But for more than 20 years, The Arc of Katy, a nonprofit, has worked to fill that gap with something just as vital: community, consistency and a sense of belonging. What began decades ago as a grassroots effort by local parents has grown into a lifeline for individuals with IDD who are seeking connection and purpose in adulthood.
Located in a donated building on Jordan Ranch Road, The Arc of Katy operates a weekday adult day program that serves 36 participants—and demand continues to outpace capacity, with a waitlist every single day, President Cherie Duddridge said.
What they offer
The Arc of Katy's day program is rooted in enrichment, physical activity and the reinforcement of social skills, Duddridge said. Participants engage in water aerobics at Peckham Park, monthly dances with the local YMCA and social outings such as Houston Astros games—activities that not only encourage physical health but help maintain a sense of inclusion and identity.
“What we find is sometimes people leave the school systems and then they go home, and they’re not stimulated, they’re not interactive,” Duddridge said. “We try to make sure that everyone, all of our participants, can maintain those hard-fought social skills they developed over the 18-plus years they might have been in the school system.”
The growing population in west Houston suburbs like Katy and the growing special education enrollment at Katy ISD has led to a greater demand for post-graduation services for residents, Duddridge said.
While there are six different types of Medicaid waivers available for adults with IDD, once adults age out of Medicaid or their parents' insurance, the waitlist for finding medical services, independent-living options and job placement can last 10-15 years, she said.
“I don’t think the region has kept pace with the need,” Duddridge said. “Waitlists [for Medicaid waivers] are getting longer. Some families can pay out of pocket or take out loans, but not everyone can.”
The organization recently supported the Caytlin Handley Act, which was signed into law May 29 during the 89th Texas Legislature, allowing families to be referred to a local IDD health authority, such as Texana or the The Harris Center, at the time of diagnosis that they should get on the state’s long-term Medicaid waiver waitlist.
The outreach
To meet the evolving needs of the community, The Arc of Katy partners with local organizations and school district transition coordinators in Katy, Cy-Fair, Fort Bend and Royal ISDs, Duddridge said. Additionally, the nonprofit participates in transition fairs and maintains connections with other groups such as Family to Family Network and The Arc of Fort Bend.
The day program serves individuals who can manage self-care such as toileting and function in group settings, Duddridge said. Those with different needs are referred to alternatives such as Kingsland Baptist Church, St. St. Pete's Methodist Church or Everyday Opportunities, which also offer programming for adults with IDD.
When families need services The Arc of Katy doesn’t provide—such as applied behavioral therapy or medical care—staff help connect them with appropriate resources, Duddridge said.
“Everyone has different needs,” Duddridge said. “You’ve met one person with autism, you’ve [only] met one person with autism.”
Looking ahead
Long-term goals include expanding services for medically fragile individuals—which would require facility upgrades and specialized transportation—as well as increasing daily capacity and community outreach, Duddridge said.
This September, Duddridge said the organization is launching a pilot program aimed at individuals on the autism spectrum who may be pursuing jobs, higher education or more independent living. The program, known as Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills, or PEERS—an evidence-based social skills training developed at University of California at Los Angeles—will be led by two trained therapists.
Interested families are encouraged to call 832-754-9802 or email [email protected] for more information, Duddridge said.
“Every human soul deserves the opportunity to be somewhere they belong,” Duddridge said. "We're just going to continue to do whatever we can to serve in the community and do it always at a slow pace with good, high-quality services.”
