CHILD CARE
Achievement Center of Texas Nonprofit day care and day habilitation center for children and adults with disabilities or other special needs. Also offers arts exploration, educational assistance and community inclusion. Garland; achievementcenteroftexas.org Brighter Day Academy Fully inclusive day care for nonaggressive children with special needs, infant to age 12. Medications and breathing treatments can be given on-site if necessary. Children accepted case by case. Dallas; 214/265-8585 Calab, Inc. Provides quality individualized child care that encourages independence in individuals with disabilities. Multiple locations; calabinc.com The Clubhouse for Special Needs Afterschool programs, school holiday programs, summer programs and all-day programs for teens and young adults (ages 13–22) with special needs. Bedford; theclubhouse.org
Unbridled Horse Therapy in Flower Mound helps special needs riders reach their full potential.
WE KNOW SHOPPING FOR RESOURCES PROBABLY ISN’T AT THE TOP OF YOUR DAY-OFF TO-DO LIST, so we’ve packed this handy directory with as many local support groups, recreational activities and respite programs in DallasFort Worth as we could find. If you know of something we missed or have an idea for a new listing, send your recommendations to editorial@dfwchild.com.
ADD & ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorders Association (ADDA) Southern Region Designed as a resource network to support individuals with ADHD and/or related conditions and to advocate for community resources. Support group meets from 7–8pm (the second Tuesday of the month in February, April, September and November) at the new Mesquite ISD Professional Development Center. Email opal.harris@att.net or kesmith@ mesquiteisd.org for more information. Mesquite; adda-sr.org Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Works to educate and empower others with information about ADD/ADHD by providing parents with tools and information to help their child reach their full potential. Tarrant County support group meets the fourth Monday of each month from 7–9pm at the White’s Chapel United Methodist Church (inside the Adult Education Building) in Southlake. ntxchadd.com 22 s p e c i a l n e e d s
spring 2020
ASPERGER’S & AUTISM
AUsome Moms A nonprofit that provides support, social opportunities and education to Dallas-Fort Worth families with children on the autism spectrum. Flower Mound; ausomemoms.org Families for Effective Autism Treatment North Texas (FEAT-NT) Provides resources, support, education and advocacy for families in the autism community. Richland Hills; featnt.org #MomStrongFW A Fort Worth-based support group connecting moms raising children with autism, providing opportunities to share resources and friendship. Search #MomStrongFW on Facebook to join. Our Children’s Circle Support group of parents, educators and community leaders that strives to provide resources for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. McKinney; Find information on Facebook.
Easterseals North Texas Child Development Center Provides an ABA therapy program in a preschool setting for children who have autism (ages 6 weeks–6 years) and typically developing children to learn alongside one another. Carrollton; easterseals.com/northtexas Emma’s House Provides functional, vocational and life skills to promote independence and self-sufficiency for teens and young adults with disabilities. After-school and summer programming is also available. Irving; emmashouse.net KinderFrogs School at TCU Early childhood program (ages 18 months–6 years) designed to accommodate children with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. Fort Worth; kinderfrogs.tcu.edu Mary’s House Provides before- and after-school care (Monday–Friday), day habilitation, activities and therapeutic options for teens ages 13 and older as well as adults with disabilities. Dalworthington Gardens; maryshouseinc.org Mom’s Best Friend The nanny agency and babysitter service provides referrals for in-home care for children of all ages with special needs throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Carrollton; momsbestfriend.com
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Blue Caboose Children’s Fund Provides back-to-school assistance, a Christ-
SUPPORT
mas toy drive and a parent network for the families of children with cystic fibrosis. The adults-only support group meets on the second Monday of each month. Location varies; see Facebook page or email kiri@bluecaboose4cf.org for details. Dallas; bluecaboose4cf.org
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The Arc of DFW Area An advocacy group for individuals with special needs and their families. The Arc hosts a quarterly conference, A Look Ahead, in partnership with the First United Methodist Church of Arlington and Families for Effective Autism Treatment North Texas. Get more information via email at info@thearcofdfw.org. thearcgmc.org North Texas FASD Network Support group for parents of children and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Meets the fourth Monday of every month (except May and December) from 6:45–8:45pm in the Activities Center at First Baptist Richardson; email northtexasfasd@gmail.com for more information.
DOWN SYNDROME
Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas Provides information, social and educational activities and events, and support for new parents, families and caregivers of those with Down syndrome. Fort Worth; dspnt.org
EQUESTRIAN THERAPY
Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite Provides a safe, happy and healthy therapeutic community that works to empower and propel citizens with special needs to their fullest potential through therapeutic horseback riding and respite as well as vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Krugerville; blueskytexas.org Born 2 Be Therapeutic Equestrian Center Dedicated to safe and affordable horseback riding and carriage driving for children and adults with disabilities through smallgroup or private lessons. Riders have the opportunity to participate in the Texas Special Olympics and in exhibitions, including the Chisholm Challenge for Special Riders Horse Show held in Fort Worth each January. Sanger; born2betec.org Equest Strengthens and rehabilitates children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and learning disabilities through equine-facilitated programs and therapies. Programs are taught by credentialed professionals and assisted by over 400 trained volunteers. Dallas; equest.org
UNBRIDLED HORSE THERAPY; THE CLUBHOUSE
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