In-depth life experience

After almost two decades of raising twins with severe intellectual disabilities and autism, we know the shock, denial, and acceptance of a child created differently. Having dealt with doctors recommending institutionalization, schools withholding support, service organizations denying service, and others who have never actually raised and empowered someone with a disability, we fight the battles everyday and know the strategies for success.

Clay Boatright is Recognized and Respected, With Abundant Street Cred

When our twins were four years old, Clay was inspired to develop a deep understanding of the disability industrial complex. Watching other parents panic when the school bus stopped coming after high school, Clay was determined to never be caught off guard or have our children become victims of the system.

• Appointed by the President of the United States to serve on a national committee providing guidance on the needs of people and families with disabilities. Our family’s personal story was also featured in the Annual Report to the President. (President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, 2011-2013)
• Legislators have called Clay for insight on the disability support system they manage and how it actually operates. Clay was asked by the Executive Commissioner of Texas Health & Human Services to Chair the team advising the redesign of the state support system for people with developmental disabilities, successfully influencing the bureaucratic process. (IDD System Redesign Advisory Committee, 2013-Current)
• Extensive leadership with nonprofit organizations serving people with disabilities, including Past President of The Arc of Texas and The Arc of Dallas, Special Education Advisory Committee for the Plano Independent School District, Easter Seals North Texas Autism Advisory Committee, and many more.
• Frequently published, including as a Special Needs Insider blogger for the Dallas Morning News.

Clay’s Publishing:

Op/Ed (November 2008): Ignoring God's Children
This article is being used in a national curriculum for colleges and seminaries focusing on issues facing families with disabilities.

Community Voices (December 2008): Including Those With Special Needs
Nine ideas for businesses and organizations to easily serve people with developmental disabilities.

Op/Ed (April 2010): A Strategy to Help Families With Special Needs
Creating broad scope community advocates to help families with disabilities can eliminate tragedy.

Letter to the Editor (November 2011): Breaking the Medicaid Stereotype
Medicaid supports many of our neighbors in ways we may not realize.

Op/Ed (March 2012): The Good Old Days Weren't So Good
Using the disability support model of past generations is dangerously regressive and could put people in serious danger.

Articles and Interviews

The Dallas Morning News Article (April 2010): Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio
A one-of-a-kind amusement park in San Antonio offers fun to people with all abilities.

The Dallas Morning News Article (August 2010): Parents of Children With Autism: We Struggle Alone
Several parents describe the isolation families dealing with autism face, waiting years for help, and the importance of early diagnosis.

The Arc of Dallas Interview (October 2010): Agency Video Featuring Carole, Blaire, Paige, and Mia
Clients of The Arc of Dallas describe how programs at The Arc help them achieve their goals.