- Statewide Outreach Center at Texas School for the Deaf
- Independent Living
Independent Living
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Every young person looks forward to living as an independent individual. Youth often perceive independent living as being self-sufficient, able to live on their own, hold a job or make their own decisions. However, independent living varies by individual needs and preferences.
There is a wide range of independent living skills for youth and families to choose from such as self-advocacy, communication methods, using public transportation, financial wellness, and even cooking!
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Resources for Independent Living Skills
I Can! Build My Lifestyle
For individuals looking to be more self-reliant, this Build My Lifestyle series will guide young adults in building a successful foundation. SOC offers themed summer sessions.
Centers of Independent Living
Texas Health and Human Services has a webpage on centers of independent living (CILs). CILs are centers without a residential option, focusing on providing support and training for individuals with substantial barriers to independent living.
Youth As Self Advocates
A project of Family Voices, Youth As Self Advocates (YASA) models leadership and the power of self-advocacy to promote youth involvement and leadership.
Navigate Life Texas
This website is especially for families and parents of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs and is designed to offer support, inspiration, resources, and links to services available.
Casey Life Skills
A free assessment of independent living skills. While geared towards youth in foster care, the assessment can support overall development. Cooking, cleaning, study habits, or budgeting are some of the life skills evaluated.
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is dedicated to ensuring that all Texans with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to be independent, productive and valued members of their communities. The Council makes available free videos and materials.
Texas Council of Community Centers
The Texas Council of Community Centers provides a listing of all of the offices around the state that provide services to individuals who have problems caused by mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse. Services may include: supported employment, career skills training, home and community based support, and case management.
Texas State Independent Living Council
The Texas State Independent Living Council (SILC) is a non profit organization that focuses on planning and coordinating funding for Independent Living Services. SILC is working to help Texas stay Independent.
Social Security Disability Guide for Texas
An online guide on Social Security, its application processes and different types of income benefits.
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Transportation
TDLR: Driver Education in ASL
The Texas Department of Livensing and Regulation (TDLR) released driver education course in American Sign Language (ASL) for deaf and hard of hearing students! Created in fulfillment of the requirements of Senate Bill 1051 (85th Texas Legislature), the course provides minors and adults the ability to fully participate in the classroom portion of driver education. Be sure to use Google Chrome to view the curriculum.
Educational Service Center, Driver Training and Education
TEA has a listing of approved online courses that have text that is next to their video or use other methods to communicate the content to the learner. Those programs that offer this option to deaf and hard of hearing consumers are indicated with the letter (H) after the course name. Successful completion of the class will provide individuals with a certificate that Texas courts may honor to dismiss a traffic ticket. Additionally, this course can help to lower automobile insurance rates.
Texas Department of Transportation, Public Transportation
The Texas Department of Transportation provides a link to the transit systems in the state of Texas. The consumer can access the link online or by calling the provided telephone number. Information about fixed routes and special transit services for eligible individuals with disabilities is available.
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Medical
Gallaudet Research Institute: Mental Health Directory
The Mental Health Services for Deaf Persons: A Resource Directory has a database of mental health professionals that are arranged by state. The consumer can type in their state to try to find mental health providers who have experience working with deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
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Recreation and Leisure
Amarillo Deaf
Amarillo Deaf is a website designed to give information to the deaf and hard of hearing in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle about social activities, jobs and events that are happening in the area.
AMC Movie Theaters
Individuals can check this website to find out what films are available with closed captioning in their area.
ASL Social
The ASL Social Club is a group that organizes different social events in the Houston vicinity for the purpose of getting together with other deaf and hard of hearing people.
Austin Bass Club of the Deaf
The Austin Bass Club of the Deaf is an organization that holds fishing tournaments throughout the state of Texas and meets monthly in Austin to plan fishing events for deaf individuals. Additionally, they offer an annual Little Anglers fishing event for children.
Dallas Association of the Deaf, Inc.
The Dallas Association of the Deaf, Inc. is a group of deaf and hard of hearing individuals that organize social events in the Dallas area.
Dallas Bass Anglers of the Deaf, Inc.
The Dallas Bass Anglers are a group whose goal is to improve their fishing skills.
Deaf Globetrotters Travel
Deaf Globetrotters Travel is a travel agency with deaf agents who can assist clients with travel arrangements. They offer cruises where ASL interpreters are provided.
Deaf Network of Texas
Deaf Network of Texas – Largest Deaf Community Resources & Newsletter in Texas & surrounding states — Owned and Operated by Grant Laird Jr since 1997.
Houston Black Deaf Advocates, Inc.
The Houston Black Deaf Advocates, Inc. is an organization of deaf and hard of hearing black people in the Houston area. They plan social events for their members.
Houston Deaf Network
The Houston Deaf Network provides listings of events that are happening in the Houston area for deaf and hard of hearing people.
Morgan's Wonderland
Morgan's Wonderland is the first ultra-accessible family fun park. It is designed for children and adults with special needs, their family members and caregivers. Reservations are required, so please check the website in order to make a reservation.
Six Flags Deaf Awareness Day
Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers Deaf Awareness Days at the park where ASL and oral interpreters are provided to deaf and hard of hearing guests. Check the website for the next Deaf Awareness Day.
Southwest Softball Association of the Deaf. Inc.
The Southwest Softball Association of the Deaf, Inc. includes softball teams from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Teams compete in tournaments throughout the region and the nation. There are teams located in the state of Texas.
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Language Practice
ASL Connect
ASL Connect is a free online sign language learning resource. They offer vocabulary or levels of learning. Deaf culture courses are also available.