and making public testimony.

 

Ask Medicare | A new initiative of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to help family caregivers, those who are family members or friends who help people with Medicare, access valuable healthcare information, services and resources.

 

Special Ed Connection | A free newsletter with special education news and resources.

 

Disability Rights Texas | Reports about State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs)

 

 

Contact Your Representatives

U.S. Senators for the State of Texas

Kay Bailey Hutchison
284 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5922

 

John Cornyn
517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Find your local representatives at Texas Legislature Online (TLO) by entering your address in "Who Represents Me?"