For Families

Virtual programming is offered to any parent of a child with a disability no matter where they reside as long as they have access to a the internet. VELA offers limited in-person programming at our Austin location only but parents do not have to live in Austin to access services.

VELA works with families of children with ANY disability. We currently serve families of children ages 0-18 with over 21 different diagnoses including but not limited to autism, down syndrome, dyslexia, ADHD, cerebral palsy and more. If students are enrolled in 18+ programming with an IEP, we might be able to provide support or referral to an adult-focused agency.

No, VELA works with parents to locate therapy providers for their children through a community home health agency and/or request therapies through their child’s school.

No, VELA supports parents whose children are in the evaluation process or who need help obtaining an evaluation through a specialist, their respective school district or charter school. We know that getting an evaluation can take time. So while you wait, you can meet 1:1 with one of our social workers for Case Management, join a Monthly Support and/or enroll in a relevant course.

All courses are 5 weeks long. Virtual sessions are held weekly online through Zoom for 1.5 hours and In-person sessions are held weekly for 2 hours at our Austin location only.

Case management is available for parents who have a child with a disability on a short-term basis and to focus on specific needs. Parents can receive support finding therapies, providers, advice and support in requesting or navigating through special education services and medical care by calling 512-850-8281.

Yes, if you meet the criteria for each of the courses, you can attend as many as your schedule allows. Keep in mind that we require attendance at all five sessions of the course and the first session’s attendance is mandatory.

You can always come back and retake a course if you need a refresher or if there are new diagnoses or additional children in your family with new needs.

VELA offers monthly virtual support groups for any parent who has a child with a disability and you can register to attend here while you wait for the course to start. If you need individualized support to find therapies, resources or with a school related situation, you can call us at 512-850-8281 to find out how to access case management support with our Clinical Social Worker.

You can call our main number 512-850-8281.

No, the courses are for parents and children are not required to attend, especially if they are enrolled in school. VELA offers specialized childcare for parents while they attend the courses with prior registration.

No, all the content in the courses will stay the same. We hold multiple course offerings daytime and evening to accommodate your availability throughout the year.

No. VELA's focus and goal is to prepare you by giving you the knowledge and skills to do this on behalf of your child.

We believe in equitable access to care, and since we are a non-profit organization, our services are free to you. You do not need to show proof of income or have insurance to receive services.

Yes. VELA knows each family's journey is different- you can take a course, or join a support group or get case management or come play at a Family Fun Day. How and what you start with is up to you.