Private Agencies and Organizations
Updated February 2024
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Fisher Koons- 469-952-7889- Fisher.koons@49financial.com
49 Financial is your one-stop-shop for Special Needs Estate Planning and Comprehensive Financial Planning. Our mission is to empower and prepare the special needs community by planning for the future and providing simplified, tailored advice.
512-784-2479- adventurers@austinadventurers.org
The Adventurers Academy is a daily program serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Austin, Texas area. Our mission is to help connect our Adventurers with the community, develop greater lifelong independence, and achieve their full potential, through a variety of social, educational, recreational and vocational experiences.
Adventurers Academy Video- "Adventurers Academy"
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Guadalupe Yanez-512-925-822-guadalupe.yanez@superiorhealthplan.com
Ambetter is a Federally Qualified health plan on the MarketPlace. Will provide information on Federal subsidies available to assist families with healthcare premiums and Special Enrollment Periods available.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Diana Perez- 512-454-3743 - dianap@anybabycan.org, or info@anybabycan.org
Any Baby Can, a Central Texas nonprofit, partners with families to overcome obstacles and achieve well-being. With programs that meet clients where they are – at home, work, or school – Any Baby Can help build stability, develop skills, and navigate systems so children and families reach their full potential.
Any Baby Can's Comprehensive Advocacy and Resources for Empowerment (CARE) program helps parents navigate their new reality and all that comes with their child's health care needs.
Any Baby Can Brochure- Children's Hearing Aid Texas (CHAT) Program Information
Any Baby Can Brochure- CARE/Candlelighters Program Information (in English)
Any Baby Can Video- "Any Baby Can's Candlelighters Program"
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Jacquie Benestante-(512) 479-4199 Ext 1-support@texasautismsociety.org
The Autism Society of Texas works to improve the quality of life for all Texans with autism by offering innovative, person-centered support to people impacted by autism and their families. We offer assistance through a myriad of services and programs related to advocacy, education, and support. We work in partnership with our community, seeking input from individuals with autism to advise our decision-making and offering comprehensive education and training so that communities may become more inclusive.
The Autism Society of Texas is the state affiliate of the Autism Society of America, a not profit organization. And the biggest Autism grassroots organization.
Mission: We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
Vision: Creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.
Path-Building Pre-Employment Program for Autistic Adults Flyer
Path-Building Pre-Employment Program for Autistic Adults Video
Emilia Edmonson - 512-576-7124 - hello@beyondpbj.com
Beyond PBJ teaches people of all abilities to prepare healthy, delicious food in the comfort of their homes. We offer a variety of services to guide individuals with special needs toward culinary independence. We meet our clients where they are, create realistic goals for gaining kitchen confidence, and have fun.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Roni Jo Frazier- 512-537-1661- rfrazier@bloomconsultingco.com or info@bloomconsultingco.com
Bloom Consulting provides disability services in a variety of ways. Our company offers employment services, a college support program, and Pre-ETS classes and camps. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of the individuals we serve.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Rocio Moreno- 1-877-688-1811- rocio_moreno@bcbstx.com
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a health plan option for STAR Kids, STAR and CHIP Medicaid. We educate families on coverage and the added value services we offer. We can help people find community resources to assist with non-medical drivers of health, assist those who need help, and apply for Medicaid.
800-877-5500
Brain Balance is the leading drug-free training program designed to help kids improve focus, behavior, social skills, anxiety, and academic performance. The program goes above and beyond the more traditional, mainstream approaches you may have tried before to help your child get to the root of their challenges.
512-478-7433 - info@ridecarts.com
Regional transportation for the non-urbanized areas of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis, and Williamson counties.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Caroline Nelson - 512-763-2302 - caroline@middlewaylaw.net
MiddlewayLaw/Caroline Nelson, Attorney is a boutique law firm providing legal and strategic planning services with specific expertise in educational and disability rights, and person-centered strategic planning and decision-making support for young people turning 18.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Lori DiTucci - 512-999-5164 - lditucci@comforcare.com
Private In Homecare Services, for all types of disabilities all over Central Texas.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Meredith Haynes -281-690-1177 - mhaynes@cpgcares.net
Consolidated Planning Group is a holistic, independent financial planning firm that provides advice, analysis, education, and financial planning services for families with special needs loved ones.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Nobel Craig-866-742-7284 - equip@cpathtexas.org
CPATH is a Central Texas non-profit with programs including a free medical equipment closet for all, recreational opportunities such as a power wheelchair soccer team, resources, support, and financial assistance to individuals living with cerebral palsy.
CPATH offers various programs and services, such as financial grants, a pediatric medical equipment closet, camp and community days, adaptive sports and recreational programs, and a power wheelchair soccer team.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Dr. Kyler Shumway- 512-956-6463 - scheduling@deepeddypsychotherapy.com (For Referrals)
Deep Eddy has been leading therapy in Texas for over 30 years. We provide therapy and testing for all ages. We have locations across Texas (Austin, RR, Houston, San Antonio, DFW) and are one of the few practices that accept most major insurances for our services.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Wendolyn Lopez - 855-921-6284 - wenodlyn.lopez@ascension.org
Through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and State of Texas Access Reform (STAR) Medicaid programs, Dell Children’s Health Plan offers quality healthcare and extra benefits for families just like yours, with local doctors and clinics close to home. We serve CHIP and STAR Medicaid-eligible individuals, including newborns up to age 20, and pregnant or new moms.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Molly Broadway - 512-454-4816 - mbroadway@drtx.org
Disability Rights Texas is the protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Texas. Our mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. Our work is to make sure that children and adults with disabilities are treated with respect and dignity where they live, work, and go to school. We make sure people and places are following the laws that protect people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Texas Video- "What is a Protection and Advocacy Agency (P&A)?"
Disability Rights Texas Video- "Students With Disabilities Transitioning From High School"
Disability Rights Texas Video- "College is Exciting! What If You Have a Disability?"
https://www.thedogalliance.org/contactus
Our mission is to improve lives through therapeutic programs based on the human and canine bond. We use science-based, positive reinforcement training techniques to guide you and your dog in living together harmoniously. In addition to helping families train their furry family member(s), we also train dogs that bring joy to seniors in nursing homes, assist children in learning to read, build the self-esteem of campers, calm the demons of PTSD in our veterans, and provide life-changing opportunities to those who need a service dog for mental and physical disabilities.
Elizabeth Brenner- 512-338-5322 - ebrenner@bajb.com
Our Austin law practice provides legal services in the areas of estate planning, probate, wills, trusts, guardianship, and appeals. We also assist clients with a range of LGBT issues, including adoption, wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Jessica Shore -512-348-6096-contact@encompassefct.com
www.encompassefct.com - Executive Functioning (EF) affects each of us in our own way no matter our age or where we are in life. That is why we support intelligent, creative, interesting students and parents who have friends, hobbies, and in many ways are successful. But they struggle with EF for reasons often related to ADHD and neurodivergence, anxiety and depression, and learning differences. They often exist within a vicious cycle of avoidance and procrastination, inconsistent motivation, and disorganization that drives shame and insecurity. We are here to help.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Elizabeth Tucker- 512-342-0543 - etucker@everychildtexas.org
EveryChild, Inc. is a statewide nonprofit organization that finds ways to support family life for children with disabilities who currently live in facilities or who are at risk of going into one.
512-887-2126 - Contact@first_leap.com
First Leap Therapy is committed to providing high-quality outpatient ABA, Speech, & Occupational Therapy services in beautiful state-of-the-art facilities.
Lisette Linares- 512-820-8450 - info@focusbehavioral.net
Focus Behavioral provides applied behavior analysis techniques in the center, home, school, and community-based settings to treat and enhance the lives of children and adults.
Lauren Burton- 972-964-3444 x 127 - lburton@txlifeplanning.com or support@txlifeplanning.com
Families like yours face responsibilities, issues, and emotions that the “typical” family does not. Each day can be a challenge to meet the physical, emotional, and financial requirements of your special needs family. Through the Life Planning process, we help families create a long-range care plan for their loved one with special needs.
512-447-2026
Foundation Communities is a local, homegrown nonprofit. We provide affordable, attractive homes and free on-site support services for thousands of families with kids, as well as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. We offer an innovative, proven model that empowers our residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. We own and operate 23 communities all over Austin and in North Texas.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Megan Frazier - 254-290-3333 - Megan@homeanddriving.com
HD Driving School celebrates students with all abilities when learning how to drive. We believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to reach their maximum level of independence with community mobility and driving. We are hoping to break the traditional driving school mold! We provide 1:1, specialized driving education for all of our clients. We specialize in working with teens who have unique learning styles and adaptive training needs. Our background in Occupational Therapy helps position us to serve teens with Neuro-Diversity.
Lori Hartley - 210-936-2330 - hartley.lori@heb.com
H-E-B Disability Bridges- Making the lives of Texans with disabilities better,
by providing opportunities and removing barriers for Partners with disabilities to optimize their ability to contribute to H-E-B’s success. Jobseeker applies to H-E-B online, upon getting confirmation of application submission and e-mail invitation for Digital Video interview, a referral form can be sent to H-E-B Disability Bridges at bridges@heb.com.
Jerrell Nelson - 512-844-3952 - jerrellnelson@holistichcs.com
Holistic Healthcare Services was founded in 2001 and is a community-based healthcare service company located in Round Rock, TX (Austin) area. HHS was founded on the premise of providing quality care to those individuals who may have been born with or have acquired some type of physical, mental, social, or emotional impairment. HHS serves clients with an array of conditions, diseases, and/or disabilities such as but not limited to, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Autism. HHS also provides services to corporate staff to assist in reducing stress and increasing productivity in the work environment.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Antoinette Verdone- 512-522-1705 - info@improveability.com
We are an assistive technology company that can provide a wide range of solutions for transition, vocation, and independent living.
June E. Griffith Attorney at Law
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
June Griffith- 512-739-7151- jeglaw@yahoo.com
My goal is to help families understand and navigate the Guardianship process or provide a less restrictive alternative where possible.
Nexus Local Autism Community Engagement (LACE) Nexus is a networking platform (app) for adults with autism. Our mission is to give adults with autism and the people, organizations and employers the power to build a network in the local community to build a better future for all.
Lakeshore is a retailer of top-quality educational materials for early childhood programs, elementary schools and homes nationwide. Explore, discover, play and learn! Our products are specially designed to motivate and encourage little ones to investigate and engage with their world…preparing them for grade-school success and beyond!
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Emma Jane Hopper -emmajanehopper@utexas.edu
The Less Restrictive Alternatives to Guardianship Clinic connects people with disabilities to available legal, financial, living, and educational support available for them in Travis and surrounding counties and through Federal and State programs. The LRA Clinic provides tailored information on Powers of Attorney, the Representative Payee program, financial support available, psychiatric and support directives, and community programs.
877-800-5722 - info@lscctx.org
Lone Star Circle of Care is a non-profit community health center that provides medical care for the entire family. We offer a sliding scale based on income and household size for uninsured patients, we also accept most major insurances. We assist with Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP (food stamps), and Marketplace applications.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Sharon Guess - 512-420-9810 - sharon@namicentraltx.org or info@namicentraltx.org
NAMI Central Texas envisions a community that addresses mental illness as a health issue and provides the systems, resources, and education for all people to achieve recovery.
NeuroGuides is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization providing life coaching for autistic and other neurodivergent adults worldwide. We work closely with autistic individuals to help them better navigate social situations, find jobs matching their individual strengths and skills, build self-advocacy skills and obtain appropriate accommodations.
512-969-2374 - Info@nickersonlawgroup.com
The attorneys of Nickerson Law Group dedicate their entire practice to estate planning, estate administration, special needs planning and elder law.
866-950-4644
Comprehensive financial planning for families with special needs, including cost projections, funding special needs trusts, government benefits, etc. for all income levels.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Sonja Washington - 512-835-6150 - Sonja.washington@outreachhealth.com or info@outreachhealth.com
Outreach Health is here to support you or your loved one with assistance with activities of daily living. Depending on the needs of your family, personal care services may include meal preparation, grocery shopping, medication reminders, light housekeeping, hygiene assistance, and companionship. For over 45 years, Outreach has been giving families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving the best care possible.
866-366-9710 - info@researchautism.org
The Organization for Autism Research is a national nonprofit based in Arlington, VA. OAR funds applied research studies and scholarships to support autistic individuals pursuing post-secondary school education. OAR provides free information resources to individuals with autism, their parents, teachers, and service providers, such as guidebooks, training videos, and peer education!
Organization of Autism Research Video- "Autism Resources by the Organization for Autism Research"
Pamela Parker & Kristin Schoen- 512-804-9934 - legal@parkercounsel.com
Parker Counsel Legal Services is a boutique law firm serving families with special needs children. Special needs trusts, guardianship, estate planning, benefits consultation. Stop the worry, start the plan.
Parker Counsel Legal Services Video- "Pamela Parker: What is a Special Needs Trust?"
737-202-9403 - PeacedTogetherTherapies@gmail.com
Peaced Together Therapies, LLC fulfills the need to be inclusive for those who are special in the pool and throughout the community. We offer: Aquatic Therapy, Adaptive Swim Lessons, Recreational and Massage Therapy.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Debbie Banks - 512-937-3233 - db.peacefuljourneys@gmail.com
Families who live in the Special Education world face various types of grief - with much of it going unresolved because we don’t know how to communicate it, others don’t know how to hear it, and there are unrealized hopes, dreams, and expectations. Not to mention the feeling of isolation because grief is experienced differently by each person. And you don’t need to be FIXED, because you’re not BROKEN. I am a Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist and an educator with over 20 years of experience in Special Education. I will present an evidenced-based method that allows you to become complete with the pain and loneliness associated with this journey of "unpredictables".
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Jeff Paull - 512-638-1186 - jeffspaull@gmail.com
We administer the only advisor guided ABLE account on the market through the American Funds. Our goal is to educate families on the benefits of having an ABLE account & helping get it established.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Ann Kincannon - 512-784-4968 - ann@therainierfinancialgroup.com
Educating on why families may want to use a Special Needs Trust in Estate planning.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Anna Belle Burleson - 512-369-5900 - aburleson@safeaustin.org
The SAFE Alliance (SAFE) mission is our name: to stop abuse for everyone. Since 1974, we have worked to address and prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and harassment, trafficking, and child abuse. SAFE provides many direct services to youth and adults of diverse backgrounds, mainly in Austin/Travis County, Texas. SAFE’s Disability Services program is a prevention program that provides education, outreach, and technical assistance to people with disabilities as well as family members, medical providers, disability services professionals, school staff, and others.
832-589-1739
We provide special needs planning services for families of individuals with disabilities.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Barbara Bush - 512-217-7468 - bbush@solutionssnf.com
Preparing for Transition. What parents need to consider when their child with special needs turns 18. Discussing the wait list for Medicaid Waivers., Health Care Transitions, Medical Records, School Records, Legal Considerations, Planning for Government Benefits, and Long-Term Financial Planning. You will learn about these topics and more.
info@specialneedsforum.org
The Special Needs Forum is an educational resource for families who have a loved one with special needs. Our mission is to educate the special needs community and empower families to take action by planning ahead in a smart way.
Special Needs Life/Creating POM
Mandi Holley- 512-698-1235- mandiholley@gmail.com
In 2004, Mandi founded her company, Special Needs Life, for the purpose of serving the needs of adults with IDD by integrating them into the community through job coaching, facilitating volunteer opportunities, and fun outings in and around Austin, TX.
512-524-5482
Spectrum offers collaborative, interdisciplinary services addressing the complex needs of individuals with social anxiety and social communication challenges including persons diagnosed with or experiencing behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Giftedness, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder. Spectrum Services include…Social Skills Training, Psychiatry Services, Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, Recreation Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Parent Coaching and Training, Support for Schools.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Jennifer Perez Del Rio, OTR - 512-544-8140 - jennifer.perez@stdavids.com
St. David's Adaptive Driving Program provides medically based evaluations and training for individuals who have difficulty mastering the skill of driving with a traditional driver education model curriculum, due to learning differences, medical diagnoses, and physical or visual impairments. We focus on safety, confidence, and strategies to improve independence.
St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital Adaptive Driving Program Brochure
949-636-7487
Strategies for Success provides academic tutoring, sound therapy, brain exercise programs, educational occupational therapy, executive function mentoring, personal network planning, vocational support, and parent coaching. Regardless of the challenge—auditory processing disorders, dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), ADHD— Strategies for Success can help clients succeed.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Tami Martin - 512-299-0119 - tamimartin@financialguide.com
We have a group that helps with all aspects of planning for families with special needs family members.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Eduardo Saggiante - 512-826-5205 - eduardo.saggiante@superiorhealthplan.com
Superior HealthPlan is a managed care organization contracted with the State of Texas to provide healthcare benefits for individuals on Medicaid and CHIP programs across the State of Texas under STAR, STAR Kids, STAR PLUS, STAR Health, and CHIP.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
LaDon Matthys- 512-680-7893- ladon@surmountservices.com
Surmount Services PLLC is a private agency providing employment services privately and through a contract with Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation. We also provide mental health services and private case management.
1-800-283-0165 - info@teachtown.com
We founded TeachTown with one clear mission: To improve the academic, behavioral, and adaptive functioning of students with disabilities. Teachers, parents, and clinicians need proven tools and strategies that can help them meet educational goals and increase every child’s intellectual and social functioning. Here at TeachTown we are committed to research and evidence-based practices with an exclusive focus on serving the needs of only a few student populations: Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; Those with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays; Children with emotional and behavior disorders.
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Teresa Shapiro- 512-964-7872- teresa@tshapirolaw.com
I am an experienced attorney in elder law issues. I help seniors, disabled persons, and their family members with health care decisions, long-term care planning, end-of-life decisions, and estate planning matters. I will help you minimize estate taxes for your heirs, ensure your wishes will be honored, provide for continuity in the management of your affairs in the event of incapacity or death, facilitate the transfer of wealth while possibly avoiding probate, and ensure your own preferences regarding health care treatment are honored if you are ever unable to make such decisions through the use of a Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will. Avoiding probate with Family Settlement Agreements, Affidavits of Heirship, Living Trusts, etc. when possible; or if necessary, getting Wills probated as quickly as possible and helping executors and trustees with their work.
Brooke Hohfeld- 512-710-5708- Brooke.Hohfeld@texadvocates.org
Texas Advocates is recognized as the leader in self-advocacy in Texas. Texas Advocates fight to stop unfair treatment and advocate for more and better services and support for people with disabilities to be included in their communities.
830-875-2425 or 800-880-7561- txelks@gvec.net
Texas Elks Camp provides special needs and foster children an opportunity to try new things, meet new friends, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Campers are encouraged to make their own decisions, become more independent, and accept new challenges. Parents often notice dramatic positive changes and improved self-esteem after only one week at camp. Any child with special needs or in foster care age 7 to 16, who is a resident of the state of Texas is eligible for admission to the Texas Elks Camp.
Michaela Hamaker- 512-350-5435 - mhamaker@gbys.txhv.org
Texas Hands & Voices offers support, information and resources in an unbiased manner to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing birth-21. Within the Guide By Your Side program, parents are matched with Guides (parents and/or DHH adults) to help them in the process.
Texas Hands & Voices Video- "We are Texas Hands & Voices"
Texas Hands & Voices Flyer- Guide By Your Side Overview (in English and Spanish)
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Cynda Green (English speakers)- 512-458-8600 - cynda.green@txp2p.org
Rosalba Calleros (Spanish speakers)-512-838-4026- rosalba.calleros@txp2p.org
Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is a statewide nonprofit organization created by parents with lived experience to provide support, information, and education for families of people with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions, and other health care needs.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Brittney Eisenbach-512-716-2990-jh1124@txstate.edu
The Texas State Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive, state of the art evaluation and intervention services to a wide range of clients with diverse cultural backgrounds and diagnoses. We believe that a client's progress is significantly enhanced when communication strategies are incorporated into a meaningful, natural environment. Located on the campus of Texas State University in Round Rock, the speech-language and hearing clinic is the clinical training facility for the Department of Communication Disorders.
877-688-2520 or 214-467-9787
Established twenty years ago, THERAPY 2000 continues to deliver the highest quality individualized home care rehabilitation services to the children in Texas. We visit patients in the comfort of their home or daycare. THERAPY 2000 provides occupational, physical, and speech therapy services to children (birth-21) with special needs, including disabilities, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders.
*2024 Destination...Life Exhibitor
Dallas Webster - 512-461-4696 - dallas@upstreamtech.org
Upstream provides one-on-one, hands-on AT to make the best of your abilities, augmenting and leveraging them to accommodate limitations and achieve enabling results. Our full spectrum approach: evaluates and removes barriers; selects, acquires and applies adaptive aids, techniques and ideas to enhance quality and independence, in home, workplace and community.
Upstream Technology Quick Overview Flyer
*2024 Destination...Life Presenter/Exhibitor
Variety of Texas is a charitable organization that strives to open the world for kids with special needs and their families by providing resources and empowering experiences. With what is currently called the Peaceable Kingdom by Variety (PK), our accessible camping retreat in Killeen, TX, is a beloved haven for thousands of children exploring their self-reliance and mobility each year. Because healing, growth, and insight can be found in nature and outdoor adventure, we’ve tailored PK's gorgeous 122 acres to accommodate all campers’ and Central Texas students' needs.
Nadine Rueb - 512-850-8521- nadine@velafamilies.org
VELA is an Austin-born nonprofit. Since 2011, our vision has been to create a community where all families of children with disabilities thrive. Whether you are a parent, provider or community member, we all play a role in building a community that celebrates and empowers differences. Through our programming, VELA gives families knowledge, empowerment, resilience and community to create their brightest futures. Through the parent, for the child.