The Right to Learn service is designed to provide comprehensive support and tools that empower parents to advocate for their children and help students learn to self-advocate when needed. Our service is dedicated to helping students ages 3 to 21 with disabilities obtain and maintain educational and/or therapeutic/supplemental services eligible for special education services in public schools.
In order to receive our services, the family must have a current membership with The Arc of Harris County. Services to other counties or cities are determined on a case-by-case basis. While we are a nonprofit organization, we understand that one size does not fit all. Therefore, we determine the cost of our advocacy services based on your annual income and household composition to ensure it is affordable for you.
To access our services, you will be guided through the following steps. We are here to support you at every stage of the process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
See the table below to see if you qualify for the hourly rate set for those who fall under the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To be eligible for the $15 hourly rate, you must provide proof of your monthly income or provide us with official documents that you receive social benefit assistance (SSI, SNAP, HOUSING).
| Monthly Income |
| Hourly Fee: $15 |
| Family Size |
Max Income |
| 2 |
$ 901.67 |
| 3 |
$1,138.33 |
| 4 |
$1,375.00 |
| 5 |
$1,611.67 |
| 6 |
$1,848.33 |
If you do not meet the federal poverty guidelines, we offer a sliding scale based on your income and family composition. To determine the appropriate hourly fee for your situation, please click the following link to view the 2026 sliding scale; sliding scale
If you decide to retain our services and are not yet a member of the Arc of Harris County or need to renew your membership, please select Yes in the question below and pay for the membership. As a member, you'll have access to a range of resources and support, including our advocacy services and social and leisure programs. For more information, visit our website: www.thearchouston.org
If you simply want to consult an advocate or ask a question we can answer via email, please select No for the membership payment question and complete the form that follows. Including inquiries related to the sliding scale.
To begin receiving Right to Learn Advocacy services for your child, please complete the membership payment. You will then receive the documents package to open your child's case record.
This document package provides the advocate with the necessary information to begin providing services. You will also be required to sign a service agreement that outlines your responsibilities as a client as well as our responsibilities as your child's advocates.
Ultimately, you will sign a consent form for the advocate to have your authorization to communicate with the TEA, ISD, and school personnel on your and your child's behalf.