The Independent Futures that Work! project is a joint effort of the Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) in Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.

The primary purpose of this 5-year project is to build the competence and confidence of young adults with disabilities in Region B-2 to access independent living and employment services so they can more successfully transition from the youth entitlement system to the adult eligibility system. Our Resource Center will also help family members and professionals improve their capacity to support these young adults with disabilities on their journey.

Partners Resource Network operates the Texas statewide network of training and information centers, PACT, PATH, PEN and TEAM Projects. Our goal is to empower and support youth with disabilities in their roles as decision-makers and self-advocates. We provide training and information that will help youth in transition to access education, employment and independent living. The projects also provide training and information to families and professionals to improve their capacity to support youth with disabilities on their journey.

Are you interested in being on the Texas State Advisory Committee? If so, please email Lisa Cowart at lcowartpath@gmail.com to be included in correspondence!

RSA PTI Independent Futures that Work! Current State Resources for Texas

Disability Rights Texas
The mission of Disability Rights Texas is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society.

Disability Employment Toolkit from the Autism Society

Dude, Where’s My Transition Plan?
Speaking directly to youth with disabilities, this booklet from Partners Resource Network includes multiple transition planning worksheets, several checklists, and discussions of self-advocacy.

  • English version of Dude, Where’s My Transition Plan?
  • Spanish version of Dude, Where’s My Transition Plan? (Amigo, ¿dónde está mi plan de transición?)

Fact sheets from Partners Resource Network:

It’s Still a Good IDEA: IDEA Manual for Parents
This manual is designed to help you become familiar with the requirements of IDEA and Texas law so you can act as an equal partner in planning your child’s education. You will learn, by using this manual and by working with school staff, how to plan an educational program that will lead to an independent and productive life for your child and yourself.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

Navigate Life Texas
Resources and support for families raising children with disabilities.

#Speak Up #Live! – Youth Self-Advocacy
This short video for youth describes the importance of self-determination.

SPEDTex
SPEDTex provides information and resources that can help parents understand their child’s disability, their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services to children with disabilities in our State.

Technology as a Critical Tool to the Transition Process
This interactive presentation features ways technology solutions can be used to foster, facilitate, and further support the transition process for educators, families, and the individuals we are seeking to serve in efforts to navigate the challenges of the transition process.

Texas Career Check – Interest Profiler
A fun activity to do before exploring the world of work. Take a few minutes to answer 60 questions to identify occupations relevant to your likes and interests. Your results will lead you to a list of occupations for you to explore.

Texas OnCourse
Your source for college and career preparation.

Texas Transition and Employment Guide
This resource was created by the Student-Centered Transitions Network (SCTN) to assist educators and families with implementing quality transition services for students with disabilities.

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services supports people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, maintain and advance in meaningful employment by providing a range of services based on an individual’s employment goals. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors work closely with job seekers to determine an employment goal, and then identify and arrange for the high-quality services that lead to successful employment.

The Arc of Texas
The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Think College
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability.