Special Abilities of North Texas

“To provide the highest quality care, training, and support to adults with developmental disabilities, giving them opportunities to succeed in life, family, and the community”

Special Abilities of North Texas and their incredible team provide an array of day programs for adults with developmental disabilities. For Jordan Drake, now Chief Executive Officer, it is clear that this is no job for her, but complete devotion and a labor of love for every adult she meets on a daily basis. What started as a staff nurse position more than 14 years ago has now turned into a daily hands-on approach for her and all the stakeholders involved in the center. 

The center has an incredible team, and many in leadership positions have worked tirelessly for a long time at the center to continually improve. 

Program Manager Rosina Bustos is the driving force for all of the programs each day. ACEs — Adults Creating Excellence — are not just clients. “It’s more personal than that. We serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, each with their own unique strengths, aspirations, and journeys.” 

In 1993, a small group of individuals caring for the elderly discussed the difficulty and exhaustion that caregiving encompasses. Over the years, the organization expanded to adults, and 15 years ago they moved to Lewisville, and changed the name to Special Abilities of North Texas. They transitioned away from daycare to the array of successful day activities that we see today. 

The programs allow families to stay together, avoiding institutions, and also allows caregivers to get a bit of respite from the daily challenges, a time for some alone time, or to get projects done around the house. 

The programs are designed to inspire, engage, and empower the ACEs. Structured around dynamic weekly themes, fun is blended with learning to foster growth, independence, and community connection. The goal is to focus on abilities rather than limitations and to provide support that empowers the ACEs to achieve their goals, engage in meaningful activities, and contribute to their community in meaningful ways. 

“I think we tend to forget that young children with disabilities grow up, and as adults, they deserve every advantage we can give them to learn life skills, lead meaningful lives, and be assured that we will be here as long as they need us.”

The core programs offered each weekday from 9am to 3:30pm are: 

Creative Skills 

Exploration of various art forms 

Emotional expression and cognitive development 

Enhancing self-esteem and social skills 

Multi-sensory experiences 

Life Skills 

Financial management and budgeting skills 

Personal care and daily living tasks 

Effective communication and social skills 

Job readiness skills 

Soft skills 

Preparing for workforce entry or advancement 

Wellness 

Nutrition and healthy eating 

Gardening 

Yoga and Zumba 

Special Abilities of North Texas works as a third-party contractor, and families can easily apply through various state agencies to qualify their ACE to secure a spot. The foundation relies on donations, fundraisers, grants and state funds for supplies and the needs of the center to operate, and is proud to serve our communities as a registered charitable nonprofit organization. 

To provide the programs and continue to grow, they rely primarily on the contributions of local businesses, municipalities, foundations, the United Way, and the generous support of individual donors. Make a donation through their safe and secure system online at specialabilities.net. You can also choose to make your donation recur weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Click on the A for Amazon link posted on the website to view
their wishlist. 

For more info, contact their main office in Lewisville at 972.317.1515.