School officials says the state decision to cut federal money likely will hurt their ability to recruit and retain critical staff for students with disabilities.

Bitty & Beau's is more than just a coffee shop, it's a reminder to treat everyone with kindness and respect. With 20 locations in 13 states and counting, their aim is to promote inclusion in the workplace and change the way the world views people with disabilities. Watch their entire interview with Houston Life's Derrick Shore who stopped by for a cup.

A state Medicaid program pays caregivers of intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals living in community-based homes. Families, advocates and providers want lawmakers to increase that hourly pay.

All Texas voters with disabilities have the right to accessible voting options, whether in person or by mail.

A Kingwood family is in fear for their safety while their son is waitlisted for a treatment center to help with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Some children who receive private duty nursing, a more continuous type of medical care in their homes, could lose their ability to live at home if an HHSC rule change goes into effect.

Staffing shortages and mismanaged care can delay when Texans on some Medicaid programs are discharged from hospitals. This can cost the state more and take a toll on patients and caregivers.

Texas’ fertility rose after new abortion restrictions, raising concerns that special education and specialized health care will be stretched even thinner.

Few organizations track the number of disabled individuals trying to access abortion, but abortion providers and groups that help assist Texans obtain out-of-state abortions say they are falling through the cracks.

An endangered missing alert was issued on Saturday for a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities out of Rosenberg, Texas.

The ban applies to all private businesses, including health care facilities like hospitals, which can jeopardize the health of those with compromised immune systems or other underlying conditions.

The few private schools that offer special education for disabled students have strict conditions and are clustered in metropolitan areas.

The Senate’s main “school choice” bill would prioritize vouchers for children with disabilities, among other underprivileged groups. But advocates and parents raised concerns that voucher recipients who choose private school would no longer be protected by federal law.

How have new laws changed accessible parking? How are violations enforced? Here’s what you need to know about parking for people with disabilities.

It's an annual event celebrating the inclusion, diversity, and talent of people with disabilities.

The bipartisan legislation was long sought by advocates for disabled voters, including some of the governor’s own allies.

It’s not just about traffic and construction projects in our What’s Driving Houston initiative. We are also focused on accessibility to popular destinations in our area. Galveston is a big one.

The program also allows special needs learners to use ice skating as a means for developing physical and social skills.

Serving six counties in rural Texas is Inspiration Village. It is a non-profit organization that provides close to 30 people with developmental and intellectual disabilities a place to learn life skills during the day.

Disability rights advocates say the state has not provided enough guidance about the type of help people with disabilities can and cannot receive under new voting laws passed last year.

The extent to which Republicans’ proposed voting restrictions might affect voters of color has received much attention, but Texans with disabilities also face the prospect of new barriers to the ballot box.

Dixon II, President-Elect, NAACP (KPRC)Dr. James W.E. Dixon II is poised to be sworn in as the new President of the Houston Branch of the NAACP. “My vision is to make this organization more relevant, more resourceful and more relatable,” he said in his appearance on Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. See much more on this week’s Houston Newsmakers EXTRA when he says :“The authentic message of the Gospel is a social justice message”“We need more than a poetic message that inspires. Dixon II, President-Elect Houston Branch, NAACP· Website: https://naacphouston.org/· Twitter: @NAACPHOUDee Dee Dochen, Producer ReelAbilities Virtual Concert· Website: https://www.reelabilitieshouston.org/· Website: http://www.dddmc.com/· Twitter: @ReelAbilityHouRhonda Abbott, Sr. VP & CEO TIRR Memorial Hermann· Website: https://www.reelabilitieshouston.org/· Website: https://memorialhermann.org/services/specialties/tirrAd· Twitter: @ReelAbilityHouVernita Harris, Co-Author Pinch-Dash-Done· Website: https://pinch-dash-done.com/· Facebook & Instagram: Pinch-Dash-DoneBeatrice Moore, Co-Author Pinch-Dash-Done· Website: https://pinch-dash-done.com/· Facebook & Instagram: Pinch-Dash-Done

Her name is Toni Hickman and she explained the personal reason why she is using her voice to inspire others. This multitalented singer/songwriter mixes singing, poetry, and rap in the song “Rising Phoenix,” written and performed by herself and fellow disabled artists GeorgeTragic and Keith Jones. Toni Hickman performing at ReelAbilities Houston (ReelAbilities Houston)“I’ve always had this attitude of being stubborn. “Rising Phoenix” is ReelAbilities 2021 Opening Night Film on Feb.16 and Toni Hickman will be performing at ReelMusic, their music event happening on Feb. 24th at 7 PM. All ReelAbilities music, art, and film events are completely free and open to the public, you just have to sign up at ReelAbilitiesHouston.org.

HOUSTON Sports can have positive lifelong effects on a young person's life that go far beyond health or fitness. Thats the case for Skylar Herrera, a soon-to be sophomore whos part of the track and field team at George Ranch High School in Richmond. The 15-year-old has found confidence, a new outlook on life and platform to advocate for people with different abilities. Being in track is really fun. When Im on the track its really freeing to be going that fast.

HOUSTON – A year-round camp in Washington County is changing the way people with special needs experience camp. Camp For All is a 206-acre campus in Burton that specializes in activities for disabled children and adults without any barriers, said President and CEO Pat Sorrells. Sorrells said the camp splits the $1,000 per person cost in half with its 65 community partners. “Campers come here and discover what they can do as opposed to out in the real world what they can’t do. For more information on Camp For All on how to sign up or how to donate, click here.