Texas Launches New Website — Built by Parents, for Parents — to Help Children with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Interagency Task Force for Children with Special Needs, supported by
the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, today launched a new
website — NavigateLifeTexas.org — to help families who have children
with disabilities and special health care needs.
NavigateLifeTexas.org was built for anyone who needs to find relevant,
comprehensive, and accurate information about services in Texas for
children with disabilities and special health care needs. The site was
designed by parents, for parents, but it’s a valuable resource for
caregivers, clinicians, professionals, and support groups as well. A
Spanish version of the site is at AvancemosJuntosTexas.org.
The website streamlines the process caregivers take to find information
they need to help their loved ones who have special health care needs,
and it covers subjects that range from early diagnosis to adulthood.
“Easier access to current and reliable information will empower more
parents to be effective advocates for their children,” said Donna
McCamant, who serves on the task force. She is also the mother of an
adult daughter with multiple disabilities. “While the website is not an
end-all, it does provide a wide range of information, from how to talk
to your doctor to what transitioning to adulthood looks like. It can act
as a roadmap.”
“NavigateLifeTexas.org provides relevant and reliable information for
parents as well as HHSC staff who are helping parents research
information,” said HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner Patricia Vojack.
The Texas Legislature created the task force and directed it to improve
the coordination, quality and efficiency for the delivery of services
for children with disabilities and special health care needs. The task
force’s top priority is helping parents become more informed and
empowered, which led to the creation of NavigateLifeTexas.org.
Categories on the website include “Diagnosis and Healthcare,” “Insurance
and Financial Help,” “Family Support,” “Education and Schools,” and
“Transition to Adulthood.” Visitors can enter their ZIP code to search
for support groups, services, and events that are specific to their
region. The data provided on the site has been vetted by parents,
physicians, parent organizations, subject matter experts, and state
agencies.
The task force also has launched a statewide education campaign designed
to inform people about the new site. The campaign will culminate August
1, which has been designed “Navigate Life Day.” On that day, families,
businesses, local governments, hospitals, health advocacy groups, and
faith-based organizations across Texas will celebrate children with
disabilities and special health care needs and their families. These
agencies and organizations will also host community outreach events to
spread the word about NavigateLifeTexas.org.
Contacts
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Geoff Wool, 512-424-6951
512-568-2783
(cell)
Geoffrey.Wool@hhsc.state.tx.us
