The University of Texas-Pan American is located in the Rio Grande Valley in the tropical Tip of Texas, only 20 minutes from the US/Mexico border, and 75 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and South Padre Island. The South Texas region is distinctly bicultural, and many people speak both English and Spanish.

Unique in its mission and the only one of its kind in the nation, the Rehabilitation Research Initiative has brought together two universities in the state of Texas to research, study, and provide solutions to the issue of diversity in community rehabilitation programs.

Leading this effort is the University of Texas - Pan American in Edinburgh, Texas. With its predominantly Latino student body, UTPan-Am is uniquely positioned to provide credible input on the issue of diversity among the Latino population of the Texas South Valley and community rehabilitation efforts.

The leading force for community rehabilitation programs in Region VI, which includes the state of Texas is the Region VI CRP-RCEP housed at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX in the department of Rehabilitation, Social Work, & Addictions. Since 1995, the Region VI CRP-RCEP has conducted research, developed programs and trained CRPs to enhance employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

As the leading university in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, UNT serves the citizens of Texas by offering academic degree programs and by developing partnerships with other institutions, private and government agencies, and businesses to address the diverse needs of metropolitan and urban areas.