REACH helps people with disablities "reach" for independent living.
We are a nonprofit corporation based in North Texas with a dual mission of providing services for people with disabilities so they are empowered to lead self-directed, productive lives and educating the general public about any and all disability-related topics to promote a barrier free community.
In order to accomplish this mission, REACH operates the REACH Resource Centers for Independent Living in Fort Worth, Dallas, Denton and Plano. The centers are resource agencies, not residential programs.
Our Offices
REACH Fort Worth Services Offered
- Information and Referral Services
- Peer counseling
- Training to become a peer counselor
- Skills training on topics such as menu planning, public transportation, time management, budgeting, assertiveness
- Advocacy assistance
- Technical assistance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Home by Choice
- Advice and training on the removal of barriers that people with disabilities encounter
- Loaner equipment like wheelchairs, visual aids, and walkers (as available)
- Social/recreation activities
- Adjustment to disability training group sessions
- Community education on disability-related topics
- Weekly support groups
- Computer Lab
REACH Dallas Services Offered
- Information and Referral Services
- Peer counseling
- Training to become a peer counselor
- Skills training on topics such as menu planning, public transportation, time management, budgeting, assertiveness
- Advocacy assistance
- Technical assistance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Home By Choice
- Advice and training on the removal of barriers that people with disabilities encounter
- Loaner equipment like wheelchairs, visual aids, and walkers (as available)
- Social/recreation activities
- Adjustment to disability training group sessions
- Community education on disability-related topics
- Weekly support groups
- Computer Lab
REACH Denton Services Offered
- Information and Referral Services
- Peer counseling
- Training to become a peer counselor
- Skills training on topics such as menu planning, public transportation, time management, budgeting, assertiveness
- Advocacy assistance
- Technical assistance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Home By Choice
- Advice and training on the removal of barriers that people with disabilities encounter
- Loaner equipment like wheelchairs, visual aids, and walkers (as available)
- Social/recreation activities
- Adjustment to disability training group sessions
- Community education on disability-related topics
- Weekly support groups
- Computer Lab
REACH Plano Services Offered
- Information and Referral Services
- Peer counseling
- Training to become a peer counselor
- Skills training on topics such as menu planning, public transportation, time management, budgeting, assertiveness
- Advocacy assistance
- Technical assistance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Home By Choice
- Advice and training on the removal of barriers that people with disabilities encounter
- Loaner equipment like wheelchairs, visual aids, and walkers (as available)
- Social/recreation activities
- Adjustment to disability training group sessions
- Community education on disability-related topics
- Weekly support groups
- Computer Lab
Funding & Donations
REACH operates its centers with the generous support of grants from HHS and HHSC. However, we also rely on the incredible kindness of donors like you to ensure we can continue serving North Texans with disabilities. One way you can make a difference is by participating in our donor programs, including the fantastic North Texas Giving Day! By considering a donation, you’ll play a crucial role in helping REACH positively impact the lives of individuals with disabilities in our community.
We understand that you may have questions or need more information before making a decision, and we’re here to help! Please don’t hesitate to give us a call, and our friendly team will gladly assist you. Alternatively, you can click the link below to donate and contribute directly to our cause.
Thank you for considering supporting REACH. Together, we can make a lasting difference and create a more inclusive world for everyone.
REACH Board & Emeritus Council Members
Board Officers
Julia C. President
Julia is the Transition Coordinator of a local school district, an experienced speaker on transition- and sibling-related topics, and the proud sister of a brother with autism, Bobby. Julia is passionate about preparing individuals of all ages, as well as their families, for the transition from school-aged entitlement services to the adult eligibility system as well as advocating for change in a state that ranks close to the bottom in support and funding for those with disabilities.
Gerry A. Vice President
Gerry joined the REACH Board in 2021, focusing on advancing access, equity, and inclusion for marginalized groups. With extensive experience, he has audited DEI policies, developed strategies for inclusive workplaces, and currently serves as Workplace Diversity Manager at AMN Healthcare. He previously worked in DEI consulting and managed disability accommodation programs in universities. Altamirano holds a BA in Psychology, and a Master's in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, and is pursuing a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction with a Race, Ethnicity, and Culture focus at the University of Florida.
Gordon M. Treasurer
Gordon has worked for the City of Denton since 1994. His position is Residential Construction Specialist for Community Development, which includes providing accommodations for people with disabilities living in their own homes. He has served on the REACH Board since 2004, serving two terms as Treasurer.
Board Members
Abu Y.
Abu holds both Master's and Doctorate degrees from Texas Women's University, as well as two Bachelor's degrees. He has presented extensively worldwide and is a Paralympic medalist. He has coached national and international championships in wheelchair rugby and has won sixteen national championships in basketball.
LaShaila M.
LaShaila is an adept community advocate and workforce development professional driven by a life-long mission to foster inclusive spaces. She assumed her current role as the Southern Dallas Thrives Initiative Community Coordinator with United Way Metropolitan Dallas in May 2022. This role focuses on raising awareness of community challenges and supporting Southern Dallas County's youth, families, and organizations. LaShaila brings over 13 years of experience serving young adults and families through various government and non-profit agencies. She holds a concentration in community development and urban planning from The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, and she actively partners with local non-profit agencies and community organizations to enhance program awareness and resource connections for North Texas self-advocates and families.
Mary M.
Mary graduated from Kansas Wesleyan and then from the University of Kansas with a Masters's degree in Social Work. I worked in Iowa and Minnesota before moving to Texas where I worked as the Director of Social work in the Department of Psychiatry at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. I also worked as the Social Worker for the Special Education Department for Birdville Schools.
Sarah R.
Sarah is an associate professor of history at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she founded and directs the Minor in Disability Studies. She also co-founded and serves as faculty advisor for UTA Libraries’ Texas Disability History Collection, for which she and Trevor Engel co-curated the Building a Barrier-Free Campus traveling and digitized exhibit. Her book, No Right to Be Idle: The Invention of Disability, 1840s-1930s, was published by the University of North Carolina Press in 2017 and won multiple awards..
Timothy U.
Timothy is a Ph.D. candidate for a doctorate in Healthcare Administration. He has 20+ years of community outreach experience. He is currently the Community Outreach Coordinator for Metrocare Services.