history
Established 1974
We owe a debt of gratitude to the 21 men and women who founded PART on the principle that families have the right to choose the setting that best meets the needs of their loved one.
1976 STATEMENT
We stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us. Click on the button to find out what issues were on the minds of the founders of PART.
UPDATED STATEMENT FOR TODAY'S LANGUAGE
PART’s most recent Presidents were the mother and daughter duo of Nancy Ward and Susan Ward Payne. While it would take a book to tell their story and commitment to the most vulnerable of Texans, keep scrolling to discover some interesting episodes in their lives and how their advocacy made a difference.
April 16, 2009
Nancy Ward provided the Human Services Committee testimony on HB 1589. Her testimony was appreciated by the Committee.
Quality of the video is a reflection of the technology at the time it was recorded.
March 22, 1984
Nancy Ward submitted testimony to the US Senate on the legislation: Medicaid Home and Community Quality Services Act of 1987.
March 15, 1989
Nancy Ward as President of PART informing Legislators of the need for the SSLCs. “We oppose any legislation that would close or consolidate any of the 13 state schools.” Click button to see video.
June 2005
A respected research journal once featured two “Parents’ Perspective,” including the inclusive nature of their family members’ homes. That article was “Outcomes that Matter: A Parents’ Perspective,” by Mary McTernan, Ph.D. and Nancy Ward, Mental Retardation, Volume 43, Number 3, June 2005, pp. 214–220]
Susan Ward Payne
February 16, 2011
Susan Payne Testimony to the Texas House Appropriations – Sub Committee on Article II Committee
Quality of the video is a reflection of the technology at the time it was recorded.
June 5, 2014
Texas Public Radio The Source Radio Show with David Martin Davies
Discussion on the proposed closure of the SSLCs Guests: Susan Payne, president of PART & Joe Tate, policy specialist for Community NOW!
May 15, 2015
Susan Payne interview with Joy Diaz from KUT regarding the Closure bills in the Texas Legislature.
