Lacey Adkins

Longview 

Lacey Adkins, a native of East Texas, lives in Longview with her husband—her junior high sweetheart —and their two children on earth, while honoring the memory of their twins in Heaven. As a mother to a medically complex child and a special education teacher, she is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. Adkins earned a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in special education from Texas A&M. She has dedicated the past 11 years to serving students and families in special education. Lacey is an active member of Texas Partners in Policymaking, where she works to address systemic gaps in the NICU and advocates for policies that improve early intervention and access to critical resources. Through her growing online platform, she shares insights, resources, and personal experiences to educate and empower families within the disability community. Committed to lasting change, she strives to bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and policy to enhance the lives of children with disabilities.

Project Title

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing NICU Transitions

Project Description

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing NICU Transitions focuses on addressing systemic gaps in the NICU to improve communication, resources, and support for families transitioning from hospital to home. It emphasizes early intervention and collaboration with Local IDD Authorities and advocacy organizations to ensure families receive essential referrals and guidance. The project advocates for policies mandating early connections to resources and aims to create educational materials and peer support networks. Ultimately, the goal of this project is to transform NICU systems to better address the long-term needs of children with disabilities and provide immediate Medicaid access to medically complex babies.