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.

On February 13, 2026, the Texas Panhandle will light up with joy, love, and unforgettable moments as the community comes together to host the 8th annual Night to Shine, a worldwide prom experience. Night to Shine is open to anyone with physical or cognitive disabilities, ages 14 and older.

Guests must register on the Night to Shone Amarillo Website - https://www.nighttoshineamarillo.com/ - before January 30, 2026 in order to attend. Space is limited.

Birth defects are structural changes that can affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain, or foot, and can cause lifelong health challenges. Birth defects are common, affecting 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year. Birth Defects are the leading cause of infant death. Not all birth defects can be prevented, and they can occur in any family, regardless of race, ethnicity, health history, or economic status.

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) raises awareness of birth defects and promotes strategies that reduce the risk of birth defects and their complications. National Birth Defects Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about birth defects and highlight efforts to improve the health of people living with these conditions across their lifespan. As early identification, medical care and treatment have improved, babies and children with birth defects are living longer and healthier lives. That is why NBDPN’s 2026 theme, "Every Journey Matters,” highlights that every individual impacted by birth defects matters – from diagnosis, through childhood, and into adulthood.

This January, take time to learn about:

• Reducing the risk of birth defects before and during pregnancy

• Survival and health of infants with birth defects

• Educational needs and special healthcare needs for children with birth defects

• Transition from pediatric to adult medical care for adolescents

• Planning for pregnancy, understanding genetics and family history, and reducing the risk of recurrence for adults with birth defects

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

Join SPEDTex and the PDSES program coordinators for a free webinar on January 21, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. CST. This session will give an overview of the program, walk parents through the application process, introduce the PDSES online marketplace, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions from families.

Register Here:

https://region10.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o8TSSygeSF2IoOFx0epRSw#/registration

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

There’s a world of possibilities in front of students. My Texas Future helps them expand their options, set their goals, and take action. Explore college and career tools to support students along their journey.

https://www.mytexasfuture.org/middle-high-school/

You can use developmental milestones to figure out if your child is growing and developing as expected. Developmental milestones are behaviors and skills that most children can do within a certain age range. Some examples are looking at people and objects, smiling, eating, waving “bye-bye,” walking, and talking. Remember, every child is different and develops at their own pace. If you notice your child is not reaching milestones when expected, they might need some extra help to learn new skills. Use this developmental milestones checklist to see how your child is doing.

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.

Join us as we talk about Solving the Employment Puzzle for Youth with Disabilities.

This module will provide parents and youth with practical, hands-on strategies to help reach a student’s employment-related transition goals. Participants will learn about post-secondary services that are available and how to obtain them.

This virtual session will meet on January 28, 2026 at 6:00 pm

Join us as we talk about ABLE Accounts and Protecting Benefits.

Discover how an ABLE account can give your child greater financial freedom—without jeopardizing essential public benefits. We’ll break down how ABLE accounts work alongside Social Security, special needs trusts, rent and fair-share rules, and earned income. You’ll gain clear, practical strategies to protect benefits, grow savings, and build long-term financial stability with confidence.

This virtual session will meet on January 29, 2026 at 6:00 pm

To register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_foSzoBVATMqL4T_fT5YFyw#/registration

Through discussion and practical strategies, this session will help prepare parents/caregivers for the pubescent years by discussing important terminology and strategies to help them better support their child with a disability. Through the sharing of resources, attendees will be able to start developing a toolbox of knowledge and resources that will empower them to successfully navigate this incredible time period of their child’s life.

This virtual session will meet on February 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm

To register for this event email your details to region11prn@gmail.com

Join us as we talk about Navigating Medicaid Systems with Confidence.

Join CaringTide for an essential webinar designed to help individuals and families navigate the often-confusing process of accessing Medicaid. Whether you’re applying for the first time or supporting a loved one, this session walks through eligibility requirements, the different types of Medicaid, the application process, and common challenges. You’ll leave with practical tools, greater clarity, and confidence to take the next step in securing care.

This virtual session will meet on February 26, 2026 at 6:00 pm

To register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_foSzoBVATMqL4T_fT5YFyw#/registration

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