Facts about Living with
Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities
Population
Did you know…there are an estimated 6,000 residents
with developmental disabilities in Southeast Texas.
Of this population 1,350 of them are from the ages of 5 to 20
years of age; 3,381 of them are from the ages of 21-64 years of age.
Education
Did you know…in 2008, 8,788 students, or 10.9% of
the students in Southeast Texas Public Schools participated in Special
Education programs. When
these students get out of high school where do they go? What do they do?
These are questions the Arc is helping to find the answers to.
Community
Life
Did you know that ……people with developmental
disabilities want to be included in community life in
Southeast Texas, have relationships, live in homes and
communities, and make contributions to their families and the community
they live in? But most of
these services that provide assistance to make choices about where they
live, where they work, and who is in their lives are not available in
our Southeast Texas community.
In 2004 at least 477 people in southeast Texas are on a list to receive these
needed community services.
People on this list wait an average of 8-9 yrs. for these services.
The Arc of Greater Beaumont believes that we can make a
difference by bridging the gaps for our neighbors right here at home.
Texas
Facts
Did you know …. that
Texas
has an “interest” list of people that want to live in their own
community and need services and support?
* This “interest list” in Texas has 37,187 people on it, waiting for
services that will help them live successfully in their own community.
The current wait to receive these services is around 8 – 9 yrs.
*
In 2008,
Texas
is #49 in overall spending for services for people with developmental
disabilities.
*
In
2006 Texas
spent $69.64 per person for someone with a developmental disability.
The national average is $144.93.
Transportation
Did you know… that
people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities that live in Southeast Texas have limited sources for transportation.
In Southeast Texas there are two forms
of public transportation. If
you live within the
Beaumont
City limits you must rely
on the Beaumont Public Transit system.
If you live in Orange County, Hardin
County,
Rural
Western
Jefferson
County, Mid-Jefferson
County cities you
can use transportation services through
South East Texas Transit, a
program of the SETRPC. You
must call 24 hours in advance to make arrangements to be picked up, and
pay a fee each time you use these services.
Imagine relying on other people, having to walk to a bus
stations, or call 24 hours in advance every time you need to go to the
store, to visit a doctor or take in a movie? How would not being able to
drive affect your quality of life?
Bridging
the Gap
The Arc of Greater
Beaumont
provides activities and programs for individuals with developmental
disabilities to help bridge the gap between leaving the public school
system and becoming a part of the adult community.
The Arc provides programs that include: Parent Networking and Support, Arc Summer Day Camps, Fun and Fitness
Events, and Arc Adult Social Clubs, and Self Advocacy.
The Arc’s mission is to help improve the quality of
life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
who live in Southeast Texas. Do you know someone who would benefit
from these services?” If so,
call (409)784-5556 or email
caitlin.kruger@arcofbmt.org
for more information
on how you can help The Arc create endless possibilities for ALL individuals with developmental disabilities and
their families within Southeast Texas!
