The Service & Leadership program identifies opportunities and provides training for individuals with disabilities who are interested in serving the San Antonio community by engaging in volunteerism, service on nonprofit boards, and participation in strategic conversations about the future of our community. While there are other opportunities for people with disabilities to learn to advocate for themselves, there are few programs that expect, encourage, and empower these citizens to advocate for and serve others.

This opportunity is for individuals with disabilities.

Volunteer for a disABILITYsa event or program:

There are a number of opportunities to engage with disABILITYsa through one-day events and program interactions. Click here for a list of events you can volunteer for.

Volunteer to support disABILITYsa outreach:

One of the best ways to learn about our organization and promote our mission within the San Antonio community is to serve as an outreach volunteer. This position requires a two hour training where we walk you through each of the disABILITYsa programs, show you how to set-up our information table, and prepare you to answer some basic questions about the organization regarding programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways others can get involved. You'll accompany us to various information fairs, and then once you're ready, you'll take off on your own. Outreach volunteers are a big part of fulfilling our mission to educate, advance, and engage.

Volunteer with a program:

Utilize your skills and expertise to help change a life or our community. These volunteer opportunities allow you to share your expertise and experiences with others in the community to help effect positive change.

Volunteer to serve on a Planning Team: 

disABILITYsa programs would not exist if it weren't for the long-term commitment of those who are serving on our planning teams. From budget to logistics, our planning team members work to plan and implement the mission of disABILITYsa into our programs that benefit our community.

disABILITYsa Volunteer Team: 

Join this team of individuals as we get together and volunteer in our local community. Volunteer service activities will be selected in areas of human services, arts, culture, animal services and more! disABILITYsa will work to provide the supports necessary for individuals of all abilities to participate.

Click here to sign up for the disABILITYsa Volunteer Team.

Click here to find out how to volunteer for all other programs and events.

Behavioral Innovations offers personalized ABA services and autism diagnostic assessment services for children with autism.

Our centers offer evidence-based interventions and are staffed by experienced professionals committed to helping your child reach their fullest potential.

If you have been looking for a nearby school for autism, take the first step towards a brighter future for your child and contact us today.

Click here to learn more.

Click here to schedule an evaluation.

At Behavioral Innovations, we accept most major insurance plans. Our experienced insurance specialists can assist you through this complex insurance journey. Click here for the list of insurances we accept.

APS investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities and who live in the community. Any adult who has a disability or who is age 65 or older that is in a state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation may be eligible to receive adult protective services.

Victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation may get short-term help with shelter, home repairs, food, transportation, managing money, medical care, home healthcare services, and mental health services.

Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) and Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation program (TWS-VRS) are working together to provide a variety of services that assist eligible people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, retain or advance in employment.

Services include (as needed):

• vocational counseling and guidance
• referrals for hearing, visual and other examinations
• assistance with medical appointments and treatment
• rehabilitation deceives, including hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial limbs, and braces
• therapy to address a disability, including occupational or speech therapy and applied behavioral analysis
• physical restoration services
• medical, psychological, and vocational assessments
• assistance with college education or trade certification
• on-the-job training
• training in workplace and employer expectations
• vocational adjustment training
• rehabilitation teachers services to help you learn Braille, orientation and mobility, and home and health management skills if you are blind or have a visual impairment
• supported employment

Job Matching & Placement Services

• transportation assistance to and from your job, including travel vouchers and vehicle modifications
• follow-up and supported employment services to help you maintain employment
• referral to Business Enterprises of Texas program, Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, and other state, federal, and community agencies and organizations

Services may also include:

• referral to community support systems, such as peer support and advocacy organizations.
• vocational counseling and guidance, including exploring employment options and postsecondary education programs with high school students who have disabilities
• required assessments to determine eligibility and VR needs
• interpreter services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing
• needs assessment of assistive technology
• assistive devices such as hearing aids, prosthetics, braces, and wheelchairs to improve functioning on the job
• assistive technology and training, including training to use hearing aids, Braille, low-vision aids, and other types of technology to improve communication, access to information, and performance of job functions
• orientation and mobility training for participants who are blind.
• speech, physical, and occupational therapies
• outpatient psychiatric and psychological services
• Personal assistance services
• medical treatment to reduce or remove barriers to employment
• work-based learning experiences for high school students with disabilities, such as job shadowing, volunteer work, internships, and summer employment
• training in behaviors that are expected by employers in a work environment
• job coaches and support for customized employment, self-employment, and supported employment
• college, technical, and on-the-job training
• return-to-work, job retention, job development, and job placement assistance
• instruction in self-advocacy

You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if you:

• have a disability that results in substantial barriers to employment.
• require services to prepare for, obtain, retain or advance in employment.
• are able to obtain, retain, or advance in employment as a result of services.

Disabilities Served through Vocational Rehabilitation include:

• blindness or significant visual impairments
• deaf-blindness
• deafness, or other hearing impairments
• neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, ADHD, intellectual, learning, Tourette’s, and other developmental disabilities
• physical disabilities, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, paralysis, or any impairment in movement
• other physical or mental conditions
• behavioral and mental health conditions
• alcoholism or drug addiction

Call or email to get started, or click here to get started online.

Get help preparing for post-secondary education and employment through the following individualized services.

Services are based on eligibility and your individual need and are provided in collaboration with the family, high school, community college, or Educational Service Center.

Receive core services, as needed, to help prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities:

• Vocational counseling, including counseling in job exploration and post-secondary training opportunities
• Counseling on opportunities for post-secondary education such as college, vocational schools, etc.
• Work-based learning experiences, including internships and on-the-job training
• Training in workplace and employer expectations
• Training in self-advocacy and social skills

You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if you:

• have a disability that results in substantial barriers to employment.
• require services to prepare for, obtain, retain or advance in employment.
• are able to obtain, retain, or advance in employment as a result of services.

Disabilities Served through Vocational Rehabilitation include:

• blindness or significant visual impairments
• deaf-blindness
• deafness, or other hearing impairments
• neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, ADHD, intellectual, learning, Tourette’s, and other developmental disabilities
• physical disabilities, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, paralysis, or any impairment in movement
• other physical or mental conditions
• behavioral and mental health conditions
• alcoholism or drug addiction

Call or email to get started, or click here to get started online.

Morningside offers long-term care services at two state-licensed communities for individuals with illnesses, injuries or functional and physical disabilities who require full-time nursing care.

Our staff specializes in skilled nursing care, long-term care, and rehabilitation services as well as hospice and respite care. Our medical director and nursing staff provide a wide range of health care services for those with multiple needs and diagnoses including but not limited to:

• Closed Head Injury
• Congestive Heart Failure
• COPD
• CVA/Stroke
• Hip Fracture
• IV Therapy
• Ostomy Care
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapies
• Total Knee Replacement
• Tube Feeding
• Wound Care

Common areas provide space for activities, socialization, exercise and dining. Beautifully landscaped grounds and outdoor social areas surround the communities.

Click here to fill out our submission form or call (210) 734-1000 for more information about assisted living.

The Adult Years Vocational Program (AYVP) is a transition program that addresses the vocational and transition needs of adult students between the ages of 18-21 with developmental disabilities such as intellectual disabilities, autism, and other health impairments.

These students have completed their high school credits but need additional transition services in order to function academically, behaviorally, and/or independently beyond high school.

Students will also be provided transition supports in areas such as transportation, housing, respite and daily living services in collaboration with their family and community agencies.

Program includes:

• Job development and training
• Training in work-related skills necessary for job retention
• Connect with student support services at the community college
• Training in public transportation
• Practice in menu planning, grocery shopping, and cooking
• Practice in housekeeping skills
• Practice in budgeting and shopping for clothing and personal items.
• Connect with an adult agency which will continue job support
  after the student turns 21
• Develop skills to establish and maintain a checking account
• Practice the organizational skills needed to keep a weekly
  schedule of appointments

Eligibility:

• Currently receiving special education services
• All high school requirements and credits fulfilled
• Between the ages of 18 and 21
• Recommended by ARD Committee
• Able to participate in a group setting
• Able to function independently in class and at the work site
• Employment readiness
• Has a current Texas ID and Social Security Card

The Texas A&M – San Antonio Autism Lifeline Links Program (ALL) is working to increase service capacity and eliminate wait times and barriers for individuals on the autism spectrum throughout the life. ALL will do this by working collaboratively and transparently to create a comprehensive person-centered system of awareness, early diagnosis, treatment and services to improve the opportunities and outcomes for individuals with autism and their families.

Relationship building, academics, community involvement, sound mind and body and expressive creativity.

For applicants 18 years and older.

Members learn how to manage and better advocate for their friends or family members and to care for themselves. Information about local services is also provided. Topics discussed are related to adult services as well as support for children whose families may be struggling.

No pre-registration is necessary and there is no cost to attend.

Click here for more program information.

Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease occurs in people age 50 or younger and affects less than ten percent of the one million people with Parkinson’s in the U.S. Our group meets the third Saturday of each month in room the Seminar Room W100/101.

Guest speakers are invited to share information about how to live healthier and more active lives on our journey with Parkinson’s. If you are interested in learning more, please join us.

This is a Medicaid waiver program offered by DSSW. 

Services under this program include:

This is a Medicaid waiver program offered by DSSW. 

Services under this program include:

Remember, a new DBMD applicant must select a provider within 14 days of receipt of your offer letter from DADS. For a DSSW office in your area, click here

This is a Medicaid waiver program offered by DSSW.

Services under this program include:

• Home Management:
• Housekeeping
• Shopping
• Storing Purchased Items
• Personal Care Assistance:
• Grooming
• Preparing Meals
• Exercising
• Self-administered Medication

Remember, a new PHC applicant must select a provider within 14 days of receipt of your offer letter from DADS. For a DSSW office in your area, click here

Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) and Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation program (TWS-VRS) are working together to provide a variety of services that assist eligible people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, retain or advance in employment.

Services include (as needed):

• vocational counseling and guidance
• referrals for hearing, visual and other examinations
• assistance with medical appointments and treatment
• rehabilitation deceives, including hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial limbs, and braces
• therapy to address a disability, including occupational or speech therapy and applied behavioral analysis
• physical restoration services
• medical, psychological, and vocational assessments
• assistance with college education or trade certification
• on-the-job training
• training in workplace and employer expectations
• vocational adjustment training
• rehabilitation teachers services to help you learn Braille, orientation and mobility, and home and health management skills if you are blind or have a visual impairment
• supported employment

Job Matching & Placement Services

• transportation assistance to and from your job, including travel vouchers and vehicle modifications
• follow-up and supported employment services to help you maintain employment
• referral to Business Enterprises of Texas program, Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, and other state, federal, and community agencies and organizations

Services may also include:

• referral to community support systems, such as peer support and advocacy organizations.
• vocational counseling and guidance, including exploring employment options and postsecondary education programs with high school students who have disabilities
• required assessments to determine eligibility and VR needs
• interpreter services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing
• needs assessment of assistive technology
• assistive devices such as hearing aids, prosthetics, braces, and wheelchairs to improve functioning on the job
• assistive technology and training, including training to use hearing aids, Braille, low-vision aids, and other types of technology to improve communication, access to information, and performance of job functions
• orientation and mobility training for participants who are blind.
• speech, physical, and occupational therapies
• outpatient psychiatric and psychological services
• Personal assistance services
• medical treatment to reduce or remove barriers to employment
• work-based learning experiences for high school students with disabilities, such as job shadowing, volunteer work, internships, and summer employment
• training in behaviors that are expected by employers in a work environment
• job coaches and support for customized employment, self-employment, and supported employment
• college, technical, and on-the-job training
• return-to-work, job retention, job development, and job placement assistance
• instruction in self-advocacy

You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if you:

• have a disability that results in substantial barriers to employment.
• require services to prepare for, obtain, retain or advance in employment.
• are able to obtain, retain, or advance in employment as a result of services.

Disabilities Served through Vocational Rehabilitation include:

• blindness or significant visual impairments
• deaf-blindness
• deafness, or other hearing impairments
• neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, ADHD, intellectual, learning, Tourette’s, and other developmental disabilities
• physical disabilities, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, paralysis, or any impairment in movement
• other physical or mental conditions
• behavioral and mental health conditions
• alcoholism or drug addiction

Call or email to get started, or click here to get started online.

Get help preparing for post-secondary education and employment through the following individualized services.

Services are based on eligibility and your individual need and are provided in collaboration with the family, high school, community college, or Educational Service Center.

Receive core services, as needed, to help prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities:

• Vocational counseling, including counseling in job exploration and post-secondary training opportunities
• Counseling on opportunities for post-secondary education such as college, vocational schools, etc.
• Work-based learning experiences, including internships and on-the-job training
• Training in workplace and employer expectations
• Training in self-advocacy and social skills

You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if you:

• have a disability that results in substantial barriers to employment.
• require services to prepare for, obtain, retain or advance in employment.
• are able to obtain, retain, or advance in employment as a result of services.

Disabilities Served through Vocational Rehabilitation include:

• blindness or significant visual impairments
• deaf-blindness
• deafness, or other hearing impairments
• neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, ADHD, intellectual, learning, Tourette’s, and other developmental disabilities
• physical disabilities, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, paralysis, or any impairment in movement
• other physical or mental conditions
• behavioral and mental health conditions
• alcoholism or drug addiction

Call or email to get started, or click here to get started online.

We offer the following services:

• Kym's Kupboard: providing food for families in crisis. The pantry is available to seniors once a week and families twice a month. We also offer snack bags to children on seasonal breaks from school.
• Lillie's Legacy: clothing and accessories are available for the whole family. Services are available once a month to families.
• Jovonies' Hugs: clothing, diapers, wipes, formula, and baby furnishings for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Parents can receive supplies twice a month and diapers once a month.
• Empowerment Services: support, counseling, and resources to women and children who have experienced trauma through domestic violence, abuse, and bullying. Self-defense classes are offered through Ohana Academy. Providing advocacy to special needs children and adults.
• Senior Services: Delivered supplies to selected senior living facilities monthly. Providing resources and supplies to seniors weekly at the center.

Winter weather in Texas can be severe, so it’s important to be prepared. Check out our How to Prepare for a Disaster video to learn what steps you can take to be ready and stay safe.

Disability Rights Texas works to help Texans with disabilities prepare for, and recover from, disasters and emergencies.

Click here to read all of our resources on Disaster Preparedness and Recovery.

Our agency champions healthcare access for all individuals with disabilities. We believe that people with disabilities should have access to healthcare coverage and services that meet their unique needs and that all services should be readily available, affordable, accessible, and accountable.

To achieve these goals, Disability Rights Texas’s efforts include individual casework, training programs, and advocacy for public policies that support access to quality healthcare and services for individuals with disabilities.

For information related to this topic that is provided in American Sign Language (ASL), visit our Healthcare Videos on ASL Page.

ECI resources: For information about services for children with delays or disabilities who are 0-3 years old, please see our Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Resource page.

Click here to access all of our healthcare resources, educational, and advocacy information.

We’re here to help

Are your housing issues keeping you up at night? Do you owe your landlord money? Are you worried about eviction? We may be able to help!

• We offer free help and resources.
• Translators are available.
• Immigration status is not required.

If you are experiencing a disability-related housing crisis, you can contact our Housing Advocacy Team directly by clicking here or calling 1-833-212-4212. Voicemails and emails will be responded to within two business days.

Click here for help with evictions, accomodations, possible discrimination, and more.

Click here to learn about housing rights basics and how to exercise your housing rights.

Our Goodwill Good Careers Centers provide free career assistance to anyone seeking employment or a new career.

Our trained staff can help you answer the following questions:

• How do I write my resume to highlight my experience and get the attention of recruiters?
• How do I search for and apply for jobs that meet my needs?
• What careers am I interested in and how do I get started?
• What should I expect during an interview and how do I make a good first impression?
• What workplace skills do I need to be successful at my new job?
• What are the best ways to apply for government jobs?

Our staff provides one-on-one career coaching that focuses on:

• Identifying your career interests
• Developing or updating your resume
• Connecting to employers
• Completing online job applications
• Practicing interview tactics

If you have a hearing or vision disability, we can coordinate support for you.

Click here for a downloadable informational flyer in English and Spanish.

Murray Manor, Inc. is one of three apartment complexes in San Antonio sponsored by Mission Road Ministries that provide affordable housing and services for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, but need minimal supports.

The apartments are Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized apartment complexes, designed exclusively for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, and are supervised by the Suzanne Smith Management Company.

The apartments have one or two bedroom options with a community room for gatherings and a laundry room.

• Adult with an intellectual developmental disability
• Low-income
• Not under guardianship
• Independent in self-care, self-medication, self-evaluation in emergencies
• Minimal assistance required in home safety, kitchen/household management, clothing maintenance and community mobility
• Active employment or participation in competitive employment, sheltered employment, vocational training or a day activity center.

Our jobs training program is designed to provide skills training to individuals looking to improve for a new job opportunity and a way to grow and increase their educational assets.

Some of the training sessions are in:

• resume building
• interviewing
• customer service
• construction certifications
• computer literacy

We also work hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs—people who can’t find work but are interested and have what it takes to start a small business.

This program is designed to: 

(1) empower San Antonians with a disability to be employed

(2) connect recent college graduates and older adults, who have no disability but can't find work, with employers through work readiness partnerships and real job opportunities. 

Target Population:  18 years of age and over.

• Computer Skills Classes
• Free Computer Use

SA Life Academy offers a standard-based day program designed to meet the holistic needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Certified Special Education teachers design a stimulating curriculum that includes relationship building, art, recreational therapy, health and wellness, community outreach, and life and job-skills training. 

SA Life Academy also collaborates with volunteers and professionals throughout the community to offer specialized classes such as yoga, recreational therapy, and gardening. Through community integration which includes 5-6 hours of volunteerism per week, SA Life Academy students give back to the community in a meaningful way.

There are no more than 12 students per day in each class.

To be considered for admission to SA Life Academy, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Must be diagnosed with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD)
• Must be 18 or over
• Must not exhibit aggressive behavior or be a danger to themselves or others
• Must not be at high risk for elopement (running away)
• Must be able to handle reasonably crowded or stimulating environments in the community
• Independence with toileting and hygiene (does not require assistance)
• Must not be medically fragile or need extensive medical care (No onsite nurse or medical staff)

Call for information about fee coverage options.

ICF-IDD, a 10-bed group home provides 24-hour residential services for individuals who do not live independently or with his or her natural family.

Includes meals, medication management, transportation, living skills, leisure/recreational activities and support.

The Texas A&M – San Antonio Autism Lifeline Links Program (ALL) is working to increase service capacity and eliminate wait times and barriers for individuals on the autism spectrum throughout the life. ALL will do this by working collaboratively and transparently to create a comprehensive person-centered system of awareness, early diagnosis, treatment and services to improve the opportunities and outcomes for individuals with autism and their families.

For all ages

This play therapy model enhances parent and infant bonding and attachment.

In FirstPlay® sessions, Practitioners demonstrate the storytelling movements on a babydoll while parents simultaneously practice the techniques on their infant.

Click on the links below to learn more

• FirstPlay Infant Massage Storytelling
• FirstPlay Kinesthetic Storytelling
• What Is FirstPlay Therapy

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Discover
• PayPal

Dr. Samaniego has extensive experience in psychiatric care for Adolescents and Children. He treats a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders and specializes in the following:

• ADHD/ADD
• PTSD
• Major Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Mood Disorder
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Panic Attacks
• Anxiety, etc.

Ages 16 and under.

Click here to contact us.

We do accept

• Private Insurance
• Medicaid
• Superior
• Community First

Our company offers in-home ABA in-home therapy (Tricare East) services for children of military families diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Our team of highly trained therapists will work with your child to develop their skills, increase their independence, and improve their overall quality of life. If you're looking for a compassionate and effective therapy option.

ABA Therapy Services

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Natural Environment Teaching
• Discrete Trial Training
• Verbal Behavior
• Social Skills
• Parent Training
• In-Home ABA Therapy
• Tricare East Military Families

Currently accepting Tricare East Autism insurance.

Call us for more information about fees for service and to schedule an intake appointment with a Behavior Analyst.

Our Goodwill Good Careers Centers provide free career assistance to anyone seeking employment or a new career.

Our trained staff can help you answer the following questions:

• How do I write my resume to highlight my experience and get the attention of recruiters?
• How do I search for and apply for jobs that meet my needs?
• What careers am I interested in and how do I get started?
• What should I expect during an interview and how do I make a good first impression?
• What workplace skills do I need to be successful at my new job?
• What are the best ways to apply for government jobs?

Our staff provides one-on-one career coaching that focuses on:

• Identifying your career interests
• Developing or updating your resume
• Connecting to employers
• Completing online job applications
• Practicing interview tactics

If you have a hearing or vision disability, we can coordinate support for you.

Click here for a downloadable informational flyer in English and Spanish.