Crandall ISD

CRANDALL, TX — Crandall ISD’s Special Education Department recently hosted its first Special Education Resource Fair, bringing together more than 30 organizations that support individuals with disabilities and their families.

The event gave parents the opportunity to meet directly with service providers, learn about available programs, and begin planning for their children’s futures. Vendors offered information about therapies, community services, transportation options, employment opportunities, and programs designed to help students transition into adulthood.

Families were also able to learn about unique opportunities, including college experience programs for students with disabilities and community businesses that employ adults with special needs.

For many families, making these connections early is important because some programs and services have long waiting lists. By introducing parents to these organizations now, the district hopes to help families begin the process of accessing support as soon as possible.

Throughout the evening, families were able to visit with vendors, ask questions, and gather information tailored to their child’s needs. The event also included a pizza food truck and Kona Ice, helping create a welcoming atmosphere for the community.

For some parents, the fair opened the door to resources they had not previously known about.

Parent Josue Gonzalez said the event was valuable for his family. “That was a very important thing for David, including therapies and other things we didn’t know about,” Gonzalez said.

Ashley Daniels, an educational diagnostician at Barbara Walker Elementary, attended the event both as an educator and as a parent. She said learning about the variety of services available helped her think more intentionally about future opportunities.

“It allowed me the reassurance of knowing there are spaces and opportunities created for those with disabilities,” Daniels said. “Even if independence and life after high school may look different, there are still avenues for students to excel, be independent, and explore the things they love.”

District leaders hope the strong turnout and positive response from families will make the Special Education Resource Fair an annual event in Crandall ISD, continuing to connect families with the resources and support they need.