Lantern Path Guides — Texas IDD
Resource Library
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Real guides for real families navigating the Texas IDD system. Find what you need — in plain language, at your own pace.
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Begin Your Journey
Start Here
New to the Texas IDD system? These six guides are your foundation.
LP-101
What is IDD?
Learn what Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities means and who qualifies.
LP-102
What is a LIDDA?
Understand the local agency that opens the door to services in Texas.
LP-103
What Is HHSC?
Understand the state agency that oversees IDD services and how it affects your journey.
LP-104
Person-Centered Planning
Discover how your family’s goals shape the services your loved one receives.
LP-105
Who Does What?
Understand the roles of each person and agency in your loved one’s IDD support team.
Coming Soon
LP-106
Texas Acronyms Decoded
Decode the alphabet soup — a plain-language guide to common Texas IDD acronyms and what they mean.
Coming Soon
The Full Series
Foundation Guides: LP-101 through LP-115
The complete series — built for families, caregivers, and self-advocates navigating Texas IDD services.
Foundation Guides · LP-101 through LP-115
The Complete Series
Built for families, caregivers, and self-advocates navigating Texas IDD services.
What Is IDD?
A plain-language introduction to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and what the diagnosis means.
What Is a LIDDA?
Learn what a Local IDD Authority does and how they connect your family to services.
What Is HHSC?
Understand the state agency that oversees IDD services and how it affects your journey.
Person-Centered Planning
How your family’s goals and preferences shape the services and supports you receive.
Who Does What?
A simple breakdown of the roles, responsibilities, and relationships between key players.
Texas Acronyms Decoded
IDD, LIDDA, HHSC, HCS — a friendly glossary of the alphabet soup you’ll encounter.
The Waitlist Explained
What the IDD waiver waitlist actually is, how it works, and what to do while you wait.
Your Rights as a Family
Know your rights in the IDD system and how to advocate for what your family deserves.
Getting a Diagnosis
Navigating the diagnostic process for IDD, from first steps to official documentation.
School to Adult Services
What changes when your child turns 22 and how to prepare for the transition.
Crisis Planning
How to build a crisis plan so your family is prepared when things get hard.
Finding Your QIDP
Who your Qualified IDD Professional is and how to work effectively with them.
HCS vs. TxHmL
Comparing the two main Medicaid waiver programs to help you understand your options.
Moving Between Services
What happens when services change, end, or need to be transferred to a new provider.
Building Your Support Team
How to identify, grow, and strengthen the network of people supporting your loved one.
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