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.

Looking for Summer Camps in Amarillo full of science, hands-on learning, and fun? The Discovery Center offers a fun and safe space for kids to learn all summer long.

Thanks to a grant we were awarded, scholarships for Summer Camp at DHDC are no available for families in need!

Scholarships range from 25%–75% off tuition, but can not be combined with other promotional discounts. Learn more about DHDC's summer camp and apply for a camp scholarship at https://discoverycentercollective.org/events/dhdc-summer-camp/

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

CLASS - Community Living Assistance and Supportive Services

877-438-5658

Provides home and community-based services to people with related conditions as a cost-effective alternative to an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions. services include adaptive aids; auditory enhancement/auditory integration training; behavior support; case management; cognitive rehabilitation therapy; dental services; dietary services; employment services; minor home modifications; occupational and physical therapy; personal assistance services; respite; speech and language therapy; transition assistance services and transportation.

HCS- Home and Community-Based Services

806-351-3212 (Amarillo Area) 806-740-1421 (Lubbock Area) 806-291-4433 (Plainview Area)

Provides individualized services and support to persons with intellectual disabilities who are living with their family, in their own home, or other community settings, or group homes with less than four residents. services include case management, therapy services, habilitation, residential assistance, nursing, dental treatment, supported employment, adaptive aids/supplies, home modifications and other services.

MDCP- Medically Dependent Children's Program

877-438-5658

MDCP provides a variety of services to qualified children allowing them to live at home, such as respite services, home modifications, adaptive aids, homemaker services, and supports to enable eligible children to participate in childcare, post secondary education, or increase a persons independence.

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Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program

The Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Services Program helps people 20 and younger who have special health care needs and people with cystic fibrosis of any age improve their health, well-being and quality of life.

The program focuses on family-centered and community-based strategies.

All services must be medically necessary. These include:

• Medical
• Mental health
• Dental
• Vision
• Special medical equipment and supplies
• Family services
• Community services
• Case management

Who is Eligible for Services?

Anyone who:

• Lives in Texas.
• Is 20 or younger or any age with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
• Has an income level at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
• Has a medical condition that:
  • Is expected to last at least one year.
  • Will limit one or more major life activities.
  • Requires a higher level of health care.
  • Has physical symptoms. Having only a mental, behavioral or emotional condition, or a delay in development won’t qualify.

How Do I Apply?

A social worker can help you with the application process at a public health office near you. To find an office nearby, check the Public Health Regions list and visit your region’s website for a list of local offices.

The following must be submitted:

• Form 3031, CSHCN Services Program Application
• Form 3034, CSHCN Services Program Physician or Dentist Assessment Form
• Required documentation:
  • Proof of birth
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of insurance

You may submit application documents to your local office or to the CSHCN Services Program to the fax number or email address in the Contact Us section below. You may also mail your application documents to:

CSHCN Services Program
Eligibility Services
Mail Code 1938
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, TX 78714-9947

If you’re a parent of a child with special health care needs, you must also apply for Medicaid and CHIP benefits for your child.

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 Stop the Summer Slide.

In this webinar, you’ll discover effective, research-based brain-boosting activities and practices that parents can do at home to help children strengthen their brains and prepare for the year ahead. These activities support social-emotional skills, behavior regulation, and academic growth. The strategies shared are practical for children of all ages—and even for adults!

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

To register:

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

Join us as we talk about Special Needs Trust vs. ABLE Accounts.

Planning for your child’s financial future can feel overwhelming — especially when trying to understand the tools available to protect their benefits and ensure long-term security. In this workshop, we’ll explore the key differences between Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts, and how each can play an important role in your overall financial plan.

This virtual session will meet on May 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm

To register:

Join us as we talk about Employment Strategies & Workplace Success.

Join CaringTide for a practical and empowering webinar focused on navigating employment with a disability. We’ll explore strategies for job searching, requesting reasonable accommodations, building workplace confidence, and connecting with inclusive employers. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or seeking new opportunities, this session provides tools, resources, and expert insights to support meaningful employment success.

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

To register:

Join us as we talk about Creating Financial Security for a Loved One with Special Needs.

Planning for a child who may become a long-term dependent for your family goes beyond traditional financial planning. Join us from the comfort of your own home and ask questions in a non-threatening, non-pressure environment. This brief, online workshop helps parents, guardians, and family members to better understand the planning our children may need during all stages of life. Topics discussed include:

• Legal, Financial & Government Benefits Planning Considerations
• Pros & Cons of ABLE accounts
• Pros & Cons of Special Needs Trusts

We’d love to be of value if you’re ready to learn.

Be sure to mark your calendar for this event so you don’t forget!

When you attend the live, online event, you will get access to handouts, tools and downloads that will help you make the most of your child’s planning:

• Overview of Special Needs Planning & Why It’s Important
• Letter of Intent (editable PDF for your customization)
• Beyond One Day at a Time brochure

This virtual session will meet on June 5, 2026 at 12:00 pm

To register:

Join us as we talk about How to Create a Fun Summer Learning Plan and Why Summer Learning Is More Important Than Ever for Students with ADHD.

It is time to rebound from a difficult school year with a fun and educational summer that helps get your student ready for next year whether they’re in elementary, middle or high school. During this Huntington How-To, we will focus on how you can create a fun summer learning plan that restores your students motivation and excitement about school and helps them build a foundation of knowledge for next year.

Join Huntington ADHD expert, Dr. Mary Rooney, National Board-Certified Child Psychologist and author of Huntington’s ADHD Blog for this valuable webinar. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. Dr. Rooney will discuss:

• Why kids with ADHD need structure (always and especially during remote learning)
• Creating a summer plan
• How to make your plan ADHD friendly
• Other tips
• How Huntington can help

This virtual session will meet on June 25, 2026 at 12:00 pm

To register:

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