Attorney-Led Session on Legal Planning & Securing "A Place of My Own"
A Place of My Own offers important information for any individual with a disability, their families, or caregivers. When people can no longer provide support, adults face sudden changes such as new homes, routines, and caregivers. We welcome you to join us in learning more about residential options, funding, regulations, workforce challenges, and intentional communities. Jim McCarten will facilitates this session. Jim is a special needs attorney and focuses on planning to protect benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. He advises families and trustees of Special Needs Trusts and is a sought-after speaker for professionals and families alike.
Due to venue capacity, only the first 60 registrants will secure an in-person seat. To guarantee your spot, register now! If you prefer or if the limit is reached, you can join the session virtually via Zoom.
Presented by Easterseals Crossroads.
Free registration.
Real-Life Stories: Building a Comfortable Smart Home
This year we will hear from Kirby Smith and Suria Nordin. In July of 2014, Suria, suffered a spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia. Kirby found the technology being offered to improve her life was outdated, expensive, and very limited due to customizations. Suddenly, simple everyday things were challenging. They solved those issues and July of 2015 formed a company to bring these solutions to an underserved population. SunKirb Ideas, LLC offers affordable off-the-shelf consumer-based solutions through technology to give those with disabilities and unique challenges the ability to be more independent and have more control of their environment. This enabled people to control the lights, temperature, turn on and off alarms, control their doors, control music and entertainment, see and communicate remotely, and control the televisions (including the cable box, TiVo, Netflix, and Hulu) using voice commands.
In the past two years, Suria and Kirby took on another huge project, expanding their existing home to include the other side of their century-old rowhome in Old City, Philadelphia. This project provided the opportunity to design and build their newly renovated space to take advantage of the latest smart home technology and other assistive technology to create an updated comfortable and accessible home for both of them.
Suria and Kirby will share their extensive knowledge and experience in designing and building a smart home for accessibility, safety, independence, and comfort.
If you require any accommodations other than those listed above, please email Wendy Davis at wdavis@patf.us. Follow PATF on social media to learn more about assistive technology during our AT Awareness campaign.
Registration link: https://bit.ly/2025BuildingAComfortableSmartHome
Registration required. ASL interpretation, captioning and Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Cafe Literato Social Club
Meet new friends for good conversation!
The group meets the 2nd Thursday each month at Cafe Literato in West Lafayette.
For more information contact Rachel at 815-353-0985 or rndebelak@gmail.com.
Family Support Waiver Workshop
Join the Autism Society of Indiana on December 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM for an informative Family Support Waiver Workshop. This event will guide individuals with autism and their families through the process of understanding and navigating Indiana’s Family Support Waiver (FSW).
Free registration.
All About Trustees
Learn about the roles and responsibilities of a trustee for your Special Needs Trust.
Presented by Robert Fechtman, Elder Law and Special Needs Attorney.
RSVP to programs@oasisforlife.org or 765-267-3808 (no texts).
2025 OCALICON
The premier autism and disabilities virtual conference!
November 18 - November 21.
Visit https://ocali.org/ for more information.
Indiana Waiver Reset Collaborative Conversation Announcement for People Receiving Services
The Indiana Bureau of Disabilities Services (BDS) is working to improve the services that help people with disabilities live in their homes and communities.
To help, the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) and Aligned Consulting Collaborative (Aligned) will host conversations throughout the state to learn from people receiving services, families, service providers, and case managers about what changes are needed. Based on the feedback received, HSRI and Aligned will develop recommendations for the service system.
Join one, or both, of these feedback sessions:
Click to register for Monday, November 17, 2025 6-7:30pm
Click to register for Wednesday, November 19, 2025 6-7:30pm
Let's Talk Benefits
Learn how early and ongoing benefits counseling empowers those considering work. Learn how to reject common myths about benefits and going to work. Understand the difference between SSI & SSDI. Understand which healthcare benefit (Medicaid and Medicare) goes with which SSA benefit. Learn asset-building options to assist with benefits. Learn about the advantages and find out how to access benefits counseling in Indiana.
Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.
Free registration.
Assistive Technology for Individuals with Mobility Impairments
This training offers valuable insights into the tools, technologies, and resources that enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. Whether you are a healthcare provider, vocational rehabilitation counselor, professional supporting individuals with disabilities, or someone personally navigating mobility challenges, this session will provide practical knowledge and strategies you can use right away.
By participating in this FREE training, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of mobility solutions and how to match the right tools to individual needs. You’ll also strengthen your ability to empower individuals with greater independence while enhancing your own professional expertise. This training is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge, stay current with best practices, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you support.
This event will also be streamed live via Zoom and can be accessed at www.eastersealstech.com/live. Registration is required for both in-person and online webinar attendance.
Presented by Easterseals Crossroads.
Click here for more information and to register.
OASIS Event - Which Supported Living Best Supports Me?
Learn the differences between SGL (Supervised Group LIving) Homes and HCBS (Home & Community Based Services) Homes in the way they support you or your loved one.
We’ll learn from Laura Fife, case manager and parent.
Please RSVP to programs@oasisforlife.org or call 765-267-3808.
Creative Caregiving Options: Supporting Your Adult Child with Long Term Care Needs
For families who have an adult child with an IO Waiver, SELF Waiver or Level One Waiver, focusing on Homemaker Personal Care (HPC), Ohio Shared Living (OSL), Adult Day Services, Transportation, Respite and more.
We will cover:
The realities of long-term caregiving after school ends
Services and supports for adults who have DD Waivers
Tackling the lack of qualified DSPs
Creating a daily schedule
Tips and resources for success
This webinar is based in Ohio and talks about Ohio HCBS Waiver services. Still, there may be some wisdom and ideas for Indiana families.
Presented by Ohio Family to Family.
Affordable Housing: Misconceptions & Myths
WHAT: Webinar on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (DST)
WHERE: Register Online. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/affordable-housing-misconceptions-myths-tickets-1554162845909?aff=oddtdtcreator
Note: A Zoom Link will be sent to your email by 12 noon on September 24th to connect you to the webinar.
SPEAKER: Matt Rayburn, Deputy Executive Director & Chief Real Estate Development Officer & State Disaster Housing Manager, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)
MODERATOR: Michael Hicks, Advocate, Inclusion Institute of the League
OVERVIEW:
Affordable housing programs can be complicated, and each program has its own unique rules and quirks. In this webinar, we will debunk some commonly held misconceptions and myths about affordable housing programs, including:
questions about the range of income eligibility
rent limits and accommodations
locations of housing
accessible features
This webinar will also include a “101” introduction on various affordable housing programs and the differences between them.
INTENDED AUDIENCE:
People with disabilities and families, advocates for disability rights, community living organizations representatives, affordable housing associates, service coordinators and others seeking to connect people with integrated, affordable and accessible housing opportunities.
ACCOMMODATIONS: To request, email Deb McCarty at dlmccart1@aol.com or call 317-638-2392 by 12:00 noon on September 22, 2025.
Presented by The Inclusion Institute of The League.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the AWS Foundation.
Special Needs Planning Conference
Special Needs Planning Conference with All Needs Planning and the 7Q Foundation.
Topics include:
Special Needs Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Social Security
and so much more!
Registration opens soon.
For more information visit All Needs Planning.
Smart Home Technology for Individuals with Accessibility Needs
Equipping a home with a smart home system and technologies specifically designed to enhance its safety and efficacy can help increase independence and autonomy for older adults and people with disabilities. However, smart homes remain unattainable to many due to the high cost of these systems and technologies. There are resources, such as the State Grant for Assistive Technology Program, that can help individuals acquire smart home devices. There are also other demonstrative models, such as Oklahoma’s Smart Home Demonstration Sites and the Illinois Smart Home Demonstration Center, that can show how affordable assistive technology could transform a home into a smart home.
Presented by ACL’s Housing and Services Resource Center.
How Caregivers Can Secure the Future of Their Dependents with Special Needs
Special Olympics Indiana invites you to our free workshop, “How Caregivers Can Secure the Future of Their Dependents with Special Needs.”
These sessions, designed for parents and caregivers of our athletes, feature Special Needs Planner Gordon Homes. You’ll learn about protecting government benefits, the importance of a will and more. Feel free to bring a guest.
A light meal will be provided for those who RSVP.
Self-Advocates of Indiana - Wabash Center Chapter
This chapter of Self Advocates of Indiana meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month. All self-advocates are invited. You do not need to be a client of Wabash Center.
For more information contact Rhonda Hicks, rhicks@wabashcenter.com.
Assistive Technologies That Empower Daily Living
What does assistive technology really mean—and how can it support greater independence for people with disabilities? In this conversation, Ian Ramos, Assistive Technology Specialist at Access Ingenuity, joins Dana Hooper, Executive Director of LSA, to explore practical tools, common roadblocks, and how families can start finding the right supports. With personal stories and expert insight, they’ll dive into what’s possible when the right technology meets the right person.
Presented by Life Services Alternatives (LSA).
Free registration.
Planning for the Future: Financial Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities
Indiana Family to Family is hosting a four-part training series designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families plan for a secure financial future. Led by Gordon Homes, Special Care Planner with WestPoint Financial Group, this series will cover essential financial topics, including government benefits, trusts, guardianship, and life care planning.
Dates: Mondays, June 2 – June 23
Location: Virtual
Time: 6:30-8:00pm EST
🔹 Week 1 (June 2): Government Benefits and Programs
🔹 Week 2 (June 9): Special Needs Trusts
🔹 Week 3 (June 16): Guardianship & Alternatives + ABLE Accounts
🔹 Week 4 (June 23): Life Care Planning
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and take proactive steps toward financial security. Register today!
Free Registration: https://tinyurl.com/Summer-Training-Series.
Talks with The Arc Trust Monthly Webinar
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.
Presented by The Arc Master Trust.
Free registration.
Planning for the Future: Financial Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities
Indiana Family to Family is hosting a four-part training series designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families plan for a secure financial future. Led by Gordon Homes, Special Care Planner with WestPoint Financial Group, this series will cover essential financial topics, including government benefits, trusts, guardianship, and life care planning.
Dates: Mondays, June 2 – June 23
Location: Virtual
Time: 6:30-8:00pm EST
🔹 Week 1 (June 2): Government Benefits and Programs
🔹 Week 2 (June 9): Special Needs Trusts
🔹 Week 3 (June 16): Guardianship & Alternatives + ABLE Accounts
🔹 Week 4 (June 23): Life Care Planning
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and take proactive steps toward financial security. Register today!
Free Registration: https://tinyurl.com/Summer-Training-Series.
Let's Talk Benefits
Learn how early and ongoing benefits counseling empowers those considering work. Learn how to reject common myths about benefits and going to work. Understand the difference between SSI & SSDI. Understand which healthcare benefit (Medicaid and Medicare) goes with which SSA benefit. Learn asset-building options to assist with benefits. Learn about the advantages and find out how to access benefits counseling in Indiana.
Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.
Free registration.
Planning for the Future: Financial Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities
Indiana Family to Family is hosting a four-part training series designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families plan for a secure financial future. Led by Gordon Homes, Special Care Planner with WestPoint Financial Group, this series will cover essential financial topics, including government benefits, trusts, guardianship, and life care planning.
Dates: Mondays, June 2 – June 23
Location: Virtual
Time: 6:30-8:00pm EST
🔹 Week 1 (June 2): Government Benefits and Programs
🔹 Week 2 (June 9): Special Needs Trusts
🔹 Week 3 (June 16): Guardianship & Alternatives + ABLE Accounts
🔹 Week 4 (June 23): Life Care Planning
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and take proactive steps toward financial security. Register today!
Free Registration: https://tinyurl.com/Summer-Training-Series.
Planning for the Future: Financial Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities
Indiana Family to Family is hosting a four-part training series designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families plan for a secure financial future. Led by Gordon Homes, Special Care Planner with WestPoint Financial Group, this series will cover essential financial topics, including government benefits, trusts, guardianship, and life care planning.
Dates: Mondays, June 2 – June 23
Location: Virtual
Time: 6:30-8:00pm EST
🔹 Week 1 (June 2): Government Benefits and Programs
🔹 Week 2 (June 9): Special Needs Trusts
🔹 Week 3 (June 16): Guardianship & Alternatives + ABLE Accounts
🔹 Week 4 (June 23): Life Care Planning
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and take proactive steps toward financial security. Register today!
Free Registration: https://tinyurl.com/Summer-Training-Series.
Mobile Device Accessibility Full Day Training
Who should attend: This training is for anyone interested in learning about mobile device accessibility for people with disabilities, highlighting built-in features and apps designed to support greater independence and ease of use. Individuals with disabilities, educators, parents, students, and professionals can benefit from this training.
Why: This FREE assistive technology training will provide participants with valuable insights into how mobile devices—equipped with built-in accessibility features and apps—can enhance the independence of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, at home, and in the community.
Presented by Easterseals Crossroads INDATA.
Free registration.
Talks with The Arc Trust Monthly Webinar
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.
Presented by The Arc Master Trust.
Free registration.
Tools to Help You Save Money
Learn about 2 tools that help people with disabilities save money:
The Arc Master Trust presented by Sarah Geis.
Indiana’s ABLE Account, INvestABLE, presented by Amy Corbin.
RSVP to programs@oasisforlife.org or call/text 765-267-3808.
IPMG Informational Webinar: Mobile Accessibility for all
One of the most accessible devices lives right in your pocket or backpack. Smart phones and tablets offer wonderful accessibility settings that can open up a world of access for individuals with disabilities, and really for anyone! Guest presenter Josh Anderson, ATP - Director of Assistive Technology - Easterseals Crossroads, will deep dive into the built-in accessibility settings for iOS and Android and show how they can help individuals with hearing, vision, mobility, and cognitive impairments access technology and the world around them.
Presented by IPMG.
Free registration.
IAB's 13th Annual Autism Parent Conference
The Institute for Applied Behavioral Science (IABS) at Endicott College is hoping you will join us for our 13th Annual Autism PARENT Conference!
All topics are geared towards parents & caregivers.
The conference is FREE and either in-person at Endicott College, or virtual via ZOOM.
WHEN: SATURDAY May 3rd
WHEN: 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. EST
Free registration.
AT Awareness Day
You're Invited!
Celebrate AT Awareness Day
Honoring the individuals who rely on Assistive Technology (AT) to access education, workplaces, communities, and recreation.
Join us for an Open House to celebrate the innovation of AT and the dedication of the researchers, educators, and specialists who make AT accessible to millions.
OPEN YOUR WORLD WITH TECHNOLOGY!
Explore our adaptive lab and discover how the INDATA Project, ATLAS Project, clinical services, digital literacy programs, loan library, home modification services, and more are helping individuals lead fuller, more independent lives.
Light refreshments will be served.
We look forward to welcoming you to an event that celebrates the power of technology in making the world more accessible for everyone!
Presented by Easterseals Crossroads.
Let's Talk Benefits
Learn how early and ongoing benefits counseling empowers those considering work. Learn how to reject common myths about benefits and going to work. Understand the difference between SSI & SSDI. Understand which healthcare benefit (Medicaid and Medicare) goes with which SSA benefit. Learn asset-building options to assist with benefits. Learn about the advantages and find out how to access benefits counseling in Indiana.
Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Center on Community Living and Careers.
Free registration.
Helping to Secure the Financial Future of Individuals (of all ages) with Disabilities
When planning for the financial future of a loved one with a disability, there are many different aspects to consider, and will vary depending on their age.
This workshop will discuss critical considerations for individuals of all ages who have a disability. We’ll review the importance of creating a life care plan, how it can help, and who should be involved. Learn crucial information and tools that may help in preparing for their financial future, such as government benefits, special needs truss, ABLE accounts, and other legal and financial structures and considerations.
Preparing for the financial future of a loved one with a disability can help ease the burden of the unexpected tomorrows. And help ensure that loved ones’ continued care and quality of life continues well into their future.
The presentation will run approximately 45-60 minutes, with a light supper and plenty of time afterwards to answer your questions.
Presented by Gordon Homes, Financial Planner, Special Care Planner for WestPoint Financial Group.
Registration is required by April 17. Email programs@oasisforlife.org or call/text 765-267-3808.
Surf Safe on the Internet! Webinar
Self-Advocates of Indiana has partnered with The Arc of San Francisco for an internet safety webinar.
The Arc of San Francisco worked with AT&T to develop an internet safety curriculum for people with disabilities, and we are excited to learn more about how we can surf safe on the internet and avoid scams!
Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89272386613