College Resources

Workforce Solutions Lower Rio (Serving Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr Counties)

Provides job seekers with information on local community events to help align them with the right career. Links to child care assistance, education services, employer services and much more. Local labor marker information and in-demand jobs are also available on this website. Visit the nearest location.

Adult Education and Literacy and GED Preparation

If you or someone you know is interested in enhancing their basic skills such as reading and/or writing, would like to learn more English- or would like receive their GED, visit this link for more information!

Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (Previously known as DARS)

TWS-VRS provides a variety of services that assist eligible people with disabilities (youth and adults) in preparing for, obtaining, retaining or advancing in competitive integrated employment.

TWS-VRS Near You:

http://vr.office.locator@twc.state.tx.us

http://twc.texas.gov/VRNearMe

Phone: (512) 936-6400

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the national form used to apply for financial aid for college or grad school.

Texas On Course

“Your source for college and career preparations”; TexasOnCourse guides students starting in middle school to explore college and career options.

Texas OnCourse Transition Services For Students With Disabilities

Create an account and log in to the Texas OnCourse Academy and click the new “specialties” content area to access transition resources and information that can help students with disabilities. 

Scholarships for Student with Disabilities

When attending college, financial assistance is greatly needed. Click on this link to search for scholarships aimed at helping individuals out with specific disabilities.

Scholarships.com

If you scroll down to bottom of the page you will find multiple scholarships aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities. Links are also provided to search the scholarship database.

NTACT (National Technical Assistance Center on Transition)

Search a variety of topics to guide through the Transition Planning, Graduation Process, Post-School success and more for individuals with disabilities. You also have the option to download toolkits that provide step-by-step guidance and resources on specific topics such as competitive integrated employment, transition assessment, and information on hosting a transition fair.

Think College

Across the United States, there are colleges that offer specific programs for individuals with disabilities. Select the state you would like information on and learn about these programs.

Texas Transition and Employment Guide

This transition and employment guide is for you, the student in Texas public school, who may have received special education services due to a disability. It also provides helpful information for your parents. This guide has steps you and your parents can take to make sure you are able to find the right work or educational choices for you after high school. It also tells you where to get the services you will need after high school.

Local Post-Secondary and Training

Region One Education Service Center

Our local education service center offers workshops, trainings, and information to those who work in the school districts or who have students in the region. Their Special Education Program ensures students are being provided the best education and provided the best resources in the school system.

University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley (Student Accessibility Services)

Mission: “Student Accessibility Services exists to facilitate students’ equal access to university programs and services, promote student learning and development, foster independence and self-advocacy, and provide leadership to the campus on disability issues.”

Contact Information:
Brownsville - Cortez 129
Ph. 956-882-7374, Fax 956-882-7861

Edinburg - University Center 108
Ph. 956-665-7005, Fax 956-665-3840
Email: ability @ utrgv.edu

South Texas College (Student Disability Services)

Students or prospective students requiring special accommodations should contact the Student Disability Services (SDS) office at 956-872-2173. Accommodation requests must be in writing. Students are required to provide documentation to verify his/her disability before accommodations are provided. Accommodations may include: “assessment for special needs, academic advisement, short-term personal counseling, assistance with the admission process, registration, financial aid application, applications for TSI testing accommodations, academic appeals, arrangements for sign language interpreters, tutorial assistance, the use of provision of adaptive equipment, readers, scribes, instructional/testing/classroom modifications, liaison between students, faculty, staff and others, and referral services to other South Texas College departments or outside service providers.”

Contact Information:
Pecan Campus: 956-872-2173
Mid-Valley Campus: 956-872-1229
Starr County Campus: 956-488-5853
Nursing and Allied Health Campus: 956-872-3077
Technology Campus: 956-872-6125

Texas State Technical College (Harlingen- Disability Services)

“Texas State Technical College follows Section 504 of the National Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which deals with nondiscrimination of disabled students in post-secondary settings and the Americans with Disabilities Act. TSTC makes reasonable and appropriate accommodations to meet the individual educational needs of students with disabilities thereby allowing them equal access to post-secondary education.”

Contact Information:
Harlingen Support Services
Student Services Bldg. EK, Room 216
1902 N. Loop 499
Harlingen, Texas 78550
956-364-4520
TTY: 956-364-4526

Texas A & M (McAllen Campus- Department of Disability Services)

Disability Services offers accommodations coordination, evaluation referral, disability-related information, assistive technology services, sign language interpreting and transcription services for academically related purposes. Although Disability Services does not offer disability evaluation and/or testing, tutoring, personal expenses, attendants or scholarships, Disability Services will provide resources and referral information.

Contact Information:
6200 Tres Lagos Blvd., McAllen, TX 78504
(956) 271-1300
TX.AG/HECM
http://admissions.tamu.edu/freshman/apply-mcallen

Employer Resources

Workforce Solutions (Serving Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr County)

Within Workforce Solutions is a specialized division tailored to meet Employer's workforce needs. Our Business Service Representatives (BSR) work with Employers and offer customized business consulting services, such as addressing human resource challenges and identifying the skills sets needed by industry.

As a resource to you, our BSRs can also assist with:

• Developing staffing and recruitment plans
• Partnering with local Economic Development Organizations
• Researching current labor market information such as wage information, job descriptions, labor pool availability and local business trends
• Exploring funding sources for education and training of new and existing employees
• Reserving space where your Recruiters can meet and interview qualified Job Seekers
• Hiring events at your site or any of our five offices in the tri-county region
• Referring qualified candidates to your job openings

Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (Previously known as DARS)

TWS-VRS provides a variety of services that assist eligible people with disabilities (youth and adults) in preparing for, obtaining, retaining or advancing in competitive integrated employment.

TWS-VRS Near You:

http://vr.office.locator@twc.state.tx.us

http://twc.texas.gov/VRNearMe

Guide for Hiring People with Disabilities

Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS), in conjunction with Office of the Federal Contract Compliance Program and a group of local businesses, has produced this guide on attracting and hiring people with disabilities. 

Work Opportunity Tax Credit

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. Form to apply is included.

More information on Tax Incentives here...

Learn about Workplace Accommodations

• JAN Workplace Accommodation Toolkit

Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)

Job Retention Flyer

Partnerships Flyer

Paid Work Experience flyer

The Campaign for Disability Employment

What can YOU do to promote positive messages and employment outcomes for people with disabilities? Use the Campaign for Disability Employment’s (CDE) tools and products, and join our important dialogue about the value of disability inclusion in the workplace!

Disability Sensitivity Training

Watch this short video on disability awareness:

Sorenson Video Phone

Are you a business, school, government agency or organization who interacts with people who are Deaf? Contact Sorenson at Work to customize a solution just for you. Explore the resources available here.

Employer Disability Awareness Training Videos

Community Agencies

Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) - formally DARS

TWS-VRS offers vocational counseling and guidance services to individuals with disabilities wanting to go to school and get a job. To apply for services, call or stop by the McAllen office: TWS-VRS Address: 2101 S. 2nd Street, McAllen, TX 78501 Office: 956-302-0800.

If you have a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment or disability that makes employment hard for you, you may be eligible for services to help you prepare for, obtain, maintain or advance in employment. Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services assists individuals with any disability in partnership with Workforce Solutions. 

Information on the continuation of Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services to individuals with disabilities during the pandemic:

• Individuals needing employment assistance, including those with disabilities, can visit their nearest Workforce Solutions office where our employment specialists will coordinate referrals or services with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) staff. 
• You may also reach out to VR directly for assistance, and may use the directory found here to find the office closest to them. An email address is also available for customers who would like assistance connecting to the right office: vr.office.locator@twc.state.tx.us
• VR serves individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf or hearing impaired, who need VR services to obtain or retain employment.  
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, VR staff are available remotely to assist customers. Here is a one-page message to customers on this. A Message to Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services Customers

NEW FOR 2021! ‘Start My VR’ Online Self-Referral available for Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has introduced “Start My VR,” an online self-referral portal for prospective vocational rehabilitation customers, as a convenient way for individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment to inquire about Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services and/or be connected to a VR staff member.   In addition to receiving inquiries about VR Services, the Start My VR system also can receive inquiries for the Older Individuals who are Blind program, also known as VR-OIB. VR-OIB services are designed to assist individuals age 55 and older adjust to the disability of blindness or visual impairment based on their specific needs. These services may include counseling and evaluations about vision loss, information and referral to community resources, assistive technology, diabetes education, or independent living skills training, which may include training in orientation and mobility and daily living skills. Start My VR includes three easy steps: Visit the “Start My VR” secure web portal & enter your contact information. Receive a Request Number confirming receipt. A VR team member will contact you to share how VR services may benefit you.

TWS-VRS Near You:

http://vr.office.locator@twc.state.tx.us

 -

http://twc.texas.gov/VRNearMe

Phone: (512) 936-6400

Workforce Solutions Lower Rio (Serving Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr County)

Workforce Solutions has ongoing orientations on services available to help you go to school and obtain a job. Call or stop by to sign up for an orientation at the center nearest to you: https://www.wfsolutions.org/connect/locations.html

Target and Demand Occupations

In this section of the Workforce Solutions page, you will be able to find the Target and Demand Occupations for Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy County. These lists identify the region’s fastest growing regional occupations and the associated training available through Workforce Solutions.

Workforce Solutions Cameron (Serving Cameron County)

Workforce Solutions has ongoing orientations on services available to help you go to school and obtain a job. Call or stop by to sign up for an orientation at the center nearest to you: https://www.wfscameron.org/workforce-centers/

The Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL)

VAIL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, non-residential, consumer-controlled, community-based cross-disability organization providing independent living services to individuals with disabilities since 1987. To learn more, visit their website: http://vailrgv.org/?page_id=15

Community Council of the Rio Grande Valley

The Community Council of the Rio Grande Valley offers the Health And Human Services Directory Blue Book which includes information on major non-profit and governmental agencies that provide services to the Rio Grande Valley residents and surrounding areas. To order a blue book visit: https://www.ccrgv.org/Directory%20of%20Health%2019-20.pdf

McAllen Metro

Metro McAllen currently operates seven (7) intracity bus routes and a paratransit bus service for eligible patrons. The bus system hubs out of the downtown terminal facility where passengers can connect to an array of international, national, regional and intracity destinations. The bus service hours of operation are from Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Download the free app to follow where the buses: Ride Systems

Valley Metro LRGVDC

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council provides public transportation in urbanized and non-urbanized areas of the lower Rio Grande Valley through its transit department, Valley Metro. INFORMATION LINE: 1-800-574-8322; Phone: (956) 969-5761; FAX: (956) 969-8176

Tropical Texas Behavioral Health

Services available to assist individuals with Intellectual and Development Disabilities and Substance Use Disorder. Other services include: Adult Mental Health; Child & Youth Mental Health; and Integrated Primary Care.

Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities

Learn about the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs available to provide assistance to people with disabilities. To find your local office and request benefits counseling, visit: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

Easter Seals RGV

Easterseals helps people with all types of abilities get the care that is right for them. Resources include everything from where to find in-home assistance and addressing aging challenges to build a relationship with your doctor. The Easterseals RGV’s Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program provides therapy services for infants and toddlers ages birth to 3 who have delays in development.

Online Resources

Becoming a Vocational Rehabilitation Provider

Interested in becoming a vocational rehabilitation provider? Vocational rehabilitation providers focus on serving individuals with disabilities to provide the tools and information necessary not only to obtain and retain employment, but also for continued success in the workforce. For more information, view the TWS-VRS meeting for more information.

Skills to Pay the Bills

"Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," is a curriculum developed by ODEP focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. Download a copy here: https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/

Texas Parent to Parent

Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is committed to improving the lives of Texas children who have disabilities, chronic illness, and/or special health care needs. TxP2P empowers families to be strong advocates through parent-to-parent support, resource referral, and education.

Navigate Life Texas

Resources for families of kids with disabilities & special healthcare needs

OlmsteadRights

Texas Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations

State Medicaid Agency

Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Texas.

• Your Texas Benefits
• Medicaid.gov Texas Page
• CHIP - Children's Medicaid
• A Roadmap to Understanding Texas Medicaid Waivers

Support Groups and Community Organizations

Team Mario

Team Mario provides community outreach and education through involvement in community-based events and provide families with resources to help those affected with ASD.

Capable Kids

Capable Kids Foundations hopes to enrich the lives of families living with disabilities and facing a variety of challenges by providing stimulating activities and social events throughout the community

RGV Down Syndrome Association

The RGV Down Syndrome Association is a non profit organization that was founded in 2012 by a small group of parents of children with Down syndrome. These dedicated parents wanted to provide support to other families and to promote the well being of individuals with Down syndrome within the community

CAMP University

This faith-based program offers post secondary assistance and activities for high school graduates that have received special education services. Day activities, social events, recreation, and possible job placement opportunities are available.

Bebo’s Angels

Bebo’s Angels is a non profit organization created to provide education and support to families with loved ones with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The organization strives to make a constant difference in the minds of individuals autistically inclined at some level.

Texas Partners in Policy Making

Texas Partners in Policymaking offers innovative and intensive advocate training for Families with children with developmental disabilities and Self-Advocates with developmental disabilities.

Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities helps people with developmental disabilities achieve their potential for independence, productivity and integration into their communities by working to develop a comprehensive system of service and supports in Texas.

Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities

This committee works toward a state in which people with disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity and self-determination.

Transition Coalition