October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate individuals who bring joy and inspiration to our lives. Houston has a vibrant community of organizations and resources that support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. This blog lists some of the invaluable resources available in our city, including our Assistive Technology Program, designed to enhance the quality of life for those with disabilities. Let's come together to celebrate and empower individuals with Down syndrome!
Our Assistive Technology Program is here to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals in Texas who face communication challenges due to a disability. To qualify for this program, individuals must be at least five years old and have one of the following disabilities: Blind, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Visually Impaired, Speech Impaired, or Upper Mobility Impaired. Our mission is to offer financial assistance for essential specialized assistive equipment and services to those most in need. We believe communication is a fundamental human right, and our program aims to empower individuals to express themselves confidently.
The Down Syndrome Clinic at Texas Children's Hospital is a beacon of hope for families. They provide comprehensive services that ensure the healthy development of children with Down syndrome. They emphasize nurturing each child's unique qualities, allowing them to blossom and share their special gifts.
The Baylor Transition Medicine Clinic at The Center for Pursuit offers a lifeline to adult patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism. These individuals often struggle to find adequate healthcare services. This clinic provides comprehensive healthcare, wrap-around services, and crucial social support, ensuring these adults receive the care they deserve.
The Texana Center extends a helping hand to individuals living with IDD in Fort Bend County. Their services encompass respite care, case management, Home and Community-based Services, mental health support, and drop-in programs. Texana Center supports whether you have health insurance, are underinsured, or rely on Medicare or Medicaid.
The Tri-County Center opens doors for those with IDD in Conroe, Cleveland, Huntsville, and Liberty. Their offerings include respite care, case management, Home and Community-based Services, mental health support, and drop-in programs. They provide services to individuals with or without health insurance, those underinsured, and recipients of Medicare or Medicaid.
Best Buddies is all about building bridges and creating lasting friendships. They offer integrated employment and leadership development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Texas. Their location north of I-10 on the West 610 Loop is a hub for inclusion and connection.
The Center for Pursuit, nestled between EaDo and Second Ward, provides a wide range of services for those with IDD. Their offerings include job training, medical care, residential services, day programs, dental care, and behavioral counseling. They are committed to nurturing independence and well-being.
Gigi's Playhouse is a place of transformation and growth. They offer therapeutic and educational programs and tutoring for individuals with Down syndrome, spanning all ages. Their programs focus on vital skills such as motor skills, literacy, cooking, social skills, and confidence-building. With locations all over the country, including Houston and Sugar Land, they are a national force for positive change.
Conclusion:
As we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Houston, let's remember that it's a time to acknowledge the unique abilities and qualities of individuals with Down syndrome and connect with the resources and organizations that support them. Our Assistive Technology Program is just one of the many initiatives dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. We can empower, celebrate, and create opportunities for everyone in our diverse and vibrant community.
More information about The Next Step, Inc.:
About The Next Step, Inc. (TNSI): The Next Step, Inc. (TNSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded and chartered in Texas in 1980. At the heart of their mission lies a commitment to enhancing lives in vulnerable communities through the dual pillars of technology and skills development. They envision a world where every community has the resources to succeed.