Parent Resources
- Spindletop Center
- Supported Decision-Making
- Guardianship and Transfer of Rights
- Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA)
- Texas Legal Framework
- Additional Resources
Spindletop Center
Spindletop Center
Spindletop Center is the Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) serving Southeast Texas. The Center provides service coordination, employment supports, vocational training, independent living services, behavioral supports, and community-based resources for eligible individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As students prepare to transition from school to adult life, Spindletop Center can partner with families and school districts to connect students with adult services that support successful outcomes in employment, community participation, and independent living.
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Supported Decision-Making
Supported Decision-Making Agreement
A Supported Decision-Making Agreement (SDMA) is a legal option in Texas that allows adults with disabilities to make their own decisions while receiving support from trusted individuals. Instead of transferring decision-making authority through guardianship, a Supported Decision-Making Agreement empowers individuals to remain in control of their lives by choosing one or more supporters to help them understand information, consider options, and communicate decisions.
Supporters may assist with areas such as:
- Education and training
- Employment
- Healthcare
- Financial matters
- Housing and community living
- Accessing community services and resources
A Supported Decision-Making Agreement promotes independence, self-determination, and personal choice while providing the guidance and support an individual may need to make informed decisions. It is an important transition planning option for many students with disabilities as they approach adulthood.
Lumberton ISD encourages families to learn about Supported Decision-Making as they prepare for life after high school. Students, families, and ARD Committees should consider all available options to determine the level of support that best meets the student's individual needs and goals.
Supported Decision-Making Agreement Tool
The Supported Decision-Making Agreement Tool, developed by Disability Rights Texas, helps adults with disabilities create a personalized Supported Decision-Making Agreement. This free, interactive resource guides users through the process of identifying trusted supporters and creating an agreement that reflects their individual needs and preferences.
A Supported Decision-Making Agreement allows individuals to maintain their right to make their own decisions while receiving support from trusted family members, friends, or other supporters. The online tool simplifies the process by generating a customized agreement that can be downloaded, printed, and signed according to Texas law.
Lumberton ISD encourages students and families to explore this valuable resource as they prepare for adulthood and consider alternatives to guardianship that promote independence, self-determination, and informed decision-making.
Guardianship and Transfer of Rights
Transfer of Rights at Age 18
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students receiving special education services become the educational decision-maker when they turn 18 years old, unless a legal arrangement has been established that provides decision-making support or authority to another individual. At that time, all educational rights previously held by the parent transfer to the student, including the right to participate in and make decisions during Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings.
In accordance with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), school districts must notify both the student and the parent at least one year before the student's 18th birthday that these rights will transfer at age 18. This provides families time to learn about available options and determine the level of support that best meets the student's individual needs.
Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA)
Texas Legal Framework
Additional Resources
Navigate Life Texas is a free, statewide resource developed by Texas Health and Human Services to support families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. The website offers reliable, easy-to-understand information about special education, healthcare, community resources, transition planning, financial assistance, legal rights, and family support. Parents can also connect with local services, support groups, and events throughout Texas.
The Arc of Greater Beaumont is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families throughout Southeast Texas. Through advocacy, education, recreation, and community engagement, The Arc creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities to grow, learn, and become active members of their communities. Their mission is to create possibilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to grow, learn, and live while promoting inclusion, self-advocacy, and independence.
Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a nonprofit organization that empowers Texas families of children and youth with disabilities by providing free training, information, resources, and individualized support. As Texas' federally funded Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center, PRN helps parents understand special education services, navigate the ARD/IEP process, and become informed advocates for their children.
Texas Project FIRST (Families, Information, Resources, Support, and Training) is a free online resource designed to help parents and caregivers understand the special education process in Texas. Created by parents, for parents, the website provides accurate, easy-to-understand information about special education services, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, and the rights and responsibilities of families under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
