Special Needs Planning with Consolidated Planning Group

In this session, we will review SSI & Medicaid, SSDI & Medicare, and Childhood Disability Benefits. We will review when and how to apply, how to be prepared for your appointment, and how to maintain eligibility going forward. You will learn how to maximize benefits for your family. Many of our children with disabilities do not qualify for SSI & Medicaid as minors. The landscape changes when they turn 18. Whether you are already getting benefits and aren't sure if your benefits are maximized or you need guidance on how to get started, this session is for you. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

This webinar will discuss the legal effect of the change from child to adult on that magical 18th birthday. Attorney Gabrielle Marshall and Paralegal Guadalupe Diaz from Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid will present the different types of guardianship alternatives that may be suitable for your child, turned adult. Gabrielle and Guadalupe will also provide a brief overview of what legal aid is available to Texas families. Join this webinar to learn the basics of guardianship, why it is considered a "last resort" option, and how to afford the legal services required to make it happen.

There are many decisions to be made as you prepare for the future of your special needs family member. Living with a disability is often associated with significant costs. That’s why families should understand Medicaid Waivers (specifically the Texas IDD Service System), SSI eligibility, and the importance of preserving benefits. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

Are you baffled by your child's behavior? Join this webinar to learn from Educational Consultant Robin Rettie as she discusses the brain and body interactions with a goal of increasing awareness and self-regulation. Strategies will be shared to help a child succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. This event is hosted by Fort Bend ADDA Parent Support Group.

Raising a child with special needs requires careful planning for the future. During this webinar, we will hear from Special Needs Attorney Leona Filis as she shares the top eight steps needed to prepare properly for the future of your family. These eight steps include a discussion of:1. Interest Lists for Medicaid Waiver Programs 2. DID evaluation 3. Special Needs Trust 4. 529A account 5. Life insurance and disability insurance 6. Will, POA, and Medical POA 7. Talk to your child’s school about Section 504 and Special Education 8. Guardianship or the least restrictive alternative Join this webinar to learn how to plan for your future properly!

So you (or your child) want a job? That’s great! Obtaining a job when you have a disability comes with challenges, but with the right support, it's completely possible for you to find your dream job, build a career, and support yourself! Join Cheyenne Jock, Director of Jobs for Best Buddies Texas, as she gives step-by-step instructions on things you can do today to prepare for employment. You will walk away with action items on how you can support your loved ones with a disability in their job search. Also, learn what community resources have helped Best Buddies participants across the world find success!

A Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) waiver helps people with disabilities live and work in their community. This waiver can cover things almost NEVER covered by private insurance, like an attendant that helps someone get out of bed and get dressed, support to help someone get or keep a job, or specialized interventions to help with someone's behaviors in particular situations. Plus, so much more! Join this webinar as Lynsy Meier from Sevita Health shares insight about how to get the most out of your HCS waiver.

Once a child with special needs becomes a legal adult, how does a parent continue to protect and make decisions for that child? During this webinar we will be joined by Special Needs Attorney Melissa Donovan who will discuss the guardianship option as well as alternatives to the guardianship such as powers of attorney, supported decision-making agreements, special needs trusts, and representative payees. You will learn factors to consider in determining the best course of action for a disabled adult child and will receive an overview of the guardianship process in Texas, including the timeline, court procedures, options for limited guardianships, requirements for maintaining the guardianship, and tips for a smooth proceeding.

As children with special needs transition to the teen and young adult years, their needs change significantly. You can prepare your child and yourselves for a successful transition to independence. Join us to learn the key steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible!

As a parent of a child with special needs, you know there are many decisions to be made as it relates to the future of your family member with special needs. Considerations such as transitioning, future care options, and preservation of benefit eligibility are a few items that require intentional evaluation. These are especially important if you have a child who may need care for the rest of their life. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

Looking for a college experience for your child with special needs? We have the answers to the questions families have when considering the best option for their student who is neurodiverse or has a disability when transitioning out of high school. The discussion will include answers to these frequently asked questions: What options are available after high school? What makes a college good for students with disabilities? What unique planning considerations should I consider? Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

In this session, we will review SSI & Medicaid, SSDI & Medicare, and Childhood Disability Benefits. We will review when and how to apply, how to be prepared for your appointment, and how to maintain eligibility going forward. You will learn how to maximize benefits for your family. Many of our children with disabilities do not qualify for SSI & Medicaid as minors. The landscape changes when they turn 18. Whether you are already getting benefits and aren't sure if your benefits are maximized or you need guidance on how to get started, this session is for you. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

Join this presentation to learn about services available through the University of Houston Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Our speaker is Program Manager Tessa Conaway. This presentation will provide an overview of ABA therapy and how it can be utilized for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. It will also cover available ABA therapy services at the University of Houston Clear Lake’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

If you have a child with special needs, you may have wondered about ABA therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is not without controversy. Some professionals believe it is a valid approach, especially in the support of individuals with autism. Join this webinar to hear from Board Certified Behavior Analyst Armando Bernal as he explains the value of ABA. You will learn the red and green flags to look for when searching for an ABA provider. This presentation will provide a list of qualities a provider should have and your rights as a parent with an autistic child. In addition, you will be inspired by Armando's story about his own journey with autism spectrum disorder.

Sleep can be a big challenge for people with ADHD who have brains that can't tolerate boredom, bodies that are fidgety and restless, and thoughts that are hard to turn off. Unfortunately, sleep struggles often exacerbate ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and emotion dysregulation. Join us as Clinical Psychologist Lindsay Asawa speaks about the unique sleep challenges faced by those with ADHD, the reasons behind those challenges, and strategies that may help.

Many families assume that independent living is not an option for their special needs young adult. Not so! There are many quality residential communities throughout the state of Texas that are dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live a happy, healthy, and independent life. Consolidated Planning Group brings a panel presentation to you with representatives from various residential programs. Join us to learn the options available to your family! The Panel Included: Daymark Living Down Home Ranch LTO Ventures Marbridge Marbridge Reach Unlimited The Village Centers Southwind Fields

In this session, we will review SSI & Medicaid, SSDI & Medicare, and Childhood Disability Benefits. We will review when and how to apply, how to be prepared for your appointment, and how to maintain eligibility going forward. You will learn how to maximize benefits for your family. Many of our children with disabilities do not qualify for SSI & Medicaid as minors. The landscape changes when they turn 18. Whether you are already getting benefits and aren't sure if your benefits are maximized or you need guidance on how to get started, this session is for you. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

The college search and admissions process is complex and incredibly important. You are busy. Your student may be just as busy. As a parent, you are an expert in many things, but college search and admissions is likely not one of them. Join this webinar to hear from Michelle McAnaney, founder of The College Spy®. Michelle will discuss: What exactly is merit aid? How to find colleges that are generous with merit aid How colleges use merit aid as a tool to meet enrollment goals. How to look up a college and interpret the data

As a parent of a child with special needs, you know there are many decisions to be made as it relates to the future of your family member with special needs. Considerations such as transitioning, future care options, and preservation of benefit eligibility are a few items that require intentional evaluation. These are especially important if you have a child who may need care for the rest of their life. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

As children with special needs transition to the teen and young adult years, their needs change significantly. You can prepare your child and yourselves for a successful transition to independence. Join us to learn the key steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible!

Why Do I Need A Special Education Advocate to Understand The IEP Process And My Rights As A Parent? Join this webinar to hear from Special Education Advocate Tenika Combs, Founder of Got Advocacy. She will help you understand the importance of your rights as a parent, the ARD process, and help you get equipped for this school year. Whatever stage your child is in, whether transitioning into special education for the first time or transitioning out of special education, this talk is for you!

Recreation is about activities and experiences which produce feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction. They give all of us opportunities to express creativity, achieve and master new skills, and find overall joy in life! Recreation can be significant for people with a disability, offering opportunities to practice social skills, improve physical aptitude, and increase motivation. These activities can provide the basis for increased self-confidence for your child. Our panel webinar event will introduce you to several individuals who offer wonderful recreational activities for your child with special needs.

Looking for an educational experience after high school for your teen who learns differently? You will not want to miss this webinar! You will hear ideas, options, and suggestions about how to choose the best option for your student with special needs when transitioning out of high school. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

Ready, Set Go! Appropriate Planning for Returning to School and Finding Academic Success with Shemica Allen from Personalized Learning Solutions will share tips for success as you anticipate school this fall. Specifically, you will learn how to appropriately plan for before, during & after an ARD/IEP or 504 Meeting. Also, you will learn how to prepare a Parent Vision Statement to keep you focused so you can successfully advocate for your child during all school meetings.

Divorce and child support are legally complex and emotionally challenging issues on their own. When these issues involve children with special needs, parents must be even more mindful to ensure that their children are protected. If these special considerations are not appropriately addressed, it could be disastrous for children with special needs. Join this webinar as Board Certified Family Law Attorney Mike Day addresses how parents can best protect their children with special needs in the midst of litigating a divorce or child support dispute. In addition, Mary Ann Hughes, Special Needs Divorce Coach and founder of Special Family Transitions, will share tips on being proactive and organized in divorce, to better deal with the overwhelming issues of special needs divorce and more effectively advocate for yourself and your child with a disability.

Special needs require a special lawyer. For a family with a disabled child, estate planning requires special planning to ensure that the disabled child’s needs are met without jeopardizing government benefits. Join Special Needs Attorney Christina Lesher as she discusses the top five Special Needs Documents needed to prepare properly for the future of your family. Will or Revocable Trust (or both) 3rd party Supplemental Needs Trust 1st party Supplemental Needs Trust Documents for incapacity Beneficiary designation updates Join us as Special Needs Christina Lesher explains how to successfully plan for your future.

One of the biggest challenges for academic success is the timely turn-in of assignments. Your student can be better equipped for academic success with the right planner! Join Certified Professional Organizer Ellen Delap to learn about the benefits of using a planner and how a planner assists executive function challenges. Ellen will also share information on choosing a planner or capture tool with your student that suits their strengths and learning modalities.

8 Steps to Consider When Raising a Child with Special Needs - A Presentation by Special Needs Attorney Leona Filis Raising a child with special needs requires careful planning for the future. During this webinar, we will hear from Special Needs Attorney Leona Filis as she shares the top eight steps needed to prepare properly for the future of your family. These eight steps include a discussion of: 1. Interest Lists for Medicaid Waiver Programs 2. DID evaluation 3. Special Needs Trust 4. 529A account 5. Life insurance and disability insurance 6. Will, POA, and Medical POA 7. Talk to your child’s school about Section 504 and Special Education 8. Guardianship or the least restrictive alternative Join this webinar to learn how to plan for your future properly!

The Importance of a Great First Impression - How to Help Your Young Adult Child with Special Needs Improve Their First Impression When Seeking Employment Is your child ready for employment? Many parents wonder how to best support their young adult child as they step out of high school and begin to find vocational opportunities. We know how important it is to make a great first impression when interviewing. Appearance can make or break a job search and we want our child to feel their best while job searching and in the first few weeks of employment. Sufficient personal hygiene and grooming practices can be difficult for people with intellectual disabilities to attain due to deficits in motor, communication, and cognitive abilities. Join our speaker, Chelsea Nguyen, from CN Vision Image, as she explains the challenges facing our children as they prepare to work. Chelsea is an expert on this topic and she will explain how to improve your child's independence and self-confidence.. She will offer solutions you may not have thought of to help our children make a great first impression!

As a parent of a child with special needs, you know there are many decisions to be made as it relates to the future of your family member with special needs. Considerations such as transitioning, future care options, and preservation of benefit eligibility are a few items that require intentional evaluation. These are especially important if you have a child who may need care for the rest of their life. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

Your Neurodivergent Teen and the Launch to College - Insider Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of Your College Tours with Campus Experts Andrea Malkin Brenner, Ph.D. and Michelle McAnaney, M.Ed. Visiting colleges takes money, time, and effort. Given this investment, it's important to make your visits meaningful. Done right, college visits allow you to assess each college's fit for your teen's interests and needs; identify and evaluate different campus cultures; discover off-campus amenities; and explore campus resources beyond the tour. Join this webinar to learn how to approach your college search for your neurodivergent teen.

Day and Transition programs provide a safe environment for adults needing support and meaningful daily engagement. Consolidated Planning Group brings a panel presentation to you with representatives from various Day and Transition Programs.

Are you struggling with parenthood? Are you stressed and feel like you are falling short? You won't want to miss this webinar! Did you know that your school district offers "In-Home Training/Parent Training?" You may qualify for this amazing service that will either offer you parent training (books, parent education, or call with a parent trainer) or they will meet personally with you. Family Specialist Ashley Bennett-Sigmund and Behavioral Specialist Humaira Akther will share their knowledge about accessing "In-Home Training/Parent Training." In this webinar, you will learn how to access this service along with tips on how to improve communication with your child's teacher. This webinar will discuss: What is "In-home Training/Parent Training?" Who can qualify for "In-home Training/Parent Training?" How to request "In-home Training/Parent Training?"

The first day of school is nearly here. You want to be your child's champion and put steps in place for the best possible year. Join this webinar to learn from Special Education Advocate Karen Mayer Cunningham as she guides us toward the best way to successfully navigate the special education system.

Families with disabled loved ones face complications when preparing for hurricane season. People living with disabilities or limited mobility require extra preparatory measures based on their specific needs. Join this webinar to learn how to create your Family Emergency Plan. Preparedness will be your best bet at keeping everyone out of harm’s way.

Whether you are a parent or an educator, this webinar will discuss how to create an environment where individuals with autism and similar disabilities can thrive. Simple strategies implemented consistently are the key to providing support that increases confidence, provides a sense of security, and instills motivation. Join this webinar to learn from Brandi Timmons, MEd, BCBA, LBA and Educational Consultant based in Houston, TX.

As a parent of a child with special needs, you know there are many decisions to be made as it relates to the future of your special needs family member. The decision about inheritance and how to fund a disabled child's future after you are gone is very important. A Special Needs Trust is a valuable resource for many families. Join us as two experts, Special Needs Financial Planner Allison Schaberg and Special Needs Attorney Tresi Weeks, discuss the Special Needs Trust and how to successfully plan for your future.

Looking for an educational experience after high school for your teen who learns differently? You will not want to miss this webinar! You will hear ideas, options, and suggestions about how to choose the best option for your student with special needs when transitioning out of high school. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

We all think we have more time to plan for our loved ones! But if you love someone who is aging or has special needs, you should take time now to plan for a future health crisis. This presentation will offer an invaluable checklist so nothing is missed as you consider the tough decisions involved in end-of-life care. Annalee Kruger from Care Right, Inc., will help you organize your thoughts and offer detailed advice for arranging your team of legal, financial, and residential care professionals to make sure the one you love is treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. Whether you have a child with special needs or an older parent, you won't want to miss this webinar!

Listen to this webinar to hear from Sara Kendall and Nehtra Davis from Texas Workforce Commission as they explain how and why someone becomes a Concurrent Beneficiary. We’ll cover the “work incentive” programs for SSI and Title II that can be used to continue to receive the monthly cash benefit when working and how the two programs interact….and don’t interact with each other. You’ll learn where to get free assistance so you can better understand what happens to SSI and Medicaid and Title II and Medicare when your child is actively looking for work, or is already working.

What do you do when your loved one cannot care for themselves, either partially or completely? We all want our loved ones to live meaningful lives but sometimes they may lack the capacity to do so independently. That’s when a discussion about Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship is prudent. Join us as Attorney Boyd Handley shares information about guardianships and how to successfully plan for your financial future.

Preparing Your Special Needs Teen For Adulthood - Individuals with special needs leaving school in their late teens often face the challenges of adulthood unprepared. There are many things to do to aid this transition process. Beth Duncan from Texana Center’s Behavioral Healthcare will detail services, programs, and methods to increase your child's quality of life after high school.

During this webinar, we will hear from Special Needs Attorney Christina Lesher as she shares the top five Special Needs Documents needed to prepare properly for the future of your family. Will or Revocable Trust (or both) 3rd party Supplemental Needs Trust 1st party Supplemental Needs Trust Documents for incapacity Beneficiary designation updates Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

There are three different types of programs SSA runs for people with disabilities under Title II, including the Childhood Disability Benefits also known as Disabled Adult Child (CDB/DAC). Title II has five “return to work” stages. Working can affect the Title II benefits depending on which stage of work the person is in and how much they earn.

As children with special needs transition to the teen and young adult years, their needs change significantly. You can prepare your child and yourselves for a successful transition to independence. Join us to learn the key steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible!

Misinformation and myths have led many to believe that they can only work a certain number of hours or earn a specific amount each month or the SSI cash benefit and Medicaid will be terminated. The SSI program is designed so that the cash benefit gradually reduces when someone goes to work, but Medicaid is retained until a living wage is reached.

Enjoy this conversation with Allison Schaberg and Christina Lesher as they explore the ways they help families with special needs!

Enjoy this conversation with Allison Schaberg and Mary Jane Williams as we learn about Family to Family Network!

Enjoy this conversation with Steve Friedman, father, author, and advocate for the Down Syndrome community. His latest award-winning book, "The Essential Guide for Families with Down Syndrome: Plans and Actions for Independence at Every Stage of Life" offers stories, options, and resources for your loved one with Down Syndrome. Steve, along with his wife Jennifer and daughter Gwendolyn, love sharing tips and stories that make this important journey achievable.

Enjoy this conversation with Dr. Temple Grandin. You will find valuable insight and hope if you love someone with autism! Grandin is one of the first autistic people to document the insights she gained from her personal experience of autism. She is a faculty member with Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University. In 2010, Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, named her in the "Heroes" category.