Special Programs

Our Mission: In collaboration with students, families, and stakeholders, we provide barrier-free access to individualized instruction and interventions to maximize student potential and meaningful participation in the community.

District Contacts

District contact for Special Education Referrals:

Please contact the Special Programs Department at 817-232-0880, ext. 2624 regarding options for a student experiencing learning difficulties or regarding a referral for evaluation for special education services.

District contact for Section 504 Referrals:

Please contact Allena Waters, 817-232-0880 ext. 2631 Email

regarding options for a student experiencing learning difficulties or regarding a referral for evaluation for Section 504 services.

Contact for Records request:

Please contact Crystal Tullis, 817-232-0880 ext. 2621 Email

regarding Special Programs records.

In accordance with state guidelines and federal regulation 34 CFR § 300.624, the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District archives and stores Special Education records for students withdrawn, dismissed, or graduated for five years after cessation of services. These records are then destroyed, as they are no longer needed to provide educational services. If you have any questions about this process or about student-specific records, you may contact the EMS ISD Special Programs Department at 817-232-0880, ext. 2625 for assistance.

SPEDTex Information and Links

The Special Education Information Center (SPEDTex) provides resources and interactive features for increasing family awareness of disabilities and special education processes, with the goal of improving partnerships between schools and families.

Contact information:

Phone: 1-855-773-3839

Email: inquire@spedtex.org

Live Chat: www.spedtex.org

The following websites provide information and resources for students with disabilities and their families.

Student Handbook Statement: English / Texas Education Agency
Student Handbook Statement: Spanish / Texas Education Agency
Texas Transition and Employment Guide (English/Spanish)
IDEA, Dyslexia, MTSS, Section 504 Resources /TEA - Provides families with information regarding IDEA, Dyslexia, MTSS, and Section 504
TEA-Compensatory Services - English
Notice of Procedural Safeguards (multiple Languages available)
Parent's Guide to the ARD Process (multiple Languages available)
Special Education Rules and Regulations (English)

Medicaid Waivers

Texas Medicaid Waivers Information

Texas Medicaid waivers are a gateway to getting services for your child. Even if you hope your child will never need those services, it is important that they be added to the interest list for any program(s) that might meet their needs. Your child might have to wait a long time to get services through the waiver. You can always decline the services once your child moves to the top of the list.

Many parents say they wish they had signed up for the waiver interest lists when their child was born or first diagnosed. Some of the interest lists have more than a 15-year wait time.

We know this page has a lot of information for you to take in. It’s okay if you don’t absorb everything here in one visit. Take a deep breath and come back as much as often as needed.

In This Section

1600 Mustang Rock Road | Fort Worth, TX 76179 | Phone: 817-232-0880 | Fax: 817-744-8911

Heather l. Hughs, Ph.D.

Executive Director of Special Programs

Contact Me

Senate Bill 139 Notice

In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 139 (SB 139), which requires all Texas schools to distribute the notice, "Updates in Special Education" review). This notice is for informational purposes only. It does not mean that EMS ISD suspects your child is in need of receiving special education services, nor does it mean anything will change for students currently receiving services. If you have any questions or concerns, or suspect your child may be in need of special education services, please call (817) 232-0880 ext. 2624 and the department will be happy to assist you.

SB 139 Notice to Families - English Notice

SB 139 Notice to Families - Aviso en español