Abuse Hotline
(Texas Department of Family and Protective Services) 800-252-5400 - Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico 512-834-3784 Out of State (Reporting abuse/neglect occurring in Texas) Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. www.dfps.state.tx.us.

Advocacy, Inc.
800-252-9108 512-454-4816 - Austin 800-252-9108 (Voice/TDD) Advocates for Texans of all ages with disabilities and mental illness. Provides information for parents about their children’s rights in the school system and they can help resolve disputes.

AIDS Line, Texas
800-299-2437 Information center & referrals to HIV testing sites.

Education of Young Children, National Association
Offers opportunities for professional growth to parents and educators of children, birth to age 8.

Educator Certification, State Board
888-863-5880 512-936-8400 - Austin Ensures the highest level of educator preparation and practice to achieve student excellence.

Epilepsy Foundation of America
800-332-1000 Information center for patients with epilepsy, their families, professionals, and the general public.

Exceptional Children, Council for
Nonprofit organization advocating for individuals who work with or on behalf of children with special needs, birth through age 8, and their families. Children with special needs include those who have disabilities, developmental delays, are gifted/talented, or are at risk of future developmental problems. 888-232-7733

Family Forward
Family support and education program. Dedicated to strengthening families and stopping child abuse. Services include: parent education courses; parent support groups; and a statewide support and crisis intervention, information and referral line for parents. 888-776-0770 512-459-5490 - Austin

Family Law Hotline (The Women’s Advocacy Project Inc.)
Provides legal advice, expands legal education, and promotes access to justice for Texas women in need. 800-777-3247

Father’s Network, National
Support fathers and families raising children with special health care needs and developmental disabilities.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Family Resource Institute
Non-profit organization which identifies, understands and cares for individuals disabled by prenatal alcohol exposure and their familes. 800-999-3429

Food Stamps
(Texas Department of State Health Services, Division of Family & Community Health Services) A federally funded program that helps low income familes buy nutritious food. General program information, eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply. 800-248-1078 - information

Health & Human Services Commission, Texas (HHSC)
Provides leadership and direction, and fosters the spirit of innovation needed to achieve an efficient and effective health and human services system for Texans. HHSC has oversight responsibilities for designated health and human services agencies, and administers certain health and human services programs including the Texas Medicaid Program, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) and Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse investigations. 512-424-6500

Health Services Information & Referral Hotline,
(Texas Department of State Health Services, Division of Family & Community Health Services) Information & referral line available for women and children with special health care needs searching for health and family support services. 800-422-2956 - texas

Information Center on Disabilities and Gifted
Information on current grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education.

Marriage & Family Therapists, Texas State Board of
Information about Marriage and Family Therapists including scope of practice, licensing requirements, filing a complaint, where to go for more information. 800-942-5540 - comPlaints 512-834-6657

Medicaid Program
Provides health-care services including the Texas Health Steps Program (EPSDT), a preventive healthcare program which provides screening, diagnosis, and treatment of medical and dental health problems for Medicaideligible persons younger than 21. 800-647-6558 (aPPly for meDicaiD) 800-252-8263 (client hotline)

Medical Board, Texas
Investigates complaints and licensure applications, increases public awareness, and informs regulated professionals and students of their responsibility to the public. Allows consumers to search for physicians, including specialists, in their community. 800-248-4062 (texas) 512-305-7030 (outside texas)

Mental Health Association in Texas
The Mental Health Association in Texas and eight local affiliates provide mental health information, education and advocacy. 512-454-3706

Mentally Ill, National Alliance for the
Information, referral and support to all who have questions about or are affected by serious mental illness. 800-950-6264 (helP line)

Nurse Examiners, Texas State Board of
Licensing, accreditation, endorsement and information services. 512-305-7400 1-800-821-3205 - comPlaints

Parent Education, Center for (University of North Texas)
The Center for Parent Education responds to the needs of parents and families through research, advocacy, resources and leadership for professionals. Includes a Texas Registry of Parent Educator Resources (ROPER). 888-662- 955

ParentingInformation.Org
This website contains parenting resources especially related to mental health issues. ParentingInformation. org is a program of the Children’s Mental Health Public Information and Community Outreach Project of the Mental Health Association in Texas. 512-454-3706

Parent to Parent, Texas
Texas Parent to Parent is a nonprofit organization that was created by parents to provide support and information for families of children with disabilities, chronic illness, and other special needs throughout the state of Texas. 512-458-8600 866-896-6001

Parent to Parent Network, National (MUMS)
A National Parent to Parent Network whose mission is to help parents who have a child with any disorder, medical condition, mental or emotional disorder or rare diagnosis make connections with other parents whose children have the same or similar condition. If possible, matches are made according to age, geographical location, gender, and severity of the symptoms. 877-336-5333 - Parents only

Parent to Parent Support and Information System,
Links families nationally whose children have special needs and rare disorders. Provides parents with health care information, resources and referrals. Networks parents with local parent to parent organizations for ongoing support at the community level. 800-651-1151 - Parents only

Partners Resource Network, Inc.
Statewide parent support network for parents of children of all ages with disabilities. Provides training, education about family rights, and referral information. 800-866-4726

Physical & Occupational Therapy Examiners, Texas
Services provided include roster by city, license qualified applicants, enforce the PT and OT practice acts, and provide assistance and general information. 512-305-6900 1-800-821-3205 - comPlaints only

Pregnancy Association, American
Crisis counseling, education and information for women and those affected by unplanned pregnancy. 800-672-2296

Psychology, Texas State Board of Examiners of
Ensure that psychological services are provided to the people of Texas by qualified and competent practitioners who adhere to established professional standards. 512-305-7700 - Austin 800-821-3205 - 24-hour complaint line

Rehabilitation Information Center, National
Library and information center for disability and rehabilitation-oriented information on employment, advocacy, finanacial assistance, education, technology and more. 800-346-2742

Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line
Free medical information and care for children, age birth to 18, who qualify with orthopedic problems, burns or spinal cord injuries. 800-237-5055

Social Security Administration Hotline
Information and referrals for Social Security benefits, insurance and retirement. 800-772-1213

Social Worker Examiners, Texas State Board of
Information about Licensed Social Workers including a roster of currently Licensed Social Workers, scope of practice, licensing requirements and how to file a complaint against a social worker. 1-800-232-3162 (licensing certification board) 512-719-3521 - Austin

Special Needs, Federation for Children with
Center for parents and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families. 800-331-0688

Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Texas
A professional and scientific association concerned with human communication and its disorders. Membership is comprised of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, associates, and students. 888-729-8742 512-452-4636 - Austin

Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American
Information and referral center for individuals with speech-language-hearing disabilities. 800-638-8255

Speech/Language Pathology & Audiology, State Board
Information about Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists including rosters, Board policies, frequently asked questions, scope of practice, licensing requirements, how to file a complaint, where to go for more information and copies of forms and newsletters available. 512-834-6627

Spina Bifida Association of America
Promotes the prevention of spina bifida and works toward enhancing the lives of all individuals affected by Spina Bifida. 800-621-3141

STOMP (Specialized Training of Military Parents)
STOMP is a program of the Washington PAVE (Parents are Vital in Education) organization. It is the only National Parent Training and Information Center for military families providing support and advice to military parents without regard of the type of medical condition their child has. 800-572-7368

Stuttering Foundation, The
Free online resources, services and support to those who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. 800-992-9392

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Resource
Provides information, services and technical assistance on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and related topics. Promotes the understanding of SIDS and provides comfort to those affected by SIDS through information sharing. 866-866-7437

Supplemental Security Income
Cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. Eligibility is based on citizenship, financial status, and disability. 800-772-1213 800-325-0778 (tty)

Alliance for the Mentally Ill, National (NAMI Texas)
Family education courses across the state of Texas. Support groups for family members and persons with mental illness. 800-633-3760 -Texas 512-693-2000 - Austin

Talking Book Program (Texas State Library and Archives Commission)
Free lending library program for Texans who cannot read regular print due to visual or physical disabilities or learning disabilities due to a physical or organic dysfunction. Books and magazines are available on cassette tape, flexible disk record, braille, and large print. 800-252-9605

Uniting Parents (Parent Case Management Program)
Services for children ages 0-21 with a diagnosed chronic illness and/or disability who reside in the upper 32 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Services include: individual comprehensive case management, information and referral, quarterly newsletter, bilingual services, community-based support, family education/support/ advocacy, networking opportunities among families, coordination of services with other agencies, public awareness/lending library, community resource development, consultation, respite, permanency planning and curriculum training. Services are voluntary and provided at no charge to families. 888-892-2273

Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) Program
A nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition and stay healthy. Program provides vouchers for baby formula and healthy food, and breast-feeding and nutrition education classes. 800-942-3678

Americans with Disabilities Act Hotline, National
Americans with Disabilities Act Hotline, National (ADA Technical Assistance Centers) Technical assistance and training related to the rights and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 800-949-4232 (Voice/tty) - national hotline

Any Baby Can - ABC
Comprehensive support and crisis assistance for children, with special health care needs, ages 0 to 12. 800-672-0238 512-454-3743 - Austin 800-373-3400 - KerrVille 210-227-0170 - San Antonio

ARC of Texas
Promotes community inclusion for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities through advocacy, training and information and referral services. The ARC also administers a low-cost supplemental needs trust for people with disabilities. 800-252-9729 512-454-6694 - Austin

Assistance Hotline, Citizens (Texas Governor’s Office)
Maintains a comprehensive directory of state government agencies. Assists citizens in locating agencies appropriate to their needs. This line also serves as a suggestion and/or complaint line. 800-843-5789 - texas 512-463-1782

Assistive Technology (Texas Technology Access Project)
Information and referral regarding assistive technology. 800-828-7839 512-232-0751

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Children and Adults with (CHADD)
Information on AD/HD in children, teens, and adults. Information for those who may qualify for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act solely on the basis of their AD/HD when it impairs educational performance or learning. 800-233-4050

Autism Society of America
Promotes access and opportunity for individuals with autism and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community. Education, advocacy, public awareness & the promotion of research. 800-328-8476

Blind Services
Blind Services, Division for(Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services- The Blind and Visually Impaired Children’s Program) Assists children who are blind and visually impaired to develop their individual potential for independent living and financial self-sufficiency. Emphasis is placed on restoring vision, reducing dependency, and preparing for enhanced vocational success. 800-628-5115

Blind & Visually Impaired, Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the (AER)
Advocates, first and foremost, for the issues that affect the professionals who work with the blind and visually impaired children and adults. Primary activities relate to special education and rehabilitation. 877-492-2708 703-671-4500

Brain Injury Association of Texas (Family Help Line)
Information about brain injury, identifying medical, legal, financial and other local resources. Referral center for state associations for people with brain injury. Develops programs for public awareness, education, research and rehabilitation. Provides family guidance. 800-392-0040

Car Seats - Safe Riders Program
(Texas Department of State Health Services) Coordinates distribution of car (safety) seats to low income families throughout the state. 800-252-8255

Caring for Children Program of Texas
Working with local community immunization coalitions, health providers travel to schools and community shopping centers in specially equipped care vans to provide immunizations for medically underserved children. 800-258-5437

Cerebral Palsy (Disability Assistance of Central Texas)
Advocates for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Provides information and referral, leadership activities, and public health and education programs. 512-834-1827 (Austin affiliate)

Cerebral Palsy, United (UCP)
National source of information on cerebral palsy and advocate group for the rights of persons with any disability. 800-872-5827

Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware is a nonprofit initiative whose mission is to ensure that every parent has access to good information about finding quality child care and resources in their community, through national consumer marketing and by raising visibility for local child care resource and referral agencies. 800-424-2246

Child Care Information Hotline
(Texas Department of Family and Protective Services) Provides information about child care in Texas. 800-862-5252

Child Help USA
Provides treatment and prevention of child abuse. Serves abused children through residential treatment facilities, child advocacy centers, group homes, foster care, preschool programs (including Head Start), child abuse prevention programs, and community outreach. 800-422-4453

Child Welfare Information Gateway
Provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. Promotes the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families by connecting child welfare, adoption and related professionals and concerned citizens to timely, essential information. 800-394-3366

Children’s Health Insurance Program in TX (CHIP)
CHIP is offered under the state initiative of the TexCare Partnership. The partnership offers children’s health coverage through the CHIP, Medicaid and Texas Healthy Kids programs. CHIP benefits families who earn too much for Medicaid but not enough to purchase private health insurance for their children. 800-647-6558

Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)
(Texas Department of State Health Services) Support family-centered, community-based strategies for improving the quality of life for children with special health care needs and their families. 800-252-8023 512-458-7111 ext. 3110

Cleft Palate Foundation
The Cleft Palete Foundation (CPF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to optimizing the quality of life for individuals affected by facial birth defects. Informs parents about cleft palate or other craniofacial anomalies and provides information about cleft palate/craniofacial teams and parent-patient support groups in their local region. 800-242-5338

Community Resource Coordination Groups of Texas
Comprised of public and private providers who come together to develop individual service plans for children, youth, and adults whose needs can be met only through interagency coordination and cooperation. 512-424-6963

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Disease, National Registry of
Center concentrates on isolating viruses and diagnosing tissue cultures. Provides information about CMV and access to parent support groups. 832-824-4387

Counselors, Tx State Board of Examiners of Professional
Roster of licensed counselors. Information about the regulation of licensed professional counselors, including scope of practice, licensing requirements, filing a complaint, and Texas law and rules relating to professional counselors. 512-834-6658

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Supports medical and scientific programs to find the means to cure cystic fibrosis through research, education and patient care programs. 800-344-4823

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Office for
(Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services) 512-407-3250 (Voice) 512-407-3251 (Voice/tty) Information and referral for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Summer camp for children, ages 7 to 17. Also provides car safety stickers and certificates of deafness for college tuition waiver. Financial assistance program available to help individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing purchase special telephone equipment. Regional Specialist Program works with state agencies to make their services accessible.

Deaf, Texas School for the
512-462-5300 (Customer relations) 512-462-5353 (Voice/tty) - ResiDential school Automated line that takes messages by both answering machine and teletypewriter. Callers may request general information on the school, or leave a message for a specific party. Statewide education information.

Dietitians, Texas State Board of Examiners of
512-834-6601 Information about Licensed Dietitians and Provisionally Licensed Dietitians including roster of dietitians by city, scope of practice, licensing requirements, filing a complaint and where to go for more information.

Disabilities - Kids Together, Inc.
Information and resources for children and adults with disabilities.

Disability Assistance of Central Texas
512-834-1827 (Austin affiliate) Advocates for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Provides information and referral, leadership activities, and public health and education programs.

Disability, National Council on (NCD)
202-272-2004 202-272-2074 (tty) NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities. NCD’s overall purpose is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

Disabilities, National Disemination Center for Children with (NICHCY)
800-695-0285 (Voice/tty) National information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals for children and youth, birth to age 22.

Disability Resources, The Family Village for
A Global Community of Disability-Related Resources.

Disorders, National Organization for Rare
800-999-6673 Provides literature that explains the disorders and offers networking to families with children having similar disorders.

Down Syndrome Congress, National
800-232-6372 National clearinghouse for research information on Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Society, National
800-221-4602 The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy.

Dyslexia Center
888-446-6389 Provides solutions to reading, writing, and attention problems.

Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center, National (NECTAC)
919-962-2001 919-843-3269 (tDD) List of the Part C Coordinators and Infant/Toddler Program Contacts in States and Jurisdictions.

Education Agency (TEA), Texas (Division of Special Education IDEA)
800-252-9668 (information line) 512-463-9414 - Austin State education agency in Texas that oversees the public school systems. The Division of Special Education within TEA provides information regarding services for children ages 3 to 21 who qualify for special education. The agency can answer questions regarding parents’ and childrens’ rights as well as special education services within the public school system.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive, housing, community support, and personnel services to families with special needs.