Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, observed every March, is dedicated to raising awareness about developmental disabilities and promoting inclusion, acceptance, and understanding for individuals living with these conditions. The month highlights the challenges that people with disabilities face and emphasizes their abilities, accomplishments, and the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all. It is a time to educate the public about developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities while advocating for improved access to healthcare, education, employment, and community services. The observance encourages society to embrace diversity and support people with developmental disabilities in leading fulfilling lives.

Intellectual disabilities (ID) refer to a group of conditions characterized by limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which affect an individual's ability to learn, reason, and cope with everyday challenges. These disabilities typically emerge before the age of 18 and can vary in severity, from mild to profound. People with intellectual disabilities may have difficulty with tasks such as problem-solving, understanding complex concepts, or managing personal care and social interactions.

The causes of intellectual disabilities are diverse and can include genetic conditions like Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome, prenatal exposure to substances, complications during birth, or environmental factors. In many cases, the cause remains unknown.

Despite challenges, individuals with intellectual disabilities can lead fulfilling lives with appropriate support, including special education, therapeutic services, and social programs. Supportive environments, inclusive education, and employment opportunities help maximize their potential, allowing them to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Raising awareness about intellectual disabilities promotes understanding and reduces stigma, encouraging a more inclusive and accepting society for everyone.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

The contest is open to all school-age children in the Conroe ISD School District.

The contest begins on March 1, 2025, and ends on March 31, 2025

Download the color sheet, create a masterpiece, and

Submit your entry via email to parentresourcecenter@conroeisd.net

Entry must include the student's full name, and campus.

Limit one (1) entry per student.

The Parent Resource Center will select a winner to receive a special gift on April 1, 2025, and a feature in the PRC newsletter.

J. Askar

3 month Family Membership from the YMCA

Soraya V.

$50 HEB Gift Card from Interfaith of the Woodlands

Claudia L.

Free 1-hour life, divorce, or transition coaching session from Special Family Transition

M. Rivera

Free 30 Minute Mini Photoshoot Session from Courtney Rodriguez Photography

Monica R.

Free 1-hour Behavor Consultation from Austism International Consulting, PLLC

Emily R.

$10 Gift Card to Chic-Fil-A

Kevin L.

$10 Gift Card to Chic-Fil-A

Jessica P

$10 Gift Card to Chic-Fil-A

Kelly J

$15 Whataburger Gift Card

E. Martin

Free 160 ct Sensory Toy Set from The Parent Resource Center

K. Jones

Free 1 week meal prep services from Chef Hamilton Crowder

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/QvsdjiuQnBtp7YVN7

Thanks for all your hard work! All this information you give us is amazing. By the way, my daughter had a blast at the Angels Rodeo on Sunday. I would have never known about it without you sharing this information.

-Jennifer Blanks

New Conroe ISD Mobile App

With the launch of the new district website, we also have a new mobile app!

Download the app on your mobile device and manage your notification preferences in the settings. You will be able to add school profiles when they are moved over to the new platform.

Key Features:

• Push Notifications - Select ‘yes’ when you download the app to receive the latest push notifications from the District.
• Calendar Events - Add events to the calendar on your personal mobile device directly from the calendar section on the app.
• News - Check out the latest District-wide and school news all in one place!

Did you know you can request an ASL Comprehensive Dictionary binder from the PRC?

Contact us for details!

Dear PDSES parents and interested stakeholders*,

The application window for the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) grant opens NEXT WEEK on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 8:00 AM CST, and closes on Friday, March 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST.

If you are the parent of a student served through special education who is enrolled in a Texas public school, you may be eligible to receive a $1,500 grant to purchase educational goods and services for your student through the online marketplace. To learn more about the program, visit PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV.

Before you can apply, you must first create a My SPEDTex account. If you do not already have an account, you can go to SPEDTEX.ORG and click on “Create Account/Sign In.” For more information about the application process, view this one-page resource.

If you have any questions, you can view our FAQs, email PDSESHelp@region10.org, or call 1-855-773-3839.

We appreciate your ongoing interest and engagement with the PDSES program.

The PDSES Program Team

Texas Education Agency
Office of Special Populations and Student Supports

LifePath is a post-secondary educational program designed specifically for neurodiverse students. Our program is dedicated to fostering independence, self-determination, and understanding of college-level expectations. We also help students practice essential social skills and explore career opportunities.

To discuss how LifePath can meet the unique needs of your students, we would be happy to arrange a personalized meeting with you or schedule a campus visit. Additionally, please find an attached flyer that you can share with potential LifePath students.

Starting Monday, January 13, LifePath will begin accepting applications. Registration for information sessions is now open, with the first session scheduled for Wednesday, January 29. For more details and to register, please visit https://www.lonestar.edu/lifepath.

MiddleGalaxy is a fun, video-game-like experience for students to explore different careers. This is through Texas OnCourse and all students have free access.

Texas Career Check - Explore Careers and Education- Be sure to do interest profiler under career section- https://texascareercheck.com/

Texas Gear Up High School- explore jobs- Click High School Resources

https://www.txcte.org/resource/gearup-resources

Roadtrip Nation- Explore jobs- Films and Videos of different job fields

https://roadtripnation.com/

CareerOneStop – Interest assessment with career exploration resources

https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/interest-assessment.aspx

O*net Interest Profiler- find a career that interests you

https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip

My Next Move- explore Careers

https://www.mynextmove.org/

Texas Reality Check- can you afford your lifestyle

https://texasrealitycheck.com/

Texas Transition Network- Resources for Students and Parents

https://www.texastransition.org/

Additional Resources

· Get Ready for College: A Resource for Teens with Disabilities – https://centerontransition.org/getReady self-paced virtual course for high school students with disabilities interested in college;

· National Center for College Students with Disabilities Clearinghouse - https://www.nccsdclearinghouse.org/prospective-college-students.html;

· Think College: resource for developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disabilities www.thinkcollege.net;

· Understood: 7 Things to Know About College Disability Services: https://www.understood.org/.

· Apply Texas- used to apply for all schools in Texas https://www.applytexas.org

· FAFSA- Used to apply for financial aid for school https://studentaid.gov

Prof Sp Ed/Parent Liaison

Special Education

M-F from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Email: parentresourcecenter@conroeisd.net
Website: www.conroeisd.net
Location: 701 North 3rd Street, Conroe, TX, USA
Phone: 936-709-8209

The Conroe Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.

For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 3205 W. Davis, Conroe, TX 77304; (936) 709-7752.

The resources shared in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and do not constitute approval by the Parent Resource Center, Conroe ISD.