Representative John Raney (Bryan) announced that the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities awarded $75,000 for the first year of a project by Texas A&M University. This three-year project will establish a leadership and advocacy program for youth who have disabilities or are at risk for dropping out of high school, as well as parents in Brazos County.

“A&M plans to help about 47 high school students with disabilities who receive special education,
20 other students at risk of dropping out and 35 parents each year,” Raney said. The students will receive training at school and complete leadership projects in their school and community. Parents will learn how to promote leadership and advocacy skills for children with disabilities.

TCDD is a 27-member board, dedicated to improving the lives of more than 475,000 Texans with developmental disabilities. The council uses a variety of activities – such as grant projects, technical assistance, public awareness and leadership training – to enable people with disabilities to live and participate in the community and to exercise choice over key aspects of their lives. Developmental disabilities are severe, chronic disabilities that occur before the age of 22, such as autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy.

More information on TCDD and its projects is at http://www.txddc.state.tx.us or call (800) 262-0334.