THE INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES NEEDS
COUNCIL OF TARRANT COUNTY
WHO ARE WE?
The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Needs Council of Tarrant County is a
collaboration of public and private agencies, as well as individuals who have IDD and
their caregivers. The organization works to revolutionize the service delivery system in
Tarrant County, Texas, for people with IDD and their families. Its members develop
plans for long-term changes in the system while addressing key issues and providing
immediate solutions where possible. The IDD Needs Council is supported through
membership dues, sponsorships, grants, and private donations.
Its vision is to facilitate the development of a flexible, dependable, accessible and
coordinated network of service and support options that will:
● Bring stakeholders together so their efforts will be unified, coordinated, focused
and more effective
● Identify community problems and recommend solutions that encompass the
Council's vision
● Increase public understanding and acceptance of children and adults with IDD
● Promote opportunities for people with IDD to participate fully in their
community
The Council's long term goal is to create and implement a system of care in which all
providers are "connected" so services are not duplicated. People who need IDD related
services will be able to access them easily from a variety of providers in a seamless
manner that is "hassle-free." They will not have to repeat the same story to numerous
different agencies or fill out duplicate applications and forms. Instead, a seamless
system of care can be accessed with only one phone call that results in connection to
the needed services in a compassionate and timely manner. There are immediate crises
that face services for people with IDD in Tarrant County and the Needs Council works
constantly to address issues that will enhance the current system, while developing and
implementing its long-term goals.
In September 2009, the Executive Directors of The Arc of Greater Tarrant County and
MHMR of Tarrant County met to discuss the gaps in services and the need of children
and adults with IDD as well as their families. It was clear that for too long supports
and services were not coordinated, communication among providers was not effective,
and the network of supports and services was woefully limited. Further it was apparent
that the needs of people with IDD are not well understood or recognized in the
community and that the community was missing the opportunity to improve the quality
of life in Tarrant County by becoming an inclusive community which enjoys the equal
and active participation of an unserved population of people.
A meeting was held with Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley to discuss the need for
such a collaboration. Judge Whitley offered his support and sent a letter to an
extensive array of individuals, groups and organizations, all of whom had a vested
interest in the issues of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in
Tarrant County, inviting them to an initial kickoff meeting. They included local political
& civic leaders, criminal justice professionals, clergy, educators, public & private
provider groups and organizations, and advocates & family members. Mayor Mike
Moncrief was also briefed on the need for the Council and he also offered his full
support and endorsement. An organizational luncheon, sponsored by The Arc of
Greater Tarrant County and MHMR of Tarrant County, was held in November 2009. As
a result of that meeting, over 100 people committed their support and participation in
the development of the IDD Needs Council of Tarrant County.
On January 20, 2010, the first membership meeting was held of the IDD Needs Council
of Tarrant County. 50 people attended, including those who had attended the kick-off
luncheon plus many who had heard of the Council after the luncheon and asked to
become members. As of February 15, an Executive Committee has been formed, four
committees have starting meeting, and the Amon G. Carter Foundation has committed
$50,000 as seed money for The Council. The second membership meeting was held on
March 4, 2010.
