PROGRAMS
Mental Health Programs
NAMI Basics CLASS
The NAMI Basics class is a six-week program for parents and caregivers of children with mental health issues. It covers understanding mental illness, coping strategies, communication skills, treatment options, and advocacy within healthcare and schools, while highlighting self-care. The class is taught by trained individuals with lived experience of mental illness in their own families.”
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUAL)
This is a NAMI parent-led support group designed for caregivers of a minor child with a mental health condition and/or a learning disability. NAMI support groups follow a structured model, ensuring everyone can be heard and receive the support they need. This support group meets on the first Tuesday of each month virtually.
LEARNING DISABILITIES
WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS & TEACHERS
Learning Disabilities Association of Texas (LDATX) leads workshops for EPTSA families and teachers on the most common Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and ADHD, debunking myths, promoting understanding, teaching about the federal laws that impact children with learning disabilities, and how to navigate the special education process.
ARD BUDDY PEER PROGRAM
The ARD Buddy Program is a collaborative support initiative designed to help parents confidently navigate the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process in special education. This program connects families with trained volunteers with personal experience attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
These volunteers, coached and supported by the LDATX, act as guides and emotional allies. They provide valuable insights, share resources, and help parents prepare for ARD meetings by reviewing documents and clarifying important details. Upon request, ARD Buddies can even attend meetings alongside parents to take notes or offer emotional support.
By fostering a sense of partnership and understanding, the ARD Buddy Program empowers parents to advocate effectively for their child's unique needs, promoting informed decision-making and a more inclusive educational experience.
WEBINARS & BOOK STUDIES
The Learning Disabilities Association of Texas will offer a series of webinars focusing on various types of learning disabilities. In these webinars, experts will share insights and practical strategies for educators, parents, and students to better understand and accommodate learning disabilities. Some topics that will be covered include:
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ADHD
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Dyslexia
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Dyscalculia
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Executive Functioning
SYMPOSIUMS
Special Education 101
SPRING 2025
April 22, 2025
Parents, Educators, and Community Leaders are encouraged to join us for this FREE informative symposium featuring experts from the Learning Disabilities Association of Texas (LDATX). Learn about what to do if your child is struggling in school, what the most common Specific Learning Disabilities are, and experience a Dyslexia and ADHD simulation to gain insight and perspective into what a child with a learning disability experiences. Lunch will be provided
SESSION 1
What to Do if Your Child Is Struggling?
Presenters: Drs. Karen Kohler and Kara Mowrey
This presentation guides parents and educators through identifying and addressing learning challenges in students. It emphasizes the importance of family-school partnerships and advocates for active parental involvement in a child's education. The session explores both parent and educator perspectives, aiming to foster collaborative communication and effective strategies. It provides practical advice for parent-teacher conferences, explores different support options such as tutoring versus interventions, and outlines the rights of parents to request evaluations. The presentation also offers resources for families and encourages proactive steps to advocate for children's needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support and achieve academic success.
SESSION 2
Most Common Specific Learning Disabilities and ADHD
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the most common specific learning disabilities (SLDs) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, emphasizing their comorbidity and genetic links. It dispels myths about learning disabilities and ADHD, clarifying that these conditions are not due to poor teaching or lack of effort. The presentation will review remediation strategies for each SLD, such as multisensory instruction for dyslexia, occupational therapy for dysgraphia, and behavioral therapy for ADHD, and concludes with resources for further information and support.