Highland Park ISD Parent Newsletter

The resources and events shared in this section are for information purposes only. Highland Park ISD does not recommend or endorse any service, activity, or organization. Parents and families are encouraged to determine whether a service, activity, or organization is appropriate for them, given their unique needs.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR PROCESS READY APPLICATIONS

The following supporting documents are needed to make sure your application is complete and can be processed as quickly as possible. COPIES ONLY, NO ORIGINALS

MISSING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS COULD CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO BE DENIED OR PENDED, PLEASE SUBMIT ALL DOCUMENTS THAT PERTAIN TO YOU.

• Valid TX Driver’s License or Picture ID (for everyone they are applying for 18 or older)
• Social Security card (for everyone they are applying for)
• Proof of any income for anyone working 16 or older (Check stubs, Social Security award letter, child support, retirement, etc.)
• Rent receipt or lease agreement, mortgage receipt
• Property tax statement or receipt, if applicable
• Home Insurance, if applicable
• Utility bills (electric, water, gas, phone, internet, cable, or dish)
• Car payment/insurance receipt or bill
• Checking and savings bank statements for 90 days for all accounts (for everyone they are applying for)
• Medical expenses (medicines, medical equipment, doctor, hospital, health insurance premiums)
• Any other resources as indicated on app

ALSO: Please be sure to create a user account with www.yourtexasbenefits.com if you don’t already have one. If you do, please be sure to have that info with you for any in-person appointments with us.

What is PDSES?

• PDSES provides a $1,500 one-time grant to parents of students who are both enrolled in a Texas public school and receive special education services. Parents can use PDSES grant funds to purchase educational goods and services for their student on the online marketplace.
• This is a one-time only grant. If you have previously applied for or received a PDSES grant, you cannot reapply for the same student.

How do I apply?

• You must apply for a PDSES grant during the annual application window: April 1-30, 2026.
• To apply for the PDSES grant, parents MUST have or create a My SPEDTex Account.

• To receive reminders, you can sign up for PDSES email updates.

What can we purchase?

• With PDSES accounts, parents are able to purchase educational goods and services from the PDSES online marketplace.

2025-2026 School Year PDSES Program Overview: ENGLISH | SPANISH
2025-2026 Application Process for Parents: ENGLISH | SPANISH

We help young adults ages 14 - 22 with services in preparing for life after high school. That decision can be to get some work experience. We can help prepare students with educational opportunities for degrees or certifications. There are many services that we can help with. If you, or you know a student with a disability that wants to apply for services, visit the Start My VR Page to begin the process & get connected with a Specialized Counselor.

We help students with disabilities get ready for college and work. Services are based on eligibility and need.

Call or visit the website - https://www.211texas.org - to find or search for a variety of Texas Health and Human Services resources - food, health, housing, and more

Did you know Medicaid waiver programs are for people who have a disability? They are called a waiver program because they waive the income that the family makes. Medicaid waiver programs provide additional supports or funding beyond what Medicaid provides.

All the waiver programs have long waiting lists, over 10 years. It is important for you to get your child on the waiting list as early as possible.

To learn more:

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/regulations/policies-rules/waivers

Career Resource Center

Services and Programs at The Career Resource Center (CRC) are offered at no charge in both Lubbock and Amarillo. The centers have resumed face-to-face training and some services are also offered virtually.

Levels of Classes

The Career Resource Center encompasses free services including Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced computer skills classes. Other Employment Development Training opportunities and Career Enhancement Seminars relevant to successfully competing in today’s job market are also offered.

Virtual Classes & Testing

​​Goodwill offers an online tool to evaluate skill level in Word, Excel & PowerPoint. Upon enrolling in virtual classes, participants will have the opportunity to Learn to Zoom and choose from a variety of employment development seminars and additional tools to present results on a resume and during a job interview.

Education Credits

Continuing Education Credits will be earned through a partnership with South Plains College upon successful completion of the following computer courses: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced. Call one of Goodwill’s Career Centers to get started.
(806) 744-0440 in Lubbock or (806) 331-6890 in Amarillo.

This program focuses on improving interaction between law enforcement and drivers with disabilities with unique communication needs. Texans now have the option to disclose “Communication Impediment” directly on their Driver License or State ID or when registering their vehicle through the DMV. This will alert the trained officer of an individual who may be slower to respond or one who is deaf or hard of hearing. Individuals with the following disability categories may be eligible: Autism, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Parkinson’s Disease, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Speech and Language Disorders, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing. To get started, go to www.TexasDrivingWithDisability.com.

The Texas SPED Support website has added a new video collection. This collection captures real-life examples and recommendations for transition planning. In each video, the young adult shares the story of their successful transition to life beyond high school. The videos feature four different young adults from across Texas sharing their transition journey: Abigail, Daylan, Sydney, and Juan (Spanish).

https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/resource-library/daylans-advice-transition

The traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury support group “The Second Life” will give survivors as well as their caregivers the support and strength they need to move forward together, rather than on their own.

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Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm at PILC located at 417 SW 10th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101.

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For more information, please contact the center toll-free at (800) 585-6768 or locally at (806) 374-1400.

The Independent Living Services program, or ILS, provides services for the hard of hearing/deaf, visually impaired, blind and those with mobility needs. They can provide hearing aids, visual aids and mobility services such as ramps.

Our employment coordinators offer vocational assistance such as job readiness training, job placement and job coaching to prepare men and women with disabilities for meaningful, rewarding occupations. We strive to build successful relationships between employers and job seekers.

PILC also participates in Social Security's Ticket to Work program and is an authorized Employment Network. Ticket to Work connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working. If you choose to participate, you will receive services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from PILC. PILC will serve as an important part of your "employment team" that will help you on your journey to financial independence.

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Work Incentives make it possible for you to explore work while still receiving benefits. They are designed to help you succeed!

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• You may be able to keep your Medicaid/Medicare while you work.

• You have access to individualized support services.

• You can try work with confidence, knowing you may be able to keep some or all of your benefits during your transition period.

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Call our office toll-free at (800) 585-6768 or locally at (806) 374-1400 and ask to speak to one of our employment coordinators to learn more about vocational opportunities and related services that help people find jobs.

Is your child getting ready for life after high school? This session will help families understand the transition planning process—what it is, why it matters, and how you can be involved. We’ll talk about how schools work with students and families to set goals for the future, including education, employment, and independent living.

This virtual session will meet on December 16, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Register Here -

If you believe your child has a disability and because of that disability

might need special education services at school, please contact:

Stephanie Milne

Director of Special Education

Stephanie.Milne@hpisd.net

806-322-3806