Uncategorized

This July, we welcomed our newest Longhorns to E4Texas! The incoming Class of 2027 spent their first summer semester diving headfirst into college life, and what a month it’s been. From move-in day jitters to giving mock testimony at the Texas State Capitol, these students showed us just how ready they are for this next chapter. Here’s a look back at everything they experienced.

Move-In Day and Orientation

It all started with move-in day, when students and their families arrived at Dobie Dorm ready for a big change. Students met their roommates for the very first time, unpacked their belongings, and started settling into their new home on campus. Orientation gave everyone a chance to ask questions, meet staff, and get comfortable before classes began. For many students, this was their first time living away from family, and we could not be prouder of how they showed up ready to learn and grow.

Learning to Live Independently

A huge part of this summer was building the everyday skills that make independent living possible. Students learned how to do their own laundry using the dorm machines (good news: they’re free, no quarters needed!). They practiced getting around campus on their own, figuring out routes, schedules, and how to navigate a busy university. And of course, no orientation to campus life is complete without mastering the dining hall. Students quickly found their way to J2, home of endless soft serve and the beloved Fried Chicken Thursdays.

Exploring Austin and Campus

Getting comfortable on campus was just the beginning. Students also explored some incredible places in and around Austin, including:

• Austin Public Library Central Branch, a beautiful spot to explore books, resources, and community spaces
• JJ Pickle Research Center and TCDS, getting a firsthand look at where so much important disability studies work happens
• Imagine Art, a creative studio where some students may have the opportunity to intern in Spring 2027
• Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL), one of the largest libraries on campus, with a guided tour to help students feel confident finding their way around
• Gregory Gym, exploring campus recreation and fitness spaces available to all students

Guest Speakers Who Inspired Us

This summer, students had the chance to learn directly from incredible advocates and leaders in the disability community, including:

• Chase Bearden of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD)
• Kaelin Rubenzer-Kassam from Lifelong Learning with Friends
• Brooke Hohfeld of The Texas Advocates

These guest speakers brought real-world perspective and inspiration, showing students the many paths available for advocacy, leadership, and community involvement after graduation.

New Classes, New Skills

Alongside all the excitement of exploring campus and the city, students also began building foundational knowledge in the classroom. This summerstudents had the following classes

• Wellness
• Healthy Relationships
• Financial Literacy
• Disability History and Legislative Advocacy

These classes are designed to equip students with the tools they need to thrive, not just during their time at E4Texas, but well beyond graduation.

A Capstone Moment: Mock Testimony at the Texas State Capitol

To wrap up an already unforgettable semester, students put their advocacy skills into action by giving mock testimony at the Texas State Capitol. This powerful experience gave the Class of 2027 a taste of what it means to use their voice, share their perspective, and advocate for issues that matter to them and their community. What an incredible way to close out their first summer semester!

Looking Ahead

From learning to navigate laundry machines to standing up and speaking at the Capitol, this Class of 2027 showed incredible growth in just one summer. We are so excited to see what the rest of their E4Texas journey holds, and we can’t wait to celebrate all the milestones still to come.

Welcome to the Longhorn family, Class of 2027. Hook ’em!

E4Texas is so much more than a program, it’s a community. Behind every class, every campus adventure, and every milestone are the students and staff who make this place feel like home. This summer, we sat down with a few members of our E4Texas family to learn more about who they are, what they love, and what makes them shine. Meet some of the wonderful people who make E4Texas special!

Eli

Eli came to E4Texas to build independent living skills and explore new career options for the future. This summer, Eli’s favorite part was meeting new friends and building connections with fellow students. The library tour and the trip to the Capitol to give testimony were highlights of the semester. Eli has a curious, easygoing spirit and brings great energy to group activities, always up for trying something new.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, who comes to us from the Waco area, has a real passion for art and a signature sense of style – she always dresses professionally even for a casual day of classes. Elizabeth is exploring the idea of studying to become a paraprofessional, drawn to the idea of supporting other students the way she’s been supported. Her thoughtfulness and creativity shine through in everything she does, from her artwork to the way she cares for the people around her.

Zane

Zane, a 2026 graduate of Anderson High School, is the kind of person who makes everyone feel welcome. He loves biking, swimming, playing pickleball, and gaming (FIFA 23 is a favorite). Zane is a friend to everyone he meets and is always the first to greet the front desk attendant at Dobie with a cheerful good morning. Whether it’s helping a fellow student to brighten their day or lending a hand to staff, Zane shows up with kindness every single day.

Suriya

Suriya has her sights set on studying Early Childhood Education, and it’s easy to see why she’d be wonderful in that field. She has a natural gift for making people laugh and is always the first to cheer someone on when they’re feeling nervous. Whether it’s before a big presentation or just a tough day, Suriya brings warmth and encouragement wherever she goes. Her positivity is contagious, and it made this summer even brighter for the whole cohort.

Meet the Staff

Katelyn

Some familiar faces might recognize Katelyn from the Class of 2026 – our Salutatorian! This year, she’s back at E4Texas as a Teaching Assistant, and she spent July living in the dorm offering support to the incoming students.

“I wanted to come back and help because I really enjoyed my time at E4, and it was really nice when Emma was there to help all of us with everything. I felt it would be a really good opportunity for me. My favorite part of the summer was getting to go to the Capitol again and watch the current E4 students do their mock testimony and be confident while doing it.”

Sabrina

Sabrina joined our team in July as an intern and will be with E4Texas through graduation. She is currently a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas Tech University, helping teach Wellness and Healthy Relationships classes this summer, with one-on-one student meetings starting this fall.

Sabrina was drawn to E4Texas because counselors experienced with IDD and neurodivergent clients are hard to find. The work is personal for her since her nephew has autism. Her favorite moment of the summer was watching students give their mock testimony at the Capitol. We are thrilled to welcome a mental health counselor to our team this year.

A Community Built Together

From new students finding their footing to former students returning to give back, E4Texas continues to grow into a place built on connection, encouragement, and shared experience. We are so grateful for every person, student and staff alike, who makes this community what it is.

Stay tuned for more student and staff spotlights throughout the year!

Week 1: Welcome to Your New Adventure

(And Yes, It’s Raining!)

Our summer kicked off with students moving into their new home away from home – and Mother Nature decided to give everyone surprising Austin welcome with all-day pouring rain! But you know what? Our students didn’t let a little (okay, a LOT) of water dampen their spirits. They met our fantastic E4 team, said those tough but necessary goodbyes to families, and discovered the dining hall – including the life-changing revelation that soft-serve ice cream was available with every single meal. (Let’s just say some priorities were immediately established!)

The week wrapped up with a campus scavenger hunt to help navigate the Forty Acres, where they got thoroughly soaked again but created memories that will last a lifetime. Nothing builds friendship quite like navigating campus together in the rain!

Click for caption

Student Chris K. moving into the dorms with help from his family, Students Isabella S. and Katelyn F. completing the campus scavenger hunt in the rain.

Week 2: Disability History, Accessible Art, and Building Our Foundation

Week two brought some gorgeous, yet hot, Austin sunshine as they explored the incredible Landmarks public art collection right here on the UT campus. Our students got to see how art and accessibility intersect in public spaces, sparking conversations that continued throughout the program.

Students also dove deep into Disability History with Joe, learning about the incredible advocates who paved the way for the opportunities our students have today. Speaking of milestones – E4Texas learned about and celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! What better way to honor this landmark legislation than by empowering the next generation of advocates?

This week also marked the beginning of our core E4 classes: Wellness, Financial Literacy, and Healthy Relationships. These foundational courses would prove essential as our students build confidence and skills for independent living.

Week 3: Austin Exploration and Innovation

By the end of week three, our students had become public transit pros! We used CapMetro to venture out and explore Austin, starting with the stunning Central Branch of the Austin Public Library – a space that truly embodies universal design and accessibility. At E4Texas, we want our students to feel welcome and comfortable, not just on UT campus but in their new city. The central library branch was thoughtfully designed to be a beautiful, sunlit space that is accessible for all. We chose this location as a reference that students could look back on when imagining public spaces designed for all, no matter the age or ability.

The other field experiences this week were particularly powerful. Students visited ADAPT and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), where they met advocates who are actively working to create positive change. At Texas Center for Disability Studies (TCDS), they learned about Assistive Technology with Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP), discovering how the right tools can open up whole new worlds of possibility.

Other innovative classes brand new to E4Texas focused on using Digital Literacy and AI as tools to level the playing field for people with disabilities. Our students embraced this technology with enthusiasm, showing once again that when barriers are removed, amazing things happen!

Week 4: Nature, Advocacy, and Finding Our Voices

Our final field-based experience took us to the Austin Nature and Science Center, where we encountered a crow that was bigger than most small dogs, some small, adorable axolotls, and birds of prey that were older than the students! The Austin Nature and Science Center hosts camps and programs for all ages of students and is a perfect example of a unique potential job opportunity where students can utilize their paraprofessional or childcare certifications upon graduation from E4Texas.

But beyond the wildlife encounters, this week was about preparing for something much bigger, disability rights and advocacy. Students focused intensively on legislative advocacy, learning how to research issues, craft compelling arguments, and speak truth to power drawing on their own lived experiences. Our students wrote mock testimony in preparation for our Capitol visit, pushing through nerves to find their voices on issues that matter to them.

The Grand Finale: Our Day at the Texas Capitol

Friday arrived with anticipation, with students energized and dressed in their business casual best as we made our way to the Texas Capitol. The building was buzzing with activity – people had driven from all corners of the state to testify on the proposed redistricting bill, and our students got to witness democracy in action.

What an incredible day it turned out to be! Our students had the opportunity to meet some amazing Texas leaders: US Senate candidate Colin Allred, Texas House Representative Lloyd Doggett, US House Representative Jazmine Crockett, and Texas House candidate Isaiah Martin. Each interaction showed our students that just one voice can make a difference and that advocacy takes many forms.

Then came the moment we’d all been preparing for – testimony time. Did you know public speaking is considered the most common phobia, ranking ahead of death, spiders, or heights? Despite butterflies in their stomachs, the students stepped up to the microphone to deliver their mock testimony. The pride in the room was palpable as they supported one another, cheering on their peers and celebrating each person’s courage to speak up.

The Journey Continues

Looking back on these four incredible weeks, we’re amazed by the growth we witnessed. Our students walked approximately 200,000 steps together (thanks, fitness trackers!), got lost more times than we can count, and always helped each other find the way.

From that first rainy day of move-in to standing confidently at the Capitol podium, our E4Texas students have shown us what’s possible when young adults are given the tools, support, and opportunities they deserve. In just the first 4 weeks, students discovered strengths they didn’t know they had, formed friendships that will last well beyond this summer, and learned that their voices – each unique and valuable – have the power to create change.

Here’s to our amazing E4Texas cohort – you’ve inspired us all, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish over the next year!

As the leaves start to change and the excitement of a new academic year fills the air, E4Texas has been buzzing with activity! With the Fall Semester in full swing at The University of Texas at Austin, our 13 students in the 2024-25 cohort are juggling classes, career certifications, volunteering, and community events. It’s a whirlwind of learning and growth!

Diving into UT Coursework

A cornerstone of the E4Texas experience is engaging with the vibrant academic offerings at UT. Each student is required to enroll in at least one UT class this fall, and the variety is truly impressive! From Intro to Western Music to Cultural Anthropology and Contemporary Moral Problems, there’s something for everyone.

During the first week, our students met with their professors to outline goals for their audit classes, challenging themselves both academically and socially. They’re now diving into weekly classes and discussion sections, and many have already tackled their first exams or major assignments. To help them stay on track, students meet every Monday in small groups with E4Texas staff to discuss assignments, readings, and time management strategies.

Giving Back Through Volunteering

Fridays at E4Texas are all about giving back! Each student takes on the responsibility of finding and applying for volunteer opportunities that support individuals with disabilities in our community.

Some are making a difference with On the Moov, a program designed to assist disabled students in navigating campus life. Others are volunteering at the Lorraine “Grandma” Camacho Activity Center, providing outdoor recreation and cultural art programs for youth and adults in Austin.

Our students are also lending their hands to organizations like Meals on Wheels, Lifelong Learning with Friends, and Special Olympics, truly embodying the spirit of community service and mentorship.

Balancing Social Life and Studies

Even with their busy schedules, our students know how to have fun! From concerts at the Butler School of Music to thrilling UT football and soccer games, the social scene is vibrant. They’ve also enjoyed free film screenings and participated in outings like the ADAPT voter registration event, promoting disability voting rights.

For those looking to meet like-minded friends, there are clubs galore! Whether it’s the Anime Club, pick-up basketball at Gregory Gym, or adapted blazer tag and rock climbing in the Austin area, there’s always something happening.

Stay Connected with E4Texas

With so much going on, it’s an exciting time to be part of E4Texas! We’ll be sharing more updates in our newsletter and blog posts, so be sure to follow us on Instagram @E4Texas to keep up with all the incredible things our students are doing!

Here’s to a fantastic fall semester filled with learning, service, and unforgettable experiences!

Kathleen Hernandez

In today’s dynamic workforce, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported is essential for success. At E4Texas, we understand the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential in their chosen careers. In this post, we’ll explore the significance of providing equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and how our program prepares students for success as they go on to pursue meaningful careers.

Our program offers specialized career training tracks in areas such as personal care attendant, child care attendant, and paraprofessional. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on volunteer experience, and internship opportunities, we equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in their chosen fields.

Despite facing various challenges, individuals with disabilities bring unique strengths and perspectives to the workplace. Through resilience, adaptability, determination, and first-hand experience, they demonstrate their ability to excel in diverse roles. Our curriculum focuses on harnessing a student’s individual goals and strengths, and empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals.

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of our program. We prioritize accessibility in all aspects, ensuring that our facilities and resources are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. By removing barriers and providing accommodations, we create an inclusive learning environment where all students can participate and succeed.

In addition to technical skills, our curriculum emphasizes soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for navigating the modern workplace and building successful careers. Through in-person engagement in out program including navigating campus and the community, completing team assignments, and getting introduced to the workplace setting, we help our students develop the confidence and professionalism needed to excel in any work environment.

Furthermore, research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative, productive, and profitable. By embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities for all individuals, organizations can gain a competitive edge and better meet the needs of their customers and clients.

In conclusion, providing equal opportunities in the workplace for people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do—it also makes good business sense! At E4Texas, we are committed to empowering our students and preparing them for success in the workplace. By harnessing their unique goals and strengths, and providing the necessary support, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.

Kathleen Hernandez

Transitioning from high school to college can be an exciting–yet challenging– time for any student. For those with disabilities, there may be additional considerations and obstacles to overcome. In this post, we’ll explore 7 valuable tips and tools to help students and their families navigate this important transition period and set themselves up for success in their post-secondary education journey.

1. Start Early: Planning for the transition to college should ideally begin well before high school graduation! Encourage students to explore their post-secondary options early on, attend college fairs, and research colleges and universities that offer support services and accommodations for students with disabilities.
2. Know Your Rights: Students with disabilities are entitled to accommodations and support services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It’s essential for students and their families to understand their rights and learn how to advocate for themselves during the college application and enrollment process.
3. Connect with Transition Services: Most high schools have offices or departments dedicated to providing transition support services. Often called “transition specialists,” these professionals work with students, their families, and school staff to develop individualized transition plans that outline goals, services, and activities to support the student’s transition to adulthood. Transition specialists advocate for students with disabilities to ensure they receive appropriate accommodations, support services, and opportunities for post-school success. They also empower students to self-advocate and take ownership of their transition planning and decision-making. Encourage students to reach out to these offices early to learn about available resources and start creating a plan.
4. Develop Self-Advocacy Skills: One of the most important skills students can develop for college success (and life thereafter) is self-advocacy! Encourage students to learn how to communicate their needs effectively, ask for accommodations when necessary, and seek out support when facing challenges.
5. Get Involved: College is about more than just academics—it’s also an opportunity for personal growth and enrichment. Encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, and volunteer organizations that align with their interests and passions while looking into post-secondary options. This will help them build a strong support network, add valuable experience to a resume, and help them stand out in the application process.
6. Touch base with a TWC Counselor: The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) plays a key role in assisting students with disabilities in finding and attending inclusive post-secondary education opportunities through various programs and initiatives. TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation program provides comprehensive services to people with disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain, retain, or regain employment. This includes providing guidance and support to students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to post-secondary education or employment. VR services may include career counseling, job placement assistance, assistive technology, vocational training, and support for higher education expenses. If you are not an existing TWC customer and think you may qualify, you can do a self-referral on the TWC website; click on “Start My VR” to do a self-referral.
7. Utilize ThinkCollege: ThinkCollege.net serves as a valuable resource and support network for students with disabilities (and their families) who are navigating the transition to post-secondary education. The website’s resource library contains a wide range of downloadable materials, including fact sheets, toolkits, and research reports, covering various aspects of inclusive post-secondary education. Students can access these resources to deepen their understanding of relevant topics and gain practical guidance.

Transitioning from high school to college with a disability may present unique challenges, but with careful planning, self-advocacy, and access to support services, students can overcome obstacles and thrive in their college journey. By starting early, knowing their rights, connecting with resources, and developing self-advocacy skills, students can set themselves up for success and make the most of their college experience!

E4Texas Senior Outreach Program Coordinator

Kathleen Hernandez

Join us in celebrating National Caregivers Day on February 16th, 2024! This special day, founded by the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies in 2016, honors the dedicated healthcare professionals who provide long-term and hospice care.

As we commemorate National Caregivers Day, we want to shine a spotlight on the crucial work being done by organizations like ADAPT of Texas to advocate for fair wages for caregivers. Today, some of our E4Texas students are attending the ADAPT of Texas meeting to amplify the voices of caregivers and advocate for equitable pay.

Caregivers (personal care attendants) play a vital role in supporting the aging population and individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives. Many of our E4Texas students graduate from our Personal Care Attendant Career Track and go on to become personal care attendants themselves. Unfortunately, caregivers often face low wages and inadequate compensation for their essential work– in Texas, the starting wage for Personal Care Attendants is just over $8 an hour, with an average hourly pay of $12.38 an hour (ranking 40th out of 50 states nationwide). Advocating for better pay for personal care attendants who play such an important role in society is a cause that’s important to both our program and our students.

ADAPT of Texas is at the forefront of the fight for fair wages for caregivers. By advocating for better pay and working conditions, they are not only supporting caregivers but also ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the quality care they deserve. Fair wages are not just about economic stability; it’s also about recognizing the value of caregivers’ skills and contributions, and enabling them to lead dignified lives.

As we celebrate National Caregivers Day, let’s stand in solidarity with organizations like ADAPT of Texas and continue to advocate for fair wages and better conditions for caregivers everywhere. Together, we can create a future where all caregivers are valued, respected, and fairly compensated for their invaluable work. #NationalCaregiversDay #FairWages #ADAPTofTexas #E4Texas 🌟💙