Helpful Information

ABC (Any Baby Can): 227-0170 or 1-800-524-3755

Provides services for handicap and chronically ill children from age birth to 12 years.  Services include case management, family support, information and referrals, family friend, resource library, sibling support group, crisis assistance and family counseling.

Advocacy, Inc: 210-737-0499; 6800 Park 10 Blvd., Ste. 208 North, San Antonio, TX 78213

The mission of Advocacy, Inc. is to advocate for, protect, and advance the legal, human, and service rights of people with disabilities.  It is a nonprofit corporation funded by US Congress.

ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens): 490-4300; 13430 West Ave., San Antonio, TX 78216;

ARC provides case management (federally funded), childcare for 4 -22yrs., Day Habilitation Program for 17yrs. and up (United Way funded).

Camp C.A.M.P.: 210-292-3566, 515 Skyline Dr., Centerpoint, TX  78010

Camp C.A.M.P is a general recreation summer camp for children with severe and profound special needs/disabilities and their siblings ages 5-21yrs.  There are six one-week sessions (Sunday through Friday; overnight) from the middle of June to the end of July.  It is located in Centerpoint, TX, which is about an hour drive NW of San Antonio. Activities include:  swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, archery and nature activities.  One-to-one staff-to-camper ratio for those with special needs.  Cost:  approx. $650 (scholarships available)

*The Center for Health Care Services (MHMR): 731-1300, 3031 IH 10 W office (intake).  Crisis Phone: 210-223-7233 or 1-800-316-9241.

For outside Bexar County contact the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services in Austin at 1-800-252-8154 and ask for the center to contact in your area.  The Center for Health Care Services provides services for people with mental disabilities.  Services available include:  In Home Family Support, HCS, Employment Connection (helps with transition from high school to the community), Residential (helps with information regarding group homes, assisted living, and independent living), Psychological Dept. (behavioral programs, skills building, training), Service Coordination (links to community agencies), Respite House (different than Respite Care of SA - this is a Respite House that those authorized for use can use 1 hour to 1 week at a time for up to 30 days/year).

*CSHCN (Children with Special Health Care Needs): 1-800-252-8023

CSHCN helps pay medical expenses for chronically ill or disabled children.  They only pay for the physical aspect, not the mental aspect of the disability (i.e., heart conditions, GI conditions, etc.) depending on medical necessity form (www.dshs.state.tx.us\cshcn).

*CLASS (Community Living Assistance and Support Services): 1-877-438-5658 (toll free).  Listed under Texas Dept. of Aging and Disability Services. This is a Medicaid Waiver Program (non-income based).  This program is for individuals that are physically challenged that originated before age 22.  Any age.  Provides home-based and community-based services such as respite care; nursing services; adaptive aids/supplies; minor home modifications; PT, OT, and speech therapy; case management and other related services.

Davidson Respite House: 737-0767

This house is a 24-hour crisis/emergency shelter for children with special needs.

Down Home Ranch: 888-926-2253; 20250 FM 619, Elgin, TX 78621; downhomeranch.com;

Judy Horton, Program Director

Ranch camp is a fun and educational camping experience for youth and adults with functional disabilities such as mentally challenged.  It is designed with their special needs in mind.

ECI Referral Line (Early Childhood Intervention): 227-0170 (ABC); 1-800-250-2246 (statewide) or

1-800-524-3755 (San Antonio Area).

*HCS (Home and Community Based Support): 210-362-5254.

HCS is a service provided by Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG).  Services include speech, dental care, etc.  Any Age.  Must qualify as mentally challenged.  Waiting list (years!).

*In Home Family Support: 210-362-5254.

An income-based service provided by Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG).  Provides financial support for items that an individual needs in their home environment (i.e., ramp for wheel chair, grab bars, bathroom modifications).   Sign up ASAP.

*Respite Care of San Antonio: 737-1212 or 220-1882; 605 Belknap, San Antonio, TX 78212

Provides services to strengthen, stabilize and support families who care for a loved one with disabilities.  Services offered include In-Home Respite, Parent's Night Out, Family Day Out, and Mother's Day Out.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income): 1-800-772-1213

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services: 1-877-438-5658

*Waiting list in place.