.
Special Education
Special Education
New Braunfels Independent School District provides services to students who require specialized instruction to address their individualized educational needs. These services are designed to support students with disabilities or special learning needs, so they can access the curriculum and meet their full potential.
Department Contacts
Nina Houston
Executive Director
Special Education
830-643-5757
| Heather Jarboe Asst. Special Education Director 830- 643-5718 | Kortney Bridges Special Education Coordinator (830) 643-5712 | Keshia Chaney Special Education Coordinator of Assessment (830) 643-5714 | Lisa Stringer Behavior Specialist 830-643-5717 |
| Pamela Barbosa Behavior Specialist 830-643-5717 | Rachel Ulmer Special Education Coordinator 830-643-5791 | Shandra Medina Special Programs Specialist 830-643-5703 |
Questions?
You can contact the NBISD Special Education Department at 830-643-5757 or via email.
About Special Education
What is
Special
Education?
These disabilities include:
To qualify for special education services, a student must be eligible with at least one of the thirteen disabilities outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). View Disability Conditions and Eligibility Definitions here.
- Autism
- Deaf-Blindness
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Emotional Disability
- Intellectual Disability
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
- Developmental Delay
- Noncategorical
Eligibility Determination
Upon completion of the evaluation, the admission, review and dismissal (ARD) committee will determine whether or not the child is a child with a disability and the educational needs of the child. The local education agency (LEA) will provide a copy of the evaluation report and documentation of the ARD committee meeting to the parent at no cost.
Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES)
2025-2026 School Year PDSES Program Overview: ENGLISH | SPANISH
2025-2026 Application Process for Parents: ENGLISH | SPANISH
Customizable Letter to distribute to parents: ENGLISH | SPANISH
The Texas Education Agency suggests interested parties to go to their website (ENGLISH | SPANISH), and anyone wishing to receive program updates and reminders about this school year’s application window (April 1 to April 30, 2026) can sign up to join the TEA’s Email List.
Continuum of Services
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
- Advanced supports, Support Facilitation, Co teaching, Specialized Support
- Specialized Instructional Behavioral Supports (SIBS)
- Life Skills
- 18-22 Services
- Homebound services.
Supports and Services
- Assistive Technology
- Dyslexia Services
- Extended School Year (ESY)
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Special Education Transportation
- Deaf, Vision and Orientation and Mobility Services
- Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD)
- Transition Planning
For the following services or additional information:
Autism Evaluations: Diagnostician at your local campus
NBSD Campus List
In-Home and Parent Training:
Adrianna Citarella
Coordinator
Extended School Year (ESY) services:
Heather Jarboe
| New Braunfels ISD offers a comprehensive system of “Child Find” in which all individuals birth through 21 who may or may not be in school and who fall within our jurisdiction, regardless of the severity of the disability, will be located, identified and evaluated. Efforts include contact with private, parochial and home schools (if applicable); and public awareness activities. |  |
Special Education Contact Information
- Children under 3 years old – Contact Keshia Chaney, NBISD Coordinator at 830.643.5714 or Camino Real ECI at 1-888-543-5750 for early intervention services.
- Children ages 4-5 (not enrolled in school) – Contact Keshia Chaney, NBISD Coordinator at 830.643.5714 for preschool services.
- School-age children (enrolled in public school) – Contact your child’s school to discuss special education services.
- School-age children (enrolled in private school or homeschool) – Contact Keshia Chaney, NBISD Coordinator at 830.643.5714 for assistance.
Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.003 defines dyslexia in the following way:
“Dyslexia” means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and socio-cultural opportunity.
“Related disorders” include disorders similar to or related to dyslexia, such as developmental spelling disability.
The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia in the following way:
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge (Adopted by the International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors, November 12, 2002).
NBISD Dyslexia Program
New Braunfels ISD is committed to supporting students with dyslexia through a comprehensive intervention program. To achieve this goal, the district has implemented Reading By Design as their dyslexia intervention program. This program is a systematic, multisensory approach to literacy development that is aligned with research-based practices.
Reading By Design provides an intensive, explicit, and cumulative approach to remediating reading and writing skills at all grade levels. This intervention program is designed to provide targeted instruction and support to students with dyslexia to help them develop the foundational literacy skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
With this program, students receive the individualized instruction and support they need to build the literacy skills they need to succeed. The district is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their learning differences.
TEA Dyslexia and Related Disorders
NBISD Dyslexia Parent Resources
- Texas Dyslexia Handbook, 2024 Update (effective June 30, 2024)
- Manual Sobre Dislexia, 2024 (español) (efectiva el 30 de junio de 2024)
- Texas Talking Book Program
- Region XX Education Center
- Learning Ally
- Technology Integration for Students with Dyslexia
- International Dyslexia Association
- Yale Center for Dyslexia
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- Understood.org
- For children referred prior to age three as a referral through an early intervention program while receiving services through ECI, special education services must be made available to the child on his or her third birthday if the child is found eligible.
- A child who is four years old on or before September 1st and meets district pre-kindergarten requirements may enroll in the district’s pre-kindergarten program. Certain guidelines must be met for pre-kindergarten attendance.
- A student must be five years of age on or before September 1st to participate in the district’s kindergarten program.
- If the child is to be evaluated by our Assessment Team for Preschool Children, the child participates in a screening and the parent completes appropriate referral paperwork, notice and consent. Based on the referral information, the assessment will be assigned to an assessment team or a speech-language pathologist. The evaluation team and/or the SLP completes the evaluation.
The NBISD Gateway Transition Program serves students with special needs who have completed all High School requirements. Students participation at Gateway will be determined by the IEP committee. The program is designed to help our students with life after high school through an alternative vocational/career curriculum. Students will participate in job training opportunities in the community with minimal supervision.
Phone: (830) 626-5650
Address: 511 E North St, New Braunfels, TX
A referral for the Homebound program may be made if a NBISD student is experiencing significant medical problems that will prevent regular school attendance for an extended period of time. All referrals to the Homebound program must be accompanied by a physician’s statement of eligibility for Homebound services. Referrals to the Homebound program should be made as soon as the physician anticipates an extended absence. Several requirements must be fulfilled before a student can be enrolled in the Homebound program:
The parent must complete required district forms requesting consideration for Homebound services. The parent must give consent for the district to contact the student’s physician.
- The physician must complete required medical forms documenting that the student’s disability/illness/injury is so severe that the student is unable to attend school for a minimum of four school weeks.
- Once paperwork has been completed, a referral for evaluation is made to the Section 504 Campus Coordinator and all Section 504 Procedures are followed. If the student is served in Special Education, then an ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee) convenes and Special Education procedures are followed.
The Homebound program of instruction is designed to help students keep up with their schoolwork during their absence so that the student can return to school. When the physician has determined that the student is medically able to return to school, a medical release must be obtained prior to the reentry into the home campus.
Homebound Contact:
Adrianna Citarella
830.643.5745
Related services can include, but are not limited to:
- Audiology
- Counseling Services
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Parent Counseling and Training
- Adaptive Physical Education
- School Health Services
- Transportation
- In-Home Training
If you are interested in picking up a copy of Special Education records, please, call the Special Education Records Office to request records:
Elva Luna
830.643.5757
OFFICE HOURS:
8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday
Allow two business days for processing.
Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records
This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of New Braunfels Independent School District’s intent to destroy the special education records. The records of students whose special education services ended due to graduation, completion his/her educational program at age 22, mastering of goals and objectives, or moving from the district during the 2013 – 2014 school year will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise.
After seven years the records are no longer useful to the district and may be destroyed, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. Beginning in 2010 the law changed and we are now only required to maintain the records for a period of five years after services end. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records in writing or in person at the following address:
Child Find: The New Braunfels Independent School District’s Special Education Department provides services for children ages 3 through 21; from birth through 5 years for visual or auditory impairment, who reside in NBISD or attend a private school in NBISD and are suspected of having disabilities such as speech/language, motor, physical, etc. For further information, please contact the following address:
Special Education Department
1000 N. Walnut Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830 643 5757
 | Important Links: |
“Language” includes both receptive language, or what a child comprehends, and expressive language, or what a child communicates verbally.
New Braunfels ISD provides speech-language services to children aged 3-22 who exhibit a “speech impairment.”
A “speech impairment” refers to a communication disorder that negatively impacts a child’s educational performance, such as stuttering, difficulty with articulation, language disorders, or voice disorders.
To determine eligibility for speech-language services, New Braunfels ISD considers information from a range of sources, including parent referrals, observations, and evaluations by certified speech-language pathologists.
How to Make a Referral for Speech-Language Therapy Services.
To make a referral or obtain additional information, contact your local campus or call 830-643-5757
- Assessing the student’s transition preferences, needs, strengths, and interests;
- Providing instruction;
- Offering related services;
- Providing opportunities for community experiences;
- Preparing for employment; and, if required,
- Conducting vocational evaluations;
- Developing daily living skills; and
- Connecting with community agencies.
Who provides services to students with vision impairments?
A Teacher of the Visually Impaired, who has:
- A degree in special or general education
- Certification in vision impairments
- Specialized training in Braille and technology
An Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M), who has:
- A degree in a related field (e.g., Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Rehabilitation Teaching Low Vision Specialist)
- Completed all O&M core curricula
- One year of full-time experience in O&M
Important Links:
Parent Resources
View guidance on ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) from the TEA below.
We are in need of Surrogate Parents
 | What is a Surrogate Parent? The Individual with disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) requires that state and local school systems involve parents in decisions regarding their child’s needs. In cases where the child has no parents, none can be located, or the child is a ward of the state, a parent surrogate must be appointed to represent the child and protect the child’s rights in matters relating to identification, evaluation, and placement in a special education program. A surrogate parent must also complete required training regarding special education laws, rules, to a child with disability and be willing to put in the time to adequately represent the best interests of the child. |
The Special Education Department of New Braunfels Independent School District is looking for Surrogate Parents. If you or someone you know would like to serve in this voluntary role for our students, please contact Heather Jarboe (830) 643-5718.
- Austin Resource Guide
- Center for Learning Disabilities
- Disability Rights
- 83rd Legislature: Texans Care for Children
- Governor’s Committee
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Legal Framework
- National Down Syndrome Association
- Partners Resource Network
- Procedural Safeguards (English)
- Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)
- SPEDTex – Special Education Information Center
- Texas Parent to Parent
- Region 13
- Texas Education Agency
SEPAC
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
Establishing Committee:
Principals appointed one representative to serve on the district-wide committee. This year a Facebook page has also been created to increase the support and awareness of the group to the families of students in special education for NBISD. The twelve member group included parents from a variety of backgrounds with students having various disabilities and instructional settings. Members of the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) will represent each campus in the school district, not just their child. Now parents will be asked to also serve the NBISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee if they choose and possibly the NBISD Parent Advisory Committee. Please contact the Special Education office if you have any further questions.
Purpose of the Committee:
The purpose of the NBISD SEPAC is to collaborate and create a partnership between the district and parents so that communication, action, and positive progress can result in benefit for the special education community in NBISD. This committee will allow for opportunities for parents to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions regarding the education of NBISD’s special education children.
Information:
Chairperson:
Sharon Carlson
Required Links
Resources on Special Education in Texas
This resource provides Texas families with information regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Dyslexia, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Delayed or Denied Evaluations & Compensatory Services
These resources are TEA-developed document intended to assist parents whose children may have been previously delayed or denied an evaluation under the IDEA in requesting compensatory services for their child
- Delayed or Denied Evaluations & Compensatory Services (English)
- Evaluaciones Retrasadas o Denegadas & Servicios Compensatorios (Spanish)
Student Handbook Statement
- Student Handbook Statement: English | Texas Education Agency
- Student Handbook Statement: Spanish | Texas Education Agency
Texas Transition and Employment Guide
Resources that have been created by the Student-Centered Transitions Network (SCTN) to assist educators with implementing quality transition services for students with disabilities.
- Texas Transition and Employment Guide (English)
- Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Spanish)
SB 139 Notice to Families
IDEA, Dyslexia, MTSS, and Section 504
Compensatory Services
Dyslexia Handbook
Special Education
Special Education
New Braunfels Independent School District provides services to students who require specialized instruction to address their individualized educational needs. These services are designed to support students with disabilities or special learning needs, so they can access the curriculum and meet their full potential.
Department Contacts
Heather Jarboe
Asst. Special Education Director
830- 643-5718
Lisa Stringer
Behavior Specialist
830-643-5717
Rachel Ulmer
Special Education Coordinator
830-643-5791
Shandra Medina
Special Programs Specialist
830-643-5703
Kortney Bridges
Special Education Coordinator
(830) 643-5712
Keshia Chaney
Special Education Coordinator of Assessment
(830) 643-5714
Pamela Barbosa
Behavior Specialist
830-643-5717
Questions?
You can contact the NBISD Special Education Department at 830-643-5757 or via email.
About Special Education
What is Special Education?
To qualify for special education services, a student must be eligible with at least one of the thirteen disabilities outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). View Disability Conditions and Eligibility Definitions here.
These disabilities include:
- Autism
- Deaf-Blindness
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Emotional Disability
- Intellectual Disability
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
- Developmental Delay
- Noncategorical
Eligibility Determination
Upon completion of the evaluation, the admission, review and dismissal (ARD) committee will determine whether or not the child is a child with a disability and the educational needs of the child. The local education agency (LEA) will provide a copy of the evaluation report and documentation of the ARD committee meeting to the parent at no cost.
Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES)
2025-2026 School Year PDSES Program Overview: ENGLISH | SPANISH
2025-2026 Application Process for Parents: ENGLISH | SPANISH
Customizable Letter to distribute to parents: ENGLISH | SPANISH
The Texas Education Agency suggests interested parties to go to their website (ENGLISH | SPANISH), and anyone wishing to receive program updates and reminders about this school year’s application window (April 1 to April 30, 2026) can sign up to join the TEA’s Email List.
Continuum of Services
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
- Advanced supports, Support Facilitation, Co teaching, Specialized Support
- Specialized Instructional Behavioral Supports (SIBS)
- Life Skills
- 18-22 Services
- Homebound services.
Supports and Services
- Assistive Technology
- Dyslexia Services
- Extended School Year (ESY)
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Special Education Transportation
- Deaf, Vision and Orientation and Mobility Services
- Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD)
- Transition Planning
New Braunfels Independent School District serves over 160 students who meet eligibility as a student with an autism spectrum disorder. These students are enrolled throughout the district in many different settings.
For the following services or additional information:
Autism Evaluations: Diagnostician at your local campus
NBSD Campus List
In-Home and Parent Training:
Adrianna Citarella
Coordinator
Extended School Year (ESY) services:
Heather Jarboe
| New Braunfels ISD offers a comprehensive system of “Child Find” in which all individuals birth through 21 who may or may not be in school and who fall within our jurisdiction, regardless of the severity of the disability, will be located, identified and evaluated. Efforts include contact with private, parochial and home schools (if applicable); and public awareness activities. | |
Special Education Contact Information
- Children under 3 years old – Contact Keshia Chaney, NBISD Coordinator at 830.643.5714 or Camino Real ECI at 1-888-543-5750 for early intervention services.
- Children ages 4-5 (not enrolled in school) – Contact Keshia Chaney, NBISD Coordinator at 830.643.5714 for preschool services.
- School-age children (enrolled in public school) – Contact your child’s school to discuss special education services.
- School-age children (enrolled in private school or homeschool) – Contact Keshia Chaney, NBISD Coordinator at 830.643.5714 for assistance.
Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.003 defines dyslexia in the following way:
“Dyslexia” means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and socio-cultural opportunity.
“Related disorders” include disorders similar to or related to dyslexia, such as developmental spelling disability.
The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia in the following way:
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge (Adopted by the International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors, November 12, 2002).
NBISD Dyslexia Program
New Braunfels ISD is committed to supporting students with dyslexia through a comprehensive intervention program. To achieve this goal, the district has implemented Reading By Design as their dyslexia intervention program. This program is a systematic, multisensory approach to literacy development that is aligned with research-based practices.
Reading By Design provides an intensive, explicit, and cumulative approach to remediating reading and writing skills at all grade levels. This intervention program is designed to provide targeted instruction and support to students with dyslexia to help them develop the foundational literacy skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
With this program, students receive the individualized instruction and support they need to build the literacy skills they need to succeed. The district is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their learning differences.
Provides services to eligible 3, 4, and 5-year-old children with disabilities in Early Childhood Special Education.
- For children referred prior to age three as a referral through an early intervention program while receiving services through ECI, special education services must be made available to the child on his or her third birthday if the child is found eligible.
- A child who is four years old on or before September 1st and meets district pre-kindergarten requirements may enroll in the district’s pre-kindergarten program. Certain guidelines must be met for pre-kindergarten attendance.
- A student must be five years of age on or before September 1st to participate in the district’s kindergarten program.
- If the child is to be evaluated by our Assessment Team for Preschool Children, the child participates in a screening and the parent completes appropriate referral paperwork, notice and consent. Based on the referral information, the assessment will be assigned to an assessment team or a speech-language pathologist. The evaluation team and/or the SLP completes the evaluation.
The NBISD Gateway Transition Program serves students with special needs who have completed all High School requirements. Students participation at Gateway will be determined by the IEP committee. The program is designed to help our students with life after high school through an alternative vocational/career curriculum. Students will participate in job training opportunities in the community with minimal supervision.
Phone: (830) 626-5650
Address: 511 E North St, New Braunfels, TX
Homebound instruction is a service provided through New Braunfels ISD for students whose medical difficulties are so severe that the student is unable to attend school.
A referral for the Homebound program may be made if a NBISD student is experiencing significant medical problems that will prevent regular school attendance for an extended period of time. All referrals to the Homebound program must be accompanied by a physician’s statement of eligibility for Homebound services. Referrals to the Homebound program should be made as soon as the physician anticipates an extended absence. Several requirements must be fulfilled before a student can be enrolled in the Homebound program:
The parent must complete required district forms requesting consideration for Homebound services. The parent must give consent for the district to contact the student’s physician.
- The physician must complete required medical forms documenting that the student’s disability/illness/injury is so severe that the student is unable to attend school for a minimum of four school weeks.
- Once paperwork has been completed, a referral for evaluation is made to the Section 504 Campus Coordinator and all Section 504 Procedures are followed. If the student is served in Special Education, then an ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee) convenes and Special Education procedures are followed.
The Homebound program of instruction is designed to help students keep up with their schoolwork during their absence so that the student can return to school. When the physician has determined that the student is medically able to return to school, a medical release must be obtained prior to the reentry into the home campus.
Homebound Contact:
Adrianna Citarella
830.643.5745
Related Services are developmental, corrective, or other supportive services that are required to assist a student with a disability to benefit from special education. Related service must be related to a disability or handicapping condition.
Related services can include, but are not limited to:
- Audiology
- Counseling Services
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Parent Counseling and Training
- Adaptive Physical Education
- School Health Services
- Transportation
- In-Home Training
Information for the Regional Day School for the Deaf is coming soon.
Records for students still receiving special education services remain on the home campus with the diagnostician and/or speech pathologist.
If you are interested in picking up a copy of Special Education records, please, call the Special Education Records Office to request records:
Elva Luna
830.643.5757
OFFICE HOURS:
8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday
Allow two business days for processing.
Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records
This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of New Braunfels Independent School District’s intent to destroy the special education records. The records of students whose special education services ended due to graduation, completion his/her educational program at age 22, mastering of goals and objectives, or moving from the district during the 2013 – 2014 school year will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise.
After seven years the records are no longer useful to the district and may be destroyed, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. Beginning in 2010 the law changed and we are now only required to maintain the records for a period of five years after services end. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records in writing or in person at the following address:
Child Find: The New Braunfels Independent School District’s Special Education Department provides services for children ages 3 through 21; from birth through 5 years for visual or auditory impairment, who reside in NBISD or attend a private school in NBISD and are suspected of having disabilities such as speech/language, motor, physical, etc. For further information, please contact the following address:
Special Education Department
1000 N. Walnut Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830 643 5757
| Important Links: |
The term “Speech” encompasses the formation and arrangement of sounds, the rhythm and cadence of speaking, and the pitch and quality of one’s voice.
“Language” includes both receptive language, or what a child comprehends, and expressive language, or what a child communicates verbally.
New Braunfels ISD provides speech-language services to children aged 3-22 who exhibit a “speech impairment.”
A “speech impairment” refers to a communication disorder that negatively impacts a child’s educational performance, such as stuttering, difficulty with articulation, language disorders, or voice disorders.
To determine eligibility for speech-language services, New Braunfels ISD considers information from a range of sources, including parent referrals, observations, and evaluations by certified speech-language pathologists.
How to Make a Referral for Speech-Language Therapy Services.
To make a referral or obtain additional information, contact your local campus or call 830-643-5757
Transition is an ongoing process that develops over time, with goals evolving and changing as the student matures and gains new perspectives. Transition planning should concentrate on these essential components:
- Assessing the student’s transition preferences, needs, strengths, and interests;
- Providing instruction;
- Offering related services;
- Providing opportunities for community experiences;
- Preparing for employment; and, if required,
- Conducting vocational evaluations;
- Developing daily living skills; and
- Connecting with community agencies.
Who provides services to students with vision impairments?
A Teacher of the Visually Impaired, who has:
- A degree in special or general education
- Certification in vision impairments
- Specialized training in Braille and technology
An Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M), who has:
- A degree in a related field (e.g., Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Rehabilitation Teaching Low Vision Specialist)
- Completed all O&M core curricula
- One year of full-time experience in O&M
Important Links:
SEPAC
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
Establishing Committee:
Principals appointed one representative to serve on the district-wide committee. This year a Facebook page has also been created to increase the support and awareness of the group to the families of students in special education for NBISD. The twelve member group included parents from a variety of backgrounds with students having various disabilities and instructional settings. Members of the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) will represent each campus in the school district, not just their child. Now parents will be asked to also serve the NBISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee if they choose and possibly the NBISD Parent Advisory Committee. Please contact the Special Education office if you have any further questions.
Purpose of the Committee:
The purpose of the NBISD SEPAC is to collaborate and create a partnership between the district and parents so that communication, action, and positive progress can result in benefit for the special education community in NBISD. This committee will allow for opportunities for parents to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions regarding the education of NBISD’s special education children.
Information:
Chairperson:
Sharon Carlson
Email
Parent Resources
View information from The Arc (Advocating Inclusion for Texans) below.
View guidance on ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) from the TEA below.
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
Establishing Committee:
Principals appointed one representative to serve on the district-wide committee. This year a Facebook page has also been created to increase the support and awareness of the group to the families of students in special education for NBISD. The twelve member group included parents from a variety of backgrounds with students having various disabilities and instructional settings. Members of the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) will represent each campus in the school district, not just their child. Now parents will be asked to also serve the NBISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee if they choose and possibly the NBISD Parent Advisory Committee. Please contact the Special Education office if you have any further questions.
Purpose of the Committee:
The purpose of the NBISD SEPAC is to collaborate and create a partnership between the district and parents so that communication, action, and positive progress can result in benefit for the special education community in NBISD. This committee will allow for opportunities for parents to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions regarding the education of NBISD’s special education children.
Information:
Chairperson:
Sharon Carlson
We are in need of Surrogate Parents
What is a Surrogate Parent?
The Individual with disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) requires that state and local school systems involve parents in decisions regarding their child’s needs. In cases where the child has no parents, none can be located, or the child is a ward of the state, a parent surrogate must be appointed to represent the child and protect the child’s rights in matters relating to identification, evaluation, and placement in a special education program. A surrogate parent must also complete required training regarding special education laws, rules, to a child with disability and be willing to put in the time to adequately represent the best interests of the child.
The Special Education Department of New Braunfels Independent School District is looking for Surrogate Parents. If you or someone you know would like to serve in this voluntary role for our students, please contact Heather Jarboe (830) 643-5718.
View the Texas Project First website, which provides Accurate and Consistent Information on the Special Education Process.
- Austin Resource Guide
- Center for Learning Disabilities
- Disability Rights
- 83rd Legislature: Texans Care for Children
- Governor’s Committee
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Legal Framework
- National Down Syndrome Association
- Partners Resource Network
- Procedural Safeguards (English)
- Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)
- SPEDTex – Special Education Information Center
- Texas Parent to Parent
- Region 13
- Texas Education Agency
Required Postings
Resources on Special Education in Texas
This resource provides Texas families with information regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Dyslexia, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Delayed or Denied Evaluations & Compensatory Services
These resources are TEA-developed document intended to assist parents whose children may have been previously delayed or denied an evaluation under the IDEA in requesting compensatory services for their child
- Delayed or Denied Evaluations & Compensatory Services (English)
- Evaluaciones Retrasadas o Denegadas & Servicios Compensatorios (Spanish)
Student Handbook Statement
- Student Handbook Statement: English | Texas Education Agency
- Student Handbook Statement: Spanish | Texas Education Agency
Texas Transition and Employment Guide
Resources that have been created by the Student-Centered Transitions Network (SCTN) to assist educators with implementing quality transition services for students with disabilities.
- Texas Transition and Employment Guide (English)
- Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Spanish)
SB 139 Notice to Families
IDEA, Dyslexia, MTSS, and Section 504
Compensatory Services
Dyslexia Handbook
