Important Updates & Information 

Consolidation Information for Students Receiving Special Education Services

Please review the following draft AISD Consolidation Plan and District Wide Boundary Changes for up to date information. As noted in the document, students will continue to receive  the services listed in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This includes support like speech therapy, counseling, occupational or physical therapy, dyslexia help, personal care, assistive technology, and transportation. If your child needs to attend a different school for services, an ARD meeting will be held before the school year ends to make that decision. 

What to Expect:

Spring 2026: ARD meetings will be held if your child needs services at a new school.

Summer 2026: Families will receive a welcome email by August 1 with a chance to meet your child’s new case manager and visit the school.

In the 2026–2027 school year, special education teachers, TAs, and related service providers will be assigned to schools based on student needs. At this time, no reduction in special education staff is expected.

FAQs

• If my school is closing, when will I meet my students' new case manager? By August 2026, your child’s new principal will email information for an in-person opportunity for you and your child to tour the campus and meet your child’s case manager.

• Will transportation services continue as they are now? Transportation for students with disabilities, including specialized transportation outlined in an IEP or 504 Plan, will continue without interruption. The special education and transportation teams are partnering to ensure services are in place on the first day of school. 

• Will there be a reduction of special education teachers or Teaching Assistant (TA) positions staffing at campuses in SY 26-27? At this time, no reduction in current special education Teacher or TA positions is anticipated. Special education teachers, teacher assistants, and related service providers (e.g., speech, occupational/physical therapists, behavior specialists) will be reassigned to receiving campuses based on projected student needs.

• Will my students' Extended School Year (ESY) Services change? ESY programming will not be interrupted by the consolidation or boundary changes. If your student qualifies for extended school year services, these services will be provided as determined by the ARD committee and outlined in your child’s IEP.  ESY services will be held at designated campuses across the district, and families will be notified in advance of the assigned location.

• If my student will be attending a new campus, how will they receive Section 504 Services?  Before the first day, the new school’s 504 Coordinator will send a welcome letter, and teachers will know your child’s 504 Plan so they can provide the right support right away.

Special Education Progress Reports

At the end of each grading period, families of students receiving special education services will receive a progress report. This report provides updates on your child’s progress toward the individualized goals outlined in their IEP (Individualized Education Program). These updates help families stay informed and engaged in their child’s growth and learning throughout the year. Click here for instructions on how to access the collaboration portal in Frontline. 

Dyslexia Information & Updates
Austin ISD is committed to helping every student become a confident reader. Students identified with dyslexia or related reading challenges have access to free audiobook resources through the Talking Book Program (TBP), provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Families can also explore Learning Ally and Bookshare for additional free audiobook and eBook options.

📖 Talking Book Program (TBP)

• Phone: 1-800-252-9605 | 512-463-5458

• Website: www.TexasTalkingBooks.org

Understanding House Bill 1188 & LIDDA Services
A new Texas law (HB 1188) requires schools to provide families of students with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays information about their Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA). LIDDAs connect families to services such as Medicaid waiver programs, therapy, respite care, crisis support, and community-based resources.

For Austin ISD families in Travis County, your LIDDA is Integral Care:
📞 Intake/Crisis: 512-472-4357 | Main: 512-447-4141
🌐 integralcare.org
📍 1430 Collier St, Austin, TX 78704

These resources can provide long-term support to help your child thrive. For additional information on Medicaid waivers, see the Navigate Life Texas website.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month!  October is a time to raise awareness and support for students with dyslexia. Let’s celebrate the strengths of students with dyslexia and continue working together to provide the tools and resources they need to succeed. Celebrate with us by attending our film screening on October 27th or our Empower Hour on October 29th (see Family Events section for event information).

Available 18+ Service Options

Is your child with a disability approaching graduation but still needs support to achieve their post-secondary goals? Austin ISD's 18+ services are here to help! These services are designed for students ages 18-21 who have completed their graduation requirements and need to continue working on their transition-related IEP goals.

For the 2026–27 school year, we are excited to offer several programs to support your child’s journey toward independence, including Project Search (new and returning), Go Project, Greenleaf NCC, and Transition to Life in the Community (TLC). Families interested in learning more about these 18+ services can work with their campus case manager or contact the campus principal. We also encourage you to join us for an information session on November 5th during Empower Hour (12–1 PM or 6–7 PM) at bit.ly/SPEDsessions. Additional details are available on the Transition Services Website.

Practical Tips for Families to Support Inclusive Schools

• In school meetings, try asking: “How is my child doing socially, not just academically?”

• Encourage your child to speak up about their own goals or concerns, even small ones.

• Stay connected with teachers by asking for simple check-ins or email updates.

• Ask about group work and inclusive activities so your child can learn alongside peers of all abilities.

• Join or volunteer at school events that bring all students together.

• Take part in family workshops or trainings to learn more about inclusive practices.

• Celebrate everyday wins like kindness, effort, and new friendships — not just grades.

• Read stories or watch shows together that highlight diversity and inclusion.

• Talk about inclusion at home, and remind your child that small acts of kindness make a big difference.

• Encourage friendships outside of school with kids who have different strengths and needs.