Bill Barry, Rock Haus Foundation administrative director, said one of the most underserved groups in Texas is those diagnosed with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability, or IDD.

The Rock Haus Foundation is a nonprofit organization that prioritizes connecting New Braunfels’ students and transitioning adults diagnosed with an IDD to the resources they need.

“Our job is to help teach them,” Barry said. “To learn and understand what's available and to get our community working together to be able to meet those needs.”

The big picture

Barry said individuals with an IDD have difficulty in learning, language, behavior and physical challenges, not just those with one specific condition.


Employees of the nonprofit host a variety of community events and workshops, which aim to reduce the stigma surrounding those who have an IDD.
Bill Barry is the Administrative Director of the Rock Haus Foundation, which he said began as a 501(c)(3) in 2023. (Andrew Creelman/Community Impact)
Bill Barry is the administrative director of the Rock Haus Foundation, which he said began as a nonprofit in 2023. (Andrew Creelman/Community Impact)
The Rock Haus Foundation offers a variety of enrichment programs, such as music, art and dance classes and social events. The nonprofit also has a parent advocacy group that educates families and provides networking opportunities, Barry said.

Additionally, a service providers coalition brings together healthcare workers in the area to help compile resource guides for families to utilize.

Assessing the need

Barry said the number of students with an IDD in New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD has necessitated the growth of the Rock Haus Foundation.


New Braunfels ISD had 1,481 students utilize special education services in the 2023-24 school year. In the 2024-25 school year that number increased to 1,628 students, according to an email from Michelle Harwood, the district's director of communications.

Comal ISD also saw a similar uptick in students using special education services. In the 2023-24 school year, 4,879 students were using the services, which rose to 5,588 in the 2024-25 school year, according to an email from Salwa Lanford, Comal ISD communications specialist.

“We need to have more things available for our folks,” Barry said.

Bridging the gap between service providers, families and students is just one step in this process, Barry said.


Mapping it out
The Rock Haus Foundation is located at 511 E. North St. in New Braunfels. (Courtesy Rock Haus Foundation)
The Rock Haus Foundation is located at 511 E. North St. in New Braunfels and has plans to expand its campus. (Courtesy Rock Haus Foundation)
In the future, Barry said the foundation has plans to expand with a capital campaign that will help fund the construction of three new buildings—one for more multipurpose activities, another for a skills and socialization center and a new building for administration.

By the end of 2026, Barry said he hopes to have the nonprofit’s main building for activities and events completely renovated and refurbished.

“It’s going to be a place where a parent or caregiver drops a child off, walks in and goes, 'this is beautiful,'" Barry said.

While a timeline is unknown at this time, Barry said the foundation will continue to expand its New Braunfels campus.