It takes a village, and that village doesn’t always have to look like our inner circle. When our children have differences or disabilities, organizations are out there to help us carry the load. A strong support system is key for raising a child(ren). Here is a list of resources and organizations for kids with disabilities in El Paso to help you do that and find more support.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for families with children from birth to 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities, or specific medical diagnoses that may impact development. If you reside in Texas and live in El Paso or Hudspeth County and have concerns about your baby or toddler’s development – you can make a referral online or by calling our referral line at (915) 534-4324. To access early intervention services outside this area, click the referral link for more information.
Their mission: ECI assures families with young children with developmental delays that they have the resources and support they need to reach their goals.
Telephone: (915) 534-4324
Emergence Health Network
Emergence Health Network (EHN) provides trauma-informed care centered around the needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral health, and substance use treatment needs. Designated as the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) and Local Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Authority (LIDDA) in El Paso County, EHN offers a wide array of programs at multiple locations throughout the area. EHN is Joint Commission Accredited and recognized as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.
Emergence Health Network
201 E. Main Suite 600
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 242-0555 or 887-3410
Developmental Disabilities – Emergence Health Network
Volar Center for Independent Living
Located in the Sun City of El Paso, Texas, Volar CIL has provided services and support to people with disabilities and their support network for over 34 years. The center is one of 16 CILs in Texas that provides services focused on maintaining or enhancing a person’s level of independence. The majority of individuals working at the center have disabilities. Every staff member will share their lifelong experience and knowledge with those who have recently acquired disabilities, young adults with disabilities, parents, caregivers, and profit and nonprofit organizations.
Their mission: An organization of and for people with disabilities, advocating human and civil rights, community options, and empowering people to live their chosen lives.
Volar Center for Independent Living
1220 Golden Key Circle
El Paso, TX 79925
(915) 591-0800
www.volarcil.org
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources. (This is in no way correlated with Social Security Income.) Adults and children might be eligible for SSI if they have Little or no income, little or no resources, and a disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older.
Social Security Administration Office
600 Texas
El Paso, TX 79901
(866) 964-6229
http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS)
It was created to Administer long-term services and support for people who are aging as well as for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. License and regulate providers of these services and administer the state’s Guardianship program. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) state office headquarters is located at:
3210 Dyer Street
El Paso, TX 79930
Telephone: 877-413-2372 or 1-855-937-2372
http://www.dads.state.tx.us/
Education Service Center Region 19
The ESC exists to educate the community and create opportunities for an improved quality of life. It offers a variety of programs and workshops.
6611 Boeing Drive
El Paso, TX 79925
Phone: (915) 780-1919
http://www.esc19.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esc19
Miracle League of El Paso
The Miracle League is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. New programs include flag football and basketball.
Their mission: The Miracle League is about making new friends, building self-esteem, and being treated just like other kids. To help the athletes, the Miracle League uses a “buddy” system—pairing each player with an able-bodied peer. The resultant bond is beyond imagination.
PO Box 972508
El Paso, Texas 79997
Director: Sandie Sparks Olivar
(915) 779-4770
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 am-2 pm.
https://www.miracleleagueofelpaso.org/
St. Luke’s Heroes
St. Luke’s Heroes provides monthly activities for children with disabilities, such as art and movies. Heroes also trains children for the Special Olympics.
Located at St. Luke Catholic Church
Telephone: (915) 585-0255
930 E Redd Red
El Paso, 79912
navigatelifetexas.org/en/services-groups-events/services/st.-Lukes-heroes
Autism Society of El Paso
The Autism Society envisions individuals and families living with autism to maximize their quality of life, be treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued.
(Inside The Shoppes at Solana)
750 Sunland Park Drive, Suite P06B
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 247-4307
[email protected]
https://www.autismsocietyep.org/
Down Syndrome Coalition of El Paso
Non-profit organization supporting families and friends of people with Down Syndrome. Empower individuals with Down Syndrome. Provide education, support, and resources. Offer their resources to other special needs groups.
Their mission: “The Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso is the result of our desire as parents to create a path to a brighter future for our children. Founded in January 2015, with the tremendous support of the El Paso Community Foundation, the Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso filled a need for community support, resources, and advocacy for families of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual challenges.”
P.O. Box 272
El Paso, TX 79943
Telephone: (833) 372-4375
Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso (dscep.org)
Businesses United for Leadership, Inclusion, and Diversity (BUILD)
BUILD is a nonprofit 501©3 organization. Since its inception, EP BUILD has been recognized with a Proclamation by the City of El Paso, Texas, and with a Resolution by the County of El Paso, Texas, for the work that is being done in addressing employment and access disparities, providing education and increasing disability awareness, including the support of employers in understanding not only the rights of people with disabilities but their rights as employers as well. It finally promoted equal access in our community—El Paso Businesses for Inclusion, Leadership, and Diversity (EP BUILD) advocates for change.
Their mission: “The Mission of BUILD is to serve employers/businesses and people with disabilities to create a community that is the model of inclusion and diversity, working closely with community agencies that serve and work toward the inclusion of people with disabilities. The primary goal for BUILD is to establish a permanent governance structure in the City of El Paso (and surrounding communities) that drives awareness and attention to issues of full access and attitudinal acceptance for all persons, with and without disabilities.”
Telephone: (915) 224-2754
[email protected]
EP Build
Paso Del Norte Children’s Development Center
PDN serves children with disabilities under the age of 18. They offer services such as an inclusive child development center, an early childhood intervention (ECI) program for infants through 3 years of age, and an Inclusive Early Learning Center.
Their mission: “It is the mission of PdN Children’s that we help children with special needs achieve their fullest potential.”
Paso Del Norte Children’s Development Center
1101 E. Schuster Ave.
El Paso, Texas 79902
(V) 915-544-8484
(F) 915-496-0751
http://www.pdnchildrens.org/
Children’s Disability Information Coalition
Provides a Directory to help those who live and work in the El Paso area find agencies that assist children and adults with disabilities. They also offer educational training (ADHD, Autism, Advocacy, Bullying, etc.), information, and support to parents of children with any disability ages 0-25; one-on-one help with preparing for an ARD meeting, understanding your child’s records, communicating with school personnel, etc., and, an annual symposium.
Their mission is “To promote partnerships between parents, professionals, and various agencies to work together to combine resources and to find solutions to problems within the community that are affecting children with disabilities.”
Children’s Disabilities Information Coalition
Community Parent Resource Center
1200 Golden Key Circle, Suite 310
El Paso, TX. 79925
Telephone: (915) 217-2747
www.cdicelpaso.org
Every Little Blessing Preschool
Their lead teachers are certified, use a research-based curriculum, maintain a small student-to-teacher ratio, and are affiliated with the University of Texas at El Paso for speech-language and occupation activities for the students.
Their mission “Our mission is to support the development and independence of children with Down syndrome and children with similar education programming needs, alongside peer role models, using individualized early childhood intervention.”
Every Little Blessing Preschool
7930 N. Mesa Ste. B-7
El Paso, TX 79932
Telephone: (915) 875-0510
Every Little Blessing Preschool | El Paso, Texas
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