Polk County Special Services

10/13/2026

Join us for a free webinar, Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services, on Tuesday, November 10th at 12:15 pm.

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NbXciuGRTJOph_r6DctKHg

This presentation provides an overview of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, with a specific focus on Transition Services for students with disabilities aged 14-22. It explains the purpose of these services, the eligibility criteria, and how they assist students in transitioning from high school to employment and independent living. The presentation also details the five categories of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) mandated by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and provides guidance on how to connect with a VR counselor to begin the process.

Special Guest Presenter: Leigh Ann Godinez, CRC, LPC; TWS-VRS Program Specialist for Transition and Career Pathways

10/13/2026

🎓 Planning for Life After High School Starts NOW!

Families of students receiving special education services, did you know that transition planning is an important part of preparing your child for life after graduation?

The Texas Transition and Employment Guide, updated in 2025, is a helpful resource available through Texas SPED Support that provides information to help students and families prepare for the future.

This resource covers important topics such as:
✅ Transition planning beginning by age 14
✅ Employment and career opportunities
✅ College, training, and education options
✅ Independent living skills
✅ Resources and services available after high school
✅ How families and students can participate in transition planning during ARD meetings

💙 Every student deserves the opportunity to plan for a meaningful and successful future! Understanding the transition process is an important step in helping your child work toward their goals.

📘 Explore resources at Texas SPED Support:
https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov

Families can also contact SPEDTex for additional special education information and support at 1-855-773-3839 or www.spedtex.org.

Polk County Special Services Cooperative is committed to helping families stay informed and connected to valuable special education resources!

State Guidance, ARD/IEP Supports Intensity of Services Special Education Funding Model Resources View Article Add item to list

10/10/2026

Bravo to one of our outstanding member districts on this award.

10/08/2026

Today is World Dyslexia Awareness Day.

Observed each year on October 8, this day provides an opportunity to raise awareness, increase understanding and support individuals with dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling and language processing. It is not a sign of low intelligence or a lack of effort. Every person with dyslexia has a unique combination of strengths and challenges.

With appropriate instruction, accommodations and encouragement, individuals with dyslexia can succeed in school, the workplace and everyday life.

Today, we wear the silver ribbon and join together to promote greater awareness, understanding and inclusion.

10/05/2026

October is Disability History and Awareness Month.

This month is dedicated to increasing awareness, respect and acceptance for people with disabilities while encouraging greater pride within the disability community.

Disability history is an important part of our shared history. It includes the stories of people who challenged barriers, advocated for equal rights, changed laws and helped create more accessible schools, workplaces and communities.

Schools and communities can recognize this month by:

• Teaching the history of disability and the disability rights movement
• Watching educational films and documentaries
• Highlighting individuals with disabilities and their accomplishments
• Providing instruction and events focused on disability history
• Encouraging conversations about accessibility, acceptance and inclusion

At Polk County Special Services, we celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities and remain committed to building schools and communities where everyone is respected, included and empowered.

Wear orange during October and help us learn the history, honor the achievements and build a more inclusive future.

10/01/2026

October is ADHD Awareness Month.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that can interfere with functioning and development.

ADHD may include difficulty with:

• Paying close attention to details
• Sustaining attention during tasks or activities
• Listening when spoken to directly
• Following instructions or completing tasks
• Organizing work and activities
• Beginning tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Managing restlessness or excessive talking
• Waiting, controlling impulses or avoiding interruptions

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed during childhood. Although symptoms often begin in childhood, ADHD can continue through adolescence and adulthood.

ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, laziness, eating too much sugar or simply spending too much time watching television or using electronic devices. Research indicates that ADHD has a strong genetic and neurological basis.

ADHD may look different from one person to another. Greater awareness helps reduce stigma, connects families with helpful resources and empowers people with ADHD to recognize their strengths and receive appropriate support.

Wear orange during October and help us promote understanding, support and empowerment.

09/28/2026

Parents — a new tutoring support opportunity is coming from the Texas Education Agency!
The Parent Access to Supplemental Supports (PASS) program provides eligible families with a $400 online account that can be used to purchase approved tutoring services focused on reading and literacy.
To qualify, a student must:
- Be currently enrolled in a Texas public school
- Have scored “Did Not Meet Grade Level” in reading on the 3rd grade Reading state assessment
Parents can go ahead and create a PASS Portal account now. Once applications open this fall, families will be able to apply. If approved, parents can select an approved tutor and begin receiving support for their child.
📚 If you think your child may qualify, we encourage you to learn more and get your account set up early.
🌐 PASS.TEA.TEXAS.GOV
📧 [email protected]
📞 1-800-656-4199
Please share this information with other families who may benefit!

09/28/2026

📣 WE’RE HIRING! Come join the Polk County Special Services Cooperative team!
We are looking for an Administrative Assistant/Office Manager who is organized, dependable, great with people, and ready to be part of a team serving six local school districts.
⭐ One of the biggest perks — a 4-DAY WORK WEEK!
That means a regular three-day weekend while working in a professional, team-focused environment.
This position works closely with the Director of Special Education and cooperative staff and will help with things such as budgets and financial records, grants, purchase orders, board agendas and minutes, vendor and supply management, travel arrangements, PEIMS reports, audit files, record keeping, and general office operations.
We’re looking for someone who can stay organized, manage multiple responsibilities, communicate well, maintain confidentiality, and be a great teammate. Accounting and advanced administrative experience are preferred, but not required.
If you or someone you know might be a great fit, we would love to hear from you!
📞 Call our office: 936-225-5446
📧 Email Emily Wilson: [email protected]
👉 APPLY TODAY:
https://corrigancamdenisd.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Please share and help us find the next great addition to the Polk County Special Services Cooperative team! 🎉

09/23/2026

September 23, 2026 is International Day of Sign Languages. This is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.

According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are more than 70 million deaf people worldwide. More than 80% of them live in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 different sign languages.

09/21/2026

Did you know the history behind Deaf Awareness Month?

September is widely recognized as Deaf Awareness Month, but its roots stretch back more than 70 years.

On September 23, 1951, the World Federation of the Deaf was founded to promote the human rights of Deaf people around the world.

In 1958, the organization launched the first International Week of the Deaf in Rome, Italy. It is now observed during the last full week of September and brings attention to Deaf culture, sign languages, accessibility, and equal rights.

Another important milestone came in 2017, when the United Nations officially recognized September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages. The first observance was held in 2018.

These observances have helped September become a time to celebrate Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, recognize their accomplishments, and increase awareness of the importance of communication access.

Deaf awareness is about more than hearing loss. It is also about identity, language, culture, community, accessibility, and ensuring every person has the opportunity to fully participate.

We can all help by providing captions, respecting individual communication preferences, supporting access to interpreters and assistive technology, and including Deaf and hard-of-hearing voices in decisions that affect them.

Let’s continue building schools and communities where every person is respected, included, and valued.