A Legacy of Opening Doors

The Texas A&M Center on Disability and Development

For 20 years, Center on Disability and Development (CDD) at Texas A&M University has served as a statewide hub where ability meets opportunity. “The work we do makes a difference,” said Dr. Dan Zhang, CDD Director. “We support individuals in ways that will impact their lives.”

The Center recently celebrated its anniversary by showcasing several of its more than 50 active programs, projects and events, which serve individuals with disabilities and their families to live purposeful and empowered lives through education, research and community-driven support.

Graduate in cap and gown approaches a stage to shake hands with a faculty member, set against a dark backdrop. The mood is celebratory.

The PATHS program prepares young adults for meaningful careers and independent living.

Building Futures

Programs like Aggie ACHIEVE and the PATHS Certificate Program provide immersive college experiences for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Aggie ACHIEVE helps students overcome fears about college life and discover their potential. “The people in this program and the University helped me get over those fears of not being able to do anything in life,” shared ACHIEVE student Cole Pickett.

PATHS (Postsecondary Access and Training in Human Services) prepares students for careers in caregiving, education and support services. Former PATHS student Oliver Kaneb credits the program with helping him become a professional and a role model. “They taught me how to write a resume, a cover letter, and how to be accountable. Without PATHS, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he added.

Three people work in a room filled with crafting materials. One cuts paper on a table with purple shirts, while the others look at their phones. The atmosphere is focused and productive.

CDD’s Work-Based Learning Project helps students gain hands-on job training though school-based businesses.

Growing Skills

The iGROW initiative (I Generate Rural Opportunities for Work) is a four-year program for students aged 14–22 in rural communities. It focuses on pre-employment and transition skills, connecting students with vocational rehabilitation services and career exploration. iGROW’s summer experiences, enrichment activities and parent training ensure that students and families are supported throughout their journey.

The Work-Based Learning Project partners with schools to create student-run businesses, giving youths with disabilities hands-on job training. The project has served 2,000 students across all 20 Education Service Center regions in Texas.

Supporting Families and Communities

Endeavors such as Camp LIFE (Leadership, Independence and Friends through Experiences), Purposeful Life and the Brazos Valley Disability Conference and Resource Fair provide families with resources, respite and community. Camp LIFE offers barrier-free camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities, supported by Texas A&M student volunteers. Purposeful Life empowers families through monthly training sessions, helping them build stronger and more independent futures.

The Texas Faith and Disability Network bridges faith communities and disability advocacy, while the Directory of Community Resources (DCR) for People with Disabilities connects families with essential services across the state.

Smiling person giving a thumbs-up in front of a "Heart of Texas GEAR UP" poster. The board highlights education support for the class of 2026. Bright, positive atmosphere.

CDD features 50+ programs, projects and events supporting students with disabilities.

Statewide Impact

From the Texas Transition Conference to Project REDD (Research and Education on Disability and Disaster), CDD’s reach spans urban centers and rural towns. Its work is grounded in research, driven by community partnerships and guided by a Constituent Advisory Council that ensures programs reflect the needs of those they serve.

As the Center looks ahead, its commitment to supporting individuals and communities remains unchanged. “Our work provides both the research and the day-to-day experience to help the community open those doors to people with disabilities,” said Robin Miller, CDD Director of Employment Programs. Program Manager Tanya Baker adds that the center provides motivation and inspiration to students. “We’re giving them the nudge and the education to move forward and live their own lives as they want to,” she added.

Learn more about the Center on Disability and Development’s mission and programs: cdd.tamu.edu.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.