Community Research

IDD Champions Community Study

In Fall 2024, several Bexar County nonprofits joined together to improve support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This effort began after feedback from the Texas Cavaliers and interest from a major Texas foundation.

By December 2024, key partners began a community-led study to understand both the urgent needs and long-term goals of individuals with IDD and their families. These partners included:

In Spring 2025, a county-wide survey gathered more than 800 responses from caregivers, educators, and community members.

Key Findings

75% of families find it difficult to access services when they most need them

1/3 of caregivers report having no one to help them take a break

32% of caregivers have quit a job, and 23% have reduced hours due to caregiving demands

This report is not just a catalog of what’s broken; it is a roadmap of what could be built

Executive Summary

Full Report

May 2026: From Research to Action

What the Research Tells Us — And What We’re Doing About It

The IDD Champions Community Survey did’t stop at data collection. In May 2026, the coalition published three targeted white papers translating findings into action — for medical professionals, economic and policy leaders, and early childhood advocates. Together, they make the case that investing in individuals with IDD and their families is both a moral and economic imperative for Bexar County.

For Medical Professionals

The Lasting Effects of Fragmented Care

Nearly half of families surveyed waited more than a year for a diagnosis. Almost 50% said coordination between providers was ineffective. This white paper presents the clinical consequences of fragmented care and offers concrete recommendations for physicians, specialists, and healthcare systems to close the gaps — from shared care plans and warm referrals to inclusive clinical environments and early diagnosis protocols.

For Economic & Policy Leaders

The Economic Case for Supporting Individuals with IDD in Bexar County

32% of caregivers have quit their jobs. 43% of Direct Support Professional positions in Bexar County go unfilled. Texas Medicaid spent $754 million on potentially preventable emergency department visits in 2022 alone. This white paper quantifies the real cost of inaction — and shows that strategic investment in IDD supports returns an average of $7.40 for every dollar spent.

For Early Childhood Advocates & Educators

The Smartest Investment: Expanding Access to High-Quality Early Childhood Education

Only 36% of children under age five in Bexar County are enrolled in licensed early education programs. For the 13% of young children experiencing developmental delays or disabilities, missing this window has lifelong consequences. This white paper examines the barriers — cost, workforce shortages, lack of inclusive classrooms — and outlines solutions that benefit every child, every family, and the region’s long-term economic health.

The Bottom Line

These white papers represent the voice of more than 800 Bexar County families, caregivers, educators, and service providers. They are tools for advocacy — designed to be shared with doctors, employers, elected officials, funders, and community leaders who have the power to move from awareness to action.

The IDD Champions Coalition — Brighton Center, The MAC, Respite Care of San Antonio, The Arc of San Antonio, and SA Life Academy — invites you to use them.

Would You Like More Information?

Please complete the form and our Family Navigator will contact you directly!