Advocates for Special People, Inc.

When a child reaches 22 years old, most school district and government provided education and socialization programs are no longer available as the child "ages out" of their courses. To address these unmet needs, parents of young adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) formed Advocates for Special People (ASP) in 1997. Their goal was to offer opportunities for their special needs adult children to participate in mentally and physically challenging activities with peers and the community.

In 2001, ASP incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the quality of life of adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families by providing programs for socialization, recreation and habilitation. Since 2003, ASP has offered the Special Connexion program, a "dayhab" for adults with IDD (ages 18+). To meet the growing needs of Arlington, in 2006 ASP opened a second location in north Arlington, a third location in October 2013 that resides in downtown Arlington, a fourth location in June 2022 in Southeast Arlington, and a fifth location in July 2025 in Kennedale.

Advocates for Special People, Inc. trains and supports special athletes in our athletics program called The Arlington Eagles. We have approximately 75 athletes who are trained by our 20+ volunteer coaches. Our athletes are trained in bowling, volleyball, basketball, top golf, bocce, softball, as well as athletics (track and field). They compete in Special Olympic competitions at the area and state levels and have won many medals. The Volleyball team was selected to chosen to represent Texas at the USA Special Olympic Games in June 2026! We support them by furnishing their uniforms, paying their expenses for travel, lodging and food, and most importantly, we are on the sidelines cheering for our teams and individuals. 

We also have a Scout Troop!  This is the only troop dedicated to scouting for people with intellectual disabilities in the Longhorn Council which includes 23 counties. This troop consists of people of all ages which allows scouts with special needs to grow in character and scout skills at their own pace. In fact, one of our scouts earned his Eagle Award at age 50!

ASP's qualified and passionate staff average experience 3.5 years (new to 13 years) and its committed volunteer Board of Directors average experience 8.3 years (range 1 to 17 years) in leading the strategic direction of the organization and managing program operations. ASP hired an Executive Director (ED) in February 2014. ASP has received and managed CDBG grant funds since 2004. ASP purchased their first van to transport clients on field trips, outings and to events in 2008, now owning and managing a fleet of 13 vehicles.

Our Needs

Operational funding needed to offset additional expenses associated with growth and enhanced programming for Arlington and DFW area adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Operational funds needed to assist in training and development of staff and adults clients with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD)