When most people hear about “Social Security benefits,” the first thought that comes to mind is income for older people who have retired from work. It’s true that the Social Security system provides a foundation of retirement income that permits seniors to live in dignity, with over 50 million retired workers receiving benefits each month.

However, the Social Security system is also the foundation of economic security for millions of family members of retired, disabled, or deceased workers. In addition to retirement benefits, Social Security offers disability insurance protection to workers and their spouse and children, as well as life insurance that pays monthly survivors benefits to dependents if the worker dies.

Join this webinar to learn more about the eligibility requirements for benefits for spouses and ex-spouses, children, and parents of workers. About one American family in four receives income from Social Security benefits, and many more could receive this income if they knew they were eligible. In this training:

• Participants will understand the eligibility requirements for Social Security benefits for spouses and ex-spouses of retired, disabled or deceased workers.

• Participants will understand the eligibility requirements for Social Security benefits for children of retired, disabled, or deceased workers.

Presenter: • Kate Lang, Justice in Aging

Closed captioning will be available on this webinar. We are committed to keeping any personally identifiable information you provide to us secure. Please only provide professional, not personal, email information. We will not sell, transfer, or provide this information to any other entity. You can read HHS’s full privacy policy here: https://www.acl.gov/node/445.

Presented by National Center on Law and Elder Rights.

Free registration.

Recent reports estimate that more than $20 billion is lost from older adults each year due to financial exploitation by family, friends, and caregivers. Because of the significant costs and emotional impact associated with such exploitation, it is important to work with older adults to identify their preferred options and remedies to recover from abuse.

This training will discuss the options that can be used to address financial exploitation by family members, including mediation, restorative justice, and other solutions to remedy the situation and preserve the relationship with family. The training will also provide information on the importance of advanced planning and how to work with banks and financial institutions to prevent financial exploitation by family members and preserve autonomy.

Presenters:

• Erica Costello, ABA Commission on Law and Aging

• Ronald Long, Stevens and Lee

• Catherine Seal, Kirtland & Seal

• Nicole Shannon, Michigan Elder Justice Initiative

Presented by National Center on Law and Elder Rights.

Free registration.

Learn about the benefits of ABLE Accounts and how they support financial wellness at every life stage in the ABLE National Resource Center’s webinar, "#ABLEtoSAVE for Lifelong Financial Wellness.” This engaging event will highlight four ABLE ambassadors, each representing different life stages—preteen, transition, work, and retirement. They will share their strategic use of ABLE accounts to create a better economic future for themselves or their family members. It is never too early or too late to open an ABLE Account!

Webinar Highlights:

• Real Life Stories, Financial Triumphs: Hear the diverse panelists’ life stories and how they use ABLE accounts to achieve lifelong financial security.

• A Holistic Approach to Finance: Learn how an ABLE account is a flexible, lifelong financial tool capable of addressing unique needs and challenges at each life stage.

Facilitator: Jody Ellis, Director, ABLE National Resource Center

ABLE Ambassador Panelists:

• Jenny Casselman: ABLE Family Ambassador, Financial Compliance Professional

• Taylor Carty: ABLE Account Owner, Master of Public Health Student

• Nathan Turner: ABLE Account Owner, Public Servant

• Pshon Barrett, Esq.: ABLE Account Owner, Retired Asst. U.S. District Attorney, Self-Employed Attorney in private practice.

Join our event on April 25th to explore the flexibility of ABLE Accounts across the lifespan. Connect with our panelists for valuable insights, whether you're new to ABLE, considering opening an account, or already an account holder. Register now to empower yourself with knowledge for a financially secure future.

Real-time captioning and ASL will be available for this webinar. For accommodation requests or registration queries, contact Cheyenne Rivers at crivers@ndi-inc.org. We will accept questions in advance, email info@ablenrc.org and add “Webinar question” in the subject line. We will do our best to answer these during the webinar or respond by email.

Presented by the ABLE National Resource Center.

Free registration.

Course Description: As the direction of Medicaid and Social Security become difficult to predict, it has become critically important for parents to plan for the future of their child or dependent with special needs. This workshop covers legal issues including wills, special needs trusts, guardianship, financial issues (such as trust funding), Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and Social Security.

Class Instructor: Gordon Homes

Class Overview:

April 3 - Government Benefits and Programs

April 10 - Guardianship Alternatives

April 24 - Special Needs Trusts

Presented by Faith Community Institute.

More information and free registration.

Talks with The Arc Trust Webinars

Do you or a loved one receive government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid? Not sure on how to save for the future and keep these benefits? In our webinar series, Talks with The Arc Trust, we cover the options that people have when saving for the future, the ins and outs of those options, and how they work with various government benefits. Webinars take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm. ET. There is no cost, but you do need to register. Registration is for the full webinar series.

Talks with The Arc Trust Webinars Registration Link 

Learn about the transformative power of Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE). Discover how ABLE accounts can help with housing during ABLE National Resource Center’s webinar, "#ABLEtoSAVE Opens the Door to Housing Opportunities." Hear from our ABLE ambassadors, Edward and Emily, who will talk about their own experiences. This webinar is for people with disabilities, their families, and supporters. You will learn how ABLE accounts can be used whether you live alone, with others, rent, own a home, or want to buy a home.

Webinar Highlights:

• Real Stories, Real Homes: Edward will share important resources and strategies to save in ABLE Accounts now for future housing goals. Emily will talk about her journey to homeownership and how she used her ABLE account to achieve this milestone.

• Creating Financial Independence: Learn about the benefits of ABLE accounts and how they can help you maintain stable housing while gaining financial independence.


Facilitator:

Jody Ellis, Director, ABLE National Resource Center

Panelists:

• Edward Mitchell: ABLE Ambassador, Interim Executive Director, Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Tennessee

• Emily Munson, Esq.: ABLE Ambassador, Attorney

This event is not just a webinar; it is an opportunity to see the tangible impact of ABLE accounts on the journey to secure stable housing, including homeownership. Register now to connect with our panelists to learn and explore the possibilities!

Please note: Real time captioning and ASL will be provided for this webinar. For other accommodation requests and questions about the registration process, please contact Cheyenne Rivers, Project Coordinator for ABLE National Resource Center at crivers@ndi-inc.org. We will also accept ABLE and housing questions in advance by sending them to info@ablenrc.org and adding “Webinar question” in the subject line. We will do our best to answer these during the webinar or provide you with an email answer.

Presented by the ABLE National Resource Center.

Free registration.

Unlock Your Future Vision: A Guide to Planning Ahead

Discover how to envision your future and navigate the path to your dreams!

• Supporting and Empowering others to identify their Future Vision

• The Value of Content and Process Experts

• How Future Vision Drives Planning Across the LifeSpan

Two part series

Mon April 15 & Tue April 16 11:30am - 12:00pm.

Presented by Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

Unlock Your Future Vision: A Guide to Planning Ahead

Discover how to envision your future and navigate the path to your dreams!

• Supporting and Empowering others to identify their Future Vision

• The Value of Content and Process Experts

• How Future Vision Drives Planning Across the LifeSpan

Two part series: Mon April 15 & Tue April 16 11:30am - 12:00pm.

Presented by Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

Overview

This workshop will share a toolbox of interventions and supports that help autistic students meet their limitless potential. Following the structure of the Transition Checklist, attendees will learn how to do the following: (a) develop a plan that easily communicates what the student needs for success; (b) establish a classroom structure that minimizes student meltdowns; (c) teach skills that are often not taught, but are essential to life success; and (d) transition autistic students from grade to grade, ensuring that future teachers understand the student and how they are to be supported. The strategies Brenda will share will be applicable for students in elementary through high school, in special education and general education, with a range of abilities.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe strategies that complement the autistic neurology.

• Discuss interventions that provide structure and reduce the potential for behavior challenges.

• Complete an easy-to-use method of keeping track of the interventions and supports that each student needs.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for general and special education teachers, administrators, autism and behavior consultants, speech therapists, psychologists, counselors, and families.

Cost & Registration

• The registration fee for this workshop is $110.00 (USD). Autism Leaders and Behavior Consultants will receive a code shared on the listservs for a reduced rate of $90.00 (USD).

• Payment is by credit card or purchase order only.

• You will receive an email acknowledgement of payment—that email is your confirmation and receipt. Please keep it for your records and reimbursement purposes.

• All registrations are final. No money will be refunded.

Sponsored by Indiana Resource Center for Autism and Avon Community School Corporation

Registration ($110).

Rachel Gerber and Jan Van Dyke, career coaches from the Career Development Center at IU, will unveil a step-by-step career guide for college students on the spectrum.  This guide gives students specific action steps that the student can take during each year of college. It will help students discover career direction, choose a major, find an internship and make plans for a professional job search.  Additional resources will also be shared, including:  job listings, reasons to disclose or not disclose your disability in the workplace, organizations advocating for autistic individuals, and companies and organizations with employee recruitment programs.

Presenters: Rachel Gerber, Associate Director and Jan Van Dyke, Sr. Assistant Director of University Relations, Career Development Center, Indiana University

Sponsored by Indiana Resource Center for Autism.

Free registration.

Course Description: As the direction of Medicaid and Social Security become difficult to predict, it has become critically important for parents to plan for the future of their child or dependent with special needs. This workshop covers legal issues including wills, special needs trusts, guardianship, financial issues (such as trust funding), Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and Social Security.

Class Instructor: Gordon Homes

Class Overview:

April 3 - Government Benefits and Programs

April 10 - Guardianship Alternatives

April 24 - Special Needs Trusts

Presented by Faith Community Institute.

More information and free registration.

Using the Framework and tools to increase Self-Determination

Learn about:

• How using Charting the LifeCourse can nuture self-determination and automoney.

• How a lens of self determination can enhance experiences and contribute to a good life.

• Ways to support in these areas can ensure contribution, foster connection, build community and promote belonging.

Hosted by the Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

You are invited to attend a special webinar to hear from ABLE state program leaders and Social Security Administration (SSA) experts. During this webinar of the ABLE Savings Plans Network (ASPN), participants will be provided with the following information:

• Overview of ABLE accounts;

• Social Security Disability Benefits (SSI, SSDI, CDB, DWB) and ABLE accounts;

• Income/Asset Tests and ABLE accounts;

• Reporting ABLE information to SSA;

• Representative Payees managing ABLE accounts; and

• Resources on SSA benefits and ABLE accounts.

Speakers:

• Betsy Blair, Social Insurance Specialist, Office of Income Security Programs, SSA

• John Finch, Jr., Director for Florida’s ABLE United

• Jolene Wyler, Coordinator for the ABLE Utah Savings Plan

• Laura Zelik, Social Insurance Specialist, Office of Income Security Programs, SSA

Who will benefit from this webinar? People with disabilities, their family members and legal/financial representatives, SSA Representative Payees (individuals and organizations), SSA field office staff and leadership, disability advocacy and service organizations, and state ABLE program administrators.

Presented by ABLE Today.

Free registration.

Please join Founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors, Mike Walther, as he presents “The Top 11 Special Needs Financial Planning Tips”  (because parents of loved ones with special needs always have more to do!) to Together for Choice families. Oak Wealth Advisors understands the challenges that your family is facing because we are also living with those same challenges. We have been educating and empowering families with special needs members by providing them with specific planning strategies that will make their lives, and the life of their loved one better.

Mike Walther received his BS degree in Economics and MBA with concentration in Accounting from Vanderbilt University. He holds all three of the most respected financial services professional designations: the CPA/PFS designation, the Certified Financial Planner(TM) designation, and he is a CFA charter holder.

Hosted by Together For Choice.

Free registration.

More independence, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join for a free information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program.

In just one hour, we’ll cover the answers to these questions, and more:

• What are ABLE accounts?

• Who is eligible?

• How can I use the money in an ABLE account?

• What are the features and benefits of ABLEnow?

• How can I learn more and open an account?

For more information on ABLEnow, please visit ablenow.com.

Free registration.

Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities have additional considerations when navigating the estate planning process. Join us for an informative panel conversation with industry experts who can help you build your family’s plan for the future. It is our hope that you leave with new resources to guide your thought process and actionable advice to help you nurture possibilities for your loved one for years to come.

Panelists include:

• Monica Doerr, Law Office of Monica Doerr

• Sarah Geis, The Arc Master Trust

• Christy Robertson, Thrivent Financial

Free registration.

www.eastersealstech.com/live

(To join the webinar training go to www.eastersealstech.com/live on the day of the event)

What: Assistive Technology and Aging Full Day Training

When: March 21, 2024, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm EST

Where: Easterseals Crossroads at 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205. This event will also be streamed live via Zoom and can be joined at www.eastersealstech.com/live (registration is required to attend in-person or online webinar)

Who should attend: Anyone interested in learning about tools, resources and apps that are available to increase independence for individuals with age related impairments. Individuals with disabilities, educators, parents, students, and professionals can benefit from this training.

Why: This FREE assistive technology training will provide valuable insights and practical strategies on assistive technology and resources available for individuals with age-related impairments.

Free registration.

Are you frustrated that disability-related items cost more just because they're labeled as "specialized" equipment or supplies? Spend an hour with us looking at low-cost items or no cost hacks you can make or buy that may help you on the journey to your good life.

Presenter : Ms. Cory Noune, Director Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector Services, LLC. Ms. Noune said " I'm approaching it from my years as a clinician with young adults with disabilities and health care needs- so some are geared towards physical needs, some are geared towards organization/memory supports, some are for personal care.  All of them are about helping someone live their good life!"

All reasonable accommodations must be received 5 days in advance to the meeting. Contact Deb Petermann 614-575-8055 dpetermann@disabilityempowerment.net.

Free registration.

In honor of Disability Awareness Month, attend THE EMILY TALK
Friday, March 8 from 2-4pm at the OneAmerica Building, Indianapolis

Join Easterseals Crossroads and first-responder Tom Felter as he shares his insights and expertise about interacting with people with disabilities during emergency situations. Tom's daughter Emily has a disability; he draws from his personal experience and his professional life when presenting The Emily Talk. First responders — as well as the general community — will benefit from Tom's knowledge about effective interactions in emergency situations.

The event - sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. - will provide a first-hand learning experience with Emily and her father. It will conclude with an open Q&A session moderated by Deanna Proimos, a physical therapist at Easterseals Crossroads.

About "The Emily Talk"

"The Emily Talk" began after Tom Felter learned of an incident where a young adult with Down syndrome was killed because he didn't respond to commands in an emergency situation. Tom took his expertise as a first responder and a parent of a daughter with Down syndrome to create a program that teaches first responders and the wider community how to interact with people with Down syndrome, Autism and other disabilities.

Tom's work through "The Emily Talk" inspired Emmy award-winning producer to create The Teacher of Patience, a 30-minute documentary about their story. Just like everyone else, Emily has good and bad days, and her unique ways of communicating her feelings are worth learning and listening to. Sometimes that takes patience, which is why Tom developed "The Emily Talk" for first responders and the greater community. Tom's goal is to teach people how to be respectful of individuals with disabilities like Emily.

Free registration.

Appointments always sneak up on us…from doctors to dentists to haircuts. These events can be stressful for children, along with their parents or caregivers. This presentation will share some ideas for strategies to use to help prepare your child for upcoming appointments, so they will be more calm, ready, and successful.

Presenter: Amy Gaffney, Educational Consultant, Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Sponsored by Indiana Resource Center for Autism.

Free registration.

ILADD will present guest speakers on the topics of Financing Independent Living Options. Presenters will share insight on ways to fund the independent living situation that you and your self-advocates have selected. We will share information about ILADD’s Crossbridge Point community and the application process.

*REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

To register for this event, please go to https://iladdinc.org/registration and submit the registration form.

About our guest speakers:

ROBERT W. FECHTMAN, JD, CELA

Robert Fechtman is a lifelong resident of Indiana. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in music and a major in economics, and he received his JD from Rutgers School of Law. He also attended the University of San Diego’s Institute on International and Comparative Law at Magdalen College, Oxford University. In 6th and 7th grade, Mr. Fechtman went away to school to sing with the American Boychoir in Princeton, New Jersey.

MARK OLSON

In 2007, LTO Ventures founder, president, and CEO Mark Olson became the sole parent of his then 11-year-old daughter, Lindsay, who has multiple developmental disabilities and is nonverbal. He realized that he needed to plan for Lindsay’s future without him. That plan expanded in 2019 when he remarried to a woman with a teenage daughter with multiple developmental disabilities.

Mark formed LTO Ventures in 2010 to develop live/work/play communities for adults like Lindsay with autism and related developmental disabilities.

Please see this event's calendar page for more details and further information about our guest speakers. https://www.iladdinc.org/events/info-seminar-march7

Help the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities ramp up for March! This year's March Developmental Disability Awareness theme is "A World of Opportunities," and we want to know what opportunities are most important to you! Join us for any of our six virtual "snack chats" before March. These will be thirty-minute casual conversations where people with developmental disabilities are encouraged to share their thoughts about what really matters to them.

1. A World of Opportunities: Tuesday, January 23 at 10:30 AM EST

2. Employment: Tuesday, January 30 at 10:30 AM EST

3. Education: Tuesday, February 6 at 10:30 AM EST

4. Healthcare & Wellness: Tuesday, February 13 at 10:30 AM EST

5. Neighborhoods & Transportation: Tuesday, February 20 at 10:30 AM EST

6. Community & Relationships: Tuesday, February 27 at 10:30 AM EST

Join any of our Snack Chats here: Microsoft Teams meeting link.

Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council - INSILC is hosting a virtual public meeting on February 22nd, 2024, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm EST, to seek public input from the disability community for the 2025-2027 State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). For more information about SPIL, please visit https://ow.ly/FTGO50QFwVY.

Accessibility checks will be conducted from 4:45 pm to 5 pm to ensure that it is accessible for everyone on Zoom. ASL interpretation and CART will be available for this public meeting. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the meeting, please contact Abigail Fleenor at chair@indianasilc.org.

Here is the Zoom link for this meeting:

https://ow.ly/XtOb50QFwVV

Supported decision making is about helping people, regardless of age or ability, make their own decisions by using a variety of integrated supports. Join us as we explore areas that someone might need support, plan for what it looks like and how it can happen using Charting the LifeCourse tools. 

Good Life Groups are interactive peer learning collaboratives that allow for hands-on learning, to build the capacity of self-advocates and family members to use the framework in their own lives. 

Presented by Missouri Family to Family.

Free registration.

As your family changes and navigates new life stages, it is important that your sibling feels safe and secure throughout the transitions of life. Join us as we discuss and identify support options available to you by using the Integrated Support Star.

Good Life Groups are interactive peer learning collaboratives that allow for hands-on learning, to build the capacity of self-advocates and family members to use the framework in their own lives.

Presented by Missouri Family to Family.

Free registration.

Class will include:

• Basics of Behavior

• Caregiver burnout

• Resources and expectations for behavior management

Class continues on March 19 and April 23.

Presented by AKC Therapy Services. For more information contact Abby at abby.key.bc@gmail.com or 765-661-4039.

Free registration.

Help the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities ramp up for March! This year's March Developmental Disability Awareness theme is "A World of Opportunities," and we want to know what opportunities are most important to you! Join us for any of our six virtual "snack chats" before March. These will be thirty-minute casual conversations where people with developmental disabilities are encouraged to share their thoughts about what really matters to them.

1. A World of Opportunities: Tuesday, January 23 at 10:30 AM EST

2. Employment: Tuesday, January 30 at 10:30 AM EST

3. Education: Tuesday, February 6 at 10:30 AM EST

4. Healthcare & Wellness: Tuesday, February 13 at 10:30 AM EST

5. Neighborhoods & Transportation: Tuesday, February 20 at 10:30 AM EST

6. Community & Relationships: Tuesday, February 27 at 10:30 AM EST

Join any of our Snack Chats here: Microsoft Teams meeting link.

The Center for Family Leadership is excited to welcome Patrick Jamison, Noble’s Therapy Services Director, to speak on Relationship Coaching.  The presentation will include:

• Helping young adults with disabilities explore topics such as emotions, relationships, and dating.

• Feelings

• Privacy and boundaries

• Friendships

• Different kinds of love

• Online safety

This training is for parents who have a family member close to entering their teens up to young adults.

Presented by Noble.

Please RSVP by 4:00pm Tuesday, February 13, 2024 to register and receive the zoom link.

Email CFL@mynoblelife.org to register.

Focus is the executive function ability to ignore distractions, while attention is an active awareness on something specific. Learn about some tools and strategies that can boost these abilities.

Focus is the ability to ignore distractions to accomplish a task, while attention is an active concentrated awareness directed towards something specific. These executive function skills can be boosted with the use of strategies and tools. Learn about a sampling of ideas during this presentation including web based tools, Chrome extensions, Mobile apps, devices, and a variety of strategies. These tools and strategies will be geared towards middle school through young adults.

Presented by PACER Center.

Free registration.