Adults — Arise Special Needs

When you find out that your child has learning or social differences, there can be grief and fear. And as your child ages, that grief and fear doesn’t go away. Parents find themselves wondering:

What happens when my child graduates from high school?
Where will my child live when they can no longer live with me?
Who will care for my child when I’m gone?
Will my child be able to work as an adult?

These are big, scary questions. Schools have transition programs and resources, but ultimately the school system stops serving students when they graduate. And there are major gaps in government services, especially in Texas. All of this paints a pretty bleak picture, but here’s the good news: there are LOTS of organizations out there working to provide safe and meaningful lives for adults with special needs. It’s not easy, but with help you can start planning a hopeful future for your child.

(There are many sports, arts and social opportunities for adults included in our newsletter, and in the categories at the bottom of our Family Resources page.

AFTER-SCHOOL AND DAY PROGRAMS

Connecting Point of Park Cities in Dallas

Ages 16 and older
Works to enhance the lives of adults with special needs by providing their Teammates with engaging and stimulating activities such as art, music, visiting museums, vocational opportunities, and experiencing the feeling of community.
Monday-Friday from 9:00-2:30 with extended hours available

Caring Pathways in Carrollton

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Integrated program for underserved adults with developmental disabilities. They promote skills of self-determination, independence, and social interaction through real-life application of basic skills and regular outings and participation in local events.
Monday-Friday from 7:30-3:30

City of Irving Therapeutic Day Program

Irving residents ages 18 and older
The program was created for adults who require moderate staff assistance and instruction with leisure activities and physical fitness. Daily activities teach social and recreational skills and provide learning opportunities which promote a healthy independent lifestyle.
Most of the year from 9am-2pm

Clubhouse for Special Needs in Bedford

Ages 13-22ish
Mission is to provide a safe and fun place for teens and young adults with mild to moderate, intellectual/physical challenges. Provides an opportunity for education, socialization, and independence in a recreational atmosphere.
After school: 3:30-6:30, Day Program (including school breaks): 7:30am-6:30pm, Drop-off available

29:11 by Altruistic in Plano

Ages 16 & up
Day program that offers life skills, vocational skills, community skills, and recreational and educational time.
Monday-Friday, 8:30-2:30 with aftercare from 2:30-5:00.

Champions in Southlake

Ages 18 and up (Champion Services must be their HCS provider)
Offers day programming for individuals to receive the supports necessary to actively participate throughout the fabric of the community and realize their unique passions and skills.
9am-4pm Monday through Friday, closed on major holidays.

Special Abilities in Lewisville/Flower Mound

Contact for ages served
Day program focuses on 5 pillars: Community Inclusion and Social Development, Home and Independent Living Skills, Pre-vocational and Vocational Training, Creative Arts, and Health and Fitness.
Monday-Friday, contact for times

Our Hearts in Lewisville

Contact for ages served
Day habilitation program for individuals with special needs
Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm

H.E.R.O.E.S in Richardson

Ages: those who have completed secondary education and are transitioning to adulthood.
Devoted to helping young adults realize their potential and gain confidence in their independence. Teaches life skills, job skills, helps students find work, and helps them become independent, contributing members of society.
Full-time program

My Possibilities in Plano

Adults with cognitive disabilities
Designed to provide people with cognitive disabilities the chance to continue their education. We provide vocational skills, socialization opportunities, trade skills, and independent living skills to HIPsters (Highly Important People) that give them the chance to live the life they deserve.
Full-day, full-year program with a Campus for Higher Learning in development

Open Horizons in McKinney

Adults
Enriching the lives of special needs adults through life skills and social activities in the outdoors, the community and the home environment. Located on five acres where the consumers can have unconfined space to be outdoors.
Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm, main program 9-3

IMPACT program in Dallas

Ages 16 & up
Goal-driven day program and training center for adults with disabilities. Provides individuals the opportunity to attain personal goals through life skills, education, personal growth, training, recreation and leisure activities, community inclusion, and socialization.
Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm

Achievement Center of Texas in Garland

Ages 13 & up
Goal-driven day habilitation program; Students move from one classroom to another to train in the various skills provided by the teachers. Includes life-skill training lab.
Monday-Friday from 8:30am-2:30pm

Come Read with Me in Euless

Adults
Life-long learning and therapeutic center offering academic and interest-based courses.
Monday-Thursday from 10:00am-3:00 pm (part-time options available)

Green Oaks Adult Learning in Arlington

Adults
A module-based program with an emphasis on academics, social skills, vocational training and additional life skills.
Monday-Friday from 7:45am-5:30pm (part-time options available)

Stepping Stone at FUMC Mansfield

Adults
A community life group for adults with disabilities. Guest speakers, music activities, cooking lessons, yoga, art activities and birthday celebrations and more.
First and third Friday from 9-12

Innovative Pathways in Bedford

Ages 18+
Life Skills Workshops and Job Coaching
Workshops are Fridays from 12-5

No Labels LLC in McKinney

All ages
Center-based homeschooling, tutoring, and adult day camp

Think College website

Focused on helping students with intellectual disabilities find inclusive higher education
Search for college programs across the country
Trainings and other resources available

Emma’s Education Center in Garland