
Special Needs Planning with Consolidated Planning Group
202 episodes — Page 4 of 5

S2 Ep 2A Conversation with Family Care Planner Annalee Kruger from Care Right, Inc.
Join us as we discover the benefits of working with Annalee Kruger from Care Right, Inc. Family Care Planner Annalee Kruger helps families develop a "Family Care Plan" which is essential to proper estate planning.

S2 Ep 1A Conversation with Karen Mayer Cunningham - Special Education Boss
Enjoy this conversation with a trusted professional and our friend, Karen Mayer Cunningham. Karen wears many hats: Founder and CEO of Special Education Academy, the Special Education Boss, Advocate, Professional Speaker, Coach, and Global Life Changer. Karen has been advocating on behalf of children for over 25 years. She is passionate about training, educating, and empowering everyone that sits at the 504/IEP table.

S2 Ep 3A Conversation with Roni Jo Frazier from Bloom Consulting
Enjoy this conversation with Roni Jo Frazier from Bloom Consulting. Roni Jo is the Vice President of Programs with Bloom Consulting. A little bit more about Bloom Consulting: Based in Cedar Park, Texas, we are a full-service vocational rehabilitation firm that utilizes age-appropriate, peer-reviewed methodology to evaluate, plan, and facilitate the most meaningfully independent life possible for a person with a disability.

S1 Ep 49Strategies for Helping Children with ADHD Regulate their Emotions with Dr. Melissa Tabin
Do you wonder how to help your child calm down? Did you know you can help your child understand how their thinking is impacting their mood? There is a process to help your child restructure their thinking and help them understand what's going on and how to feel better!Join our webinar to hear from Dr. Melissa Tabin, who will share general strategies, suggestions, and examples of methods that help your family!She has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and has worked with families with ADD and ADHD for many years. Dr. Tabin offers evaluations in her private practice.

S1 Ep 48Recreational Activities for Individuals with Disabilities - A Panel Webinar
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.

S1 Ep 47Ending Social Isolation for People with IDD
Friendship is the antidote to loneliness! Let Best Buddies help your family! Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this discussion, you will learn how Best Buddies empowers the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, and feel valued by society.

S1 Ep 46What You Need to Know About Medicare and Other Programs for People with Disabilities
Medicare is not just a program for people aged 65 and older. It also covers the millions of Americans living with a disability. This webinar offers an important presentation by Angela Cain, Outreach Specialist with The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Angela will share information regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace health insurance policies.

S1 Ep 45Should I Open an ABLE Account?
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 individuals and families should consider contributing to an ABLE account. ABLE accounts offer tax-advantaged savings that can fund disability expenses. Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future.

S1 Ep 44What is a Letter of Intent? Why Do I Need One?
There are many decisions to be made as you prepare for the future of your special needs family member. No one else knows your child as well as you do. But what can you do to maintain your level of care after you're gone? A Letter of Intent is the answer! Join us as we explain how to successfully plan for your future. Attendees will receive a fillable and printable Letter of Intent for their own use.

S1 Ep 43Top 5 Legal Documents Needed for Special Needs Planning
During this webinar we will be joined by Christina Lesher, a Special Needs Attorney, to learn 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.

S1 Ep 42Wills, Trusts & Guardianships With Attorney Heidi Angel
It is vitally important to provide the necessary support for your child without accidentally setting up unwanted limitations or exclusions. Your special needs attorney can help you properly plan for the future of your child with special needs. Join this webinar to learn how to navigate the complex road toward an optimal will, trust, and guardianship for your family. Attorney Heidi Angel will help you learn how to avoid problems and achieve peace of mind.

S1 Ep 41BEYOND DOWN SYNDROME
If you are a parent of a child with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities, you won't want to miss this webinar! Father to Gwendolyn, advocate, and award-winning author Steve Friedman is our presenter. He will speak from the heart about his family's experiences and share his advice about preparing for your future. He will touch on the pillars to independence - continuing education, work, relationships, and housing - and how to manage frequent obstacles, including financial concerns, and how to parent throughout the independence journey. With his daughter Gwendolyn as his inspiration and his corporate background to inform his work and research, Steve's excellent advice helps families find their path to meaningful solutions.

S1 Ep 40Special Needs Planning - Medicaid Waivers, SSI Eligibility, and Preserving Benefits
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.

S1 Ep 39Future Planning - A Family Approach
Every parent of a person with a disability asks: “What will happen to my child when I am gone?” Siblings worry about the future and the roles they will play.Join us as Emily Holl, Director of the Sibling Support Project, helps us understand the importance of thinking deeply about the needs and concerns of the sibling of an individual with a disability.This webinar will focus on the importance and benefits of involving every family member -- including individuals with disabilities, parents, siblings, and other involved members of their support network -- in discussions and planning for the future.

S1 Ep 38Transition Tips for Launching Your Special Needs Teen into Adulthood
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. Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner, will help you understand the key steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible.

S1 Ep 37Let’s Learn About Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Do you have a young adult ready to enter the workforce? Do you know about Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) which helps people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment consistent with their strengths, interests, abilities, and aptitudes? Join our webinar to learn about one of the many programs and services they offer, including answers to many questions such as:

S1 Ep 35Special Needs Planning - Key Steps to Transition Success
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.

S1 Ep 36Preparing for Employment for Young People with a Disability
If you have a child with a disability interested in employment, you won't want to miss this webinar. Join us as Jacqueline Carter, Student HireAbility Navigator, shares her wisdom and experience with us. During this Podcast you will learn about Workforce Solutions and their pre-employment transition services.

S1 Ep 34Let’s Learn About Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Do you have a young adult ready to enter the workforce? Do you know about Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) which helps people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment consistent with their strengths, interests, abilities, and aptitudes? Join our webinar to learn about one of the many programs and services they offer, including answers to many questions such as:

S1 Ep 33Are You Ready For A Crisis?
Making Sure You're Prepared in the Planning Process for Individuals with a Disability and Aging Family MembersWe all think we have more time to plan for our aging loved ones or ourselves! You never know when someone may have a stroke, a fall, or a sudden illness. Often, adult kids get thrust into the role of family caregiver without ever having had a family meeting to discuss the "what and when" concerns of aging. This issue is even more significant when there is a family member with special needs. This presentation will review considerations for you, your aging parents, and your children. Annalee Kruger from Care Right, Inc., will discuss proactive decision-making and aging planning for your whole family. You will learn about the Grab and Go Binder solution!

S1 Ep 32Independence is a Process
It's never too early (or late!) to start preparing your child with autism, ADHD, or similar disability for transitioning to adulthood. Join this webinar to hear from Behavior Analyst Brandi Timmons as she talks about common barriers to independence and strategies to alleviate those barriers.

S1 Ep 31Accessing and Utilizing Special Education Resources
Do you wish you had a bank of resources to start or continue the 504/IEP process? Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss, will share her best with us in this upcoming training for all who sit at the 504/IEP Table.

S1 Ep 30Summer Camp Opportunities Available to Families with Special Needs
Summer camp is a great option for both youth and adults with disabilities. There are many camps in Texas that focus on supporting adults with IDD, medical concerns, learning challenges, and other cognitive disabilities.Consolidated Planning Group brings a panel presentation to you with representatives from various summer camp organizations that promote growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.

S1 Ep 29Understanding and Supporting Executive Function Skills in Students
Looking for an educational experience after high school for your teen who learns differently? You will not want to miss this webinar with Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner, from Consolidated Planning Group. Allison will offer ideas, options, and suggestions about how to choose the best option for your student with special needs when transitioning out of high school.

S1 Ep 28Educational Options After High School for Special Needs Families
Looking for an educational experience after high school for your teen who learns differently? You will not want to miss this webinar with Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner, from Consolidated Planning Group. Allison will offer ideas, options, and suggestions about how to choose the best option for your student with special needs when transitioning out of high school.

S1 Ep 27Making Your Dream Vacation Come True!
Everyone, regardless of their disability, is entitled to a safe, enjoyable, frustration-free vacation. Please join Senior Travel Advisor and SNG® Certified Accessible Travel Advocate, Denise Williams, Williams Global Travel – Dream Vacations, as she shares insider insights, travel tips, supplier, and destination recommendations for families traveling with special needs. Your dream vacation awaits!

S1 Ep 26Top 5 Legal Documents Needed for Special Needs Planning
Attorney Christina Lesher 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.

S1 Ep 25Guardianship and Alternatives with Special Needs Attorney Alison Packard
Once a child with special needs becomes a legal adult, how does a parent continue to protect and make decisions for that child? Attorney Alison Packard will discuss the guardianship option as well as alternatives to guardianship, such as powers of attorney, supported decision-making agreements, special needs trusts, and representative payees. She will suggest factors to consider in determining the best course of action for a disabled adult child. Alison will also provide 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.

S1 Ep 24The Gateway Academy
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 Special Needs Financial Planner Allison Schaberg explains how to successfully plan for your future.

S1 Ep 23Overreactions and Meltdowns: Managing Emotions with ADHD with Dr. Lindsay Asawa
Emotions can be difficult for anyone to manage, but they are especially overwhelming for the ADHD brain. Emotion dysregulation is a hidden symptom of ADHD that can have a big impact on families. What causes the overreactions and meltdowns so common in children with ADHD? How can parents, teachers, and therapists provide support and prepare them for the emotional rollercoaster of life?

S1 Ep 22Understanding SSI and Medicaid, SSDI and Medicare as well as Childhood Disability Benefits
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 Michelle Morris, Special Needs Financial Planner, explains how to successfully plan for your financial future.

S1 Ep 21Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Process At-A-Glance
This presentation will cover the Vocational Rehabilitation process found with Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Counselors will explain who they serve, what those services are, and how the process works. Also, they will discuss the particular services for Blind or Visually Impaired individuals. There are differences between transition and adult caseloads and this presentation will focus on services for students from ages 14-22 as they prepare for life after high school whether it is planning for college or work.

S1 Ep 20College Planning for Families with Special Needs
ELooking for a college experience for your child with special needs? Michelle Morris, Special Needs Financial Planner, from Consolidated Planning Group, offers answers to families 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 financial considerations should I consider?

S1 Ep 19Understanding Community First Choice
As a parent of a child with special needs, you may be confused about Community First Choice (CFC). This webinar will address the CFC program that enables Texas Medicaid to provide the most cost-effective approach to basic attendant and habilitation service delivery. Melissa Gengenbach, the presenter for this webinar, is a service coordinator for CFC. Attendees will walk away with a birds-eye view of how to navigate Community First Choice.

S1 Ep 18Find a Bud for Yourself or Your Child!
Finding like-minded individuals is so difficult in our increasingly isolated world and especially throughout a pandemic. Social Worker Caroline Turner has a passion for connecting families and individuals. Join this webinar to learn about a new solution to bridge this gap!

S1 Ep 17Transitions - Tips for Launching your Special Needs Teen into Adulthood
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. Michelle Morris, Special Needs Financial Planner, will help you understand the key steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible.

S1 Ep 16Special Needs Planning - Medicaid Waivers, SSI Eligibility, and Preserving Benefits
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 Special Needs Financial Planner Allison Schaberg explains how to successfully plan for your future.

S1 Ep 15How to Save on Medical Expenses
Are you worried about medical bills? Do you wish you could win the fight with your insurance company to get more expenses reimbursed? You may be able to resolve denied insurance claims! Learn how at this webinar! Join us as Special Needs Financial Advisor Allison Schaberg shares her personal experience and financial know-how with you!

S1 Ep 14College Planning for Families with Special Needs
Looking for a college experience for your child with special needs? Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner from Consolidated Planning Group, offers answers to families 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 financial considerations should I consider?

S1 Ep 13 Starting and Navigating the IEP Process: How Do We Move Forward to Support our Kids in School?
What do we do when things are not running on automatic and our children are experiencing struggles at school? Join this webinar to learn from Educational Advocate Christina Cabral owner of Let's IEP Together. Christina says, "I often hear from parents that they had no idea these resources existed or how to effectively access them when their child needs special education. My goal is to help equip families with the knowledge to support their child, and ensure that every child has a voice at the IEP table."

S1 Ep 12Children with Special Needs and Divorce: What a Texas Parent Needs to Know with Attorney Mike Day and Special Needs Divorce Coach Mary Ann Hughes
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.

S1 Ep 11Planning for Individuals with a Disability - Key Steps to Achieving Financial Success
As a parent of a child with a disability, you know there are many decisions to be made as it relates to the future of your family member. 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 Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner, explains how to successfully plan for your financial future. In addition, Family to Family Network will discuss Charting the LifeCourse.

S1 Ep 10College Preparation and Support for the Young Adult with Special Needs with Bloom Consulting
If you are concerned about your child's readiness for college, consider working with Bloom Consulting! Their Campus Connections program is an innovative college support program designed to support students with disabilities as they attend the post-secondary institution of their choice. They recognize that students with a coach who provides mentoring, guidance, and navigational support are more likely to succeed on their college path. Join this webinar to hear from Jamie Moyer, National Director of Campus Connections - Bloom Consulting, as he shares how their program empowers students to succeed in college!

S1 Ep 9Preparing for the College Application Journey for the Family with Special Needs
If you are the parent of a high schooler with special needs, selecting a college is mystifying. You may wonder if you should begin with your local community college or if the goal of a traditional academic community is a possibility. Join us to hear from Independent Educational Consultant Jodi Glou who will demystify our thoughts about college applications for the family with a child with learning challenges.As the founder and owner of Custom College Consulting, Jodi Glou specializes in working with students who have learning challenges as they seek to find their best fit in post-secondary education.

S1 Ep 8Guardianship of Your Child with Special Needs
When your child reaches the age of 18, he or she will gain the right to vote, the right to contract, the right to get married, the right to decide where to live, the right to consent or refuse medical treatment. Doctors and other medical providers may be restricted from sharing your adult child’s health information with you because of health care privacy laws. As your child approaches the age of 18, you may want to consider obtaining guardianship. This presentation will address how to determine if guardianship is appropriate for your child, alternatives to a guardianship, and the procedure for obtaining a guardianship.Join us as Special Needs Financial Planner Allison Schaberg and Special Needs Attorney Lisa Wilson explain how to successfully plan for your future.

S1 Ep 7Recreational and Leisure Activities for Children with Disabilities
This webinar will offer a detailed look at community resources for children with disabilities. These resources include recreational and leisure activities that the whole family can enjoy! While the focus will be on the greater Galveston area, all will benefit from the conversation. Join Miranda Hernandez from Alvin ISD and Jann Davies from Friendswood ISD for a lively presentation!

S1 Ep 6Why do I need a Special Needs Attorney AND a Special Needs Financial Planner? What is the boundary between them and what do they both do for my family?
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. Considerations such as transitioning, future care options, and preservation of benefit eligibility are a few items that require intentional evaluation. Some decisions require legal preparation and some require financial arrangements. These are especially important if you have a child who may need care for the rest of their life. Join this webinar to learn from Special Needs Attorney Lisa Shoalmire and Special Needs Financial Planner Allison Schaberg as they address situations for a special needs attorney, situations calling for a special needs financial planner, and how both can work together.

S1 Ep 5College Planning for Families with Special Needs
Looking for a college experience for your child with special needs? Michelle Morris, Special Needs Financial Planner from Consolidated Planning Group, offers answers to families 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 financial considerations should I consider?

S1 Ep 4Medicaid Waiver Changes Coming in 2023 – More Housing Choice, End of Day Habilitation
Tens of thousands of Texans with disabilities depend on the financial safety net provided by four main Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers – HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, and DBMD. Significant changes to these waivers are coming in 2023 including more options for housing, but also the end-of-day habilitation. Mark Olson, President & CEO of LTO Ventures will explain the changes and how families and beneficiaries can prepare themselves.

S1 Ep 3Children with Special Needs and Divorce: What a Texas Parent Needs to Know with Attorney Mike Day and Special Needs Divorce Coach Mary Ann Hughes
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.