Upcoming Webinar and Workshop Topics:
Navigating Social Security and Department of Social Services Benefits
Planning for Transitions- Between Grades and Out of School
Unpacking Inclusion- If it is right for us, how will it work?
On-going Information & Education Opportunities:
First Fridays Futures Planning – Presented by Special Needs Trust Program
Trust Talk Tuesdays – Presented by Special Needs Trust Program
Thank Goodness It’s Finan¢ial Fitne$$ Friday
Listen to Recordings of Past Workshops:
Click HERE for a full list of past webinar and workshop topics
Upcoming Webinars
Navigating Social Security and
Department of Social Services Benefits
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
11:00 a.m.
Join Department of Social Services experts as they go over the life of a case at Disability Determination Services (DDS), review the definition used for “disability,” what they need in order to make the disability decision, and more. Their Social Security expert will speak to how to apply for disability benefits, who’s eligible for disability benefits, and how to work and maintain benefits eligibility.
Our panel for this important workshop includes Vida Cyrus, Professional Relations Officer, and Millie Rothwell, Work Incentives Coordinator, both from the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
Remember, all of our webinar events are FREE to attend, but pre-registration is required.
To Register for the Webinar, Click here:
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Planning for Transitions-
Between Grades and Out of School
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
1:00 p.m.
Whether it is a grade level transition or school exit transition, there are steps parents can take to improve overall outcomes. This will be an interactive session with practical suggestions for more successful transition experiences that families can use in and outside of IEP meetings. This webinar will end with an open question an answer period. Presented by Special Education Advocate Liz Capone.
This webinar is free because of generous funding from donors and grant makers. Many grants require us to provide demographic info about those we serve. We appreciate your assistance.
Remember, all of our webinar events are FREE to attend, but pre-registration is required.
To Register for the Webinar, Click here:
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Unpacking Inclusion-
If it is right for us, how will it work?
Thursday, November 10, 2022
1:30 p.m.
There is lots of talk about the value of inclusion, but figuring out how it can be done well feels daunting. We welcome students, parents, and professionals in the disability field to join us as we hear more about the challenges and benefits of inclusion so that you can have more informed and creative discussions on what is best for the child’s unique needs. Models of co-teaching, close adult supervision, and curriculum modifications will all be discussed. This webinar will end with an open question an answer period. Presented by Special Education Advocate Liz Capone.
This webinar is free because of generous funding from donors and grant makers. Many grants require us to provide demographic info about those we serve. We appreciate your assistance.
Remember, all of our webinar events are FREE to attend, but pre-registration is required.
To Register for the Webinar, Click here:
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On-going Information & Education Opportunities
Transition Lunch & Learns
Planning for the transition from school to adult services can be an overwhelming task. Once your child exits the school system, adult services are based on eligibility criteria and funding availability. These twice-monthly, small group sessions are an opportunity to discuss the challenges and discover resources the help in creating a plan for the future.
The first session of the month will remain the “open round-table” style discussion, giving you the chance to ask your questions and learn from the answers to other’s questions.
The second session of the month will be a Transition Lunch and Learn with an “Expert”. Each Lunch and Learn with an Expert will explore a topic of particular interest to families with young adults in transition age and are planning for the future. Presenters will provide a short presentation and the rest of the time will be discussion so bring all your questions to get the answers.
Upcoming Lunch & Learn with an Expert Dates & Topics:
July 20th
Applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) with Tracee Garner, Peer Counselor and Outreach Coordinator with ECNV (Endependence Center of Northern Virginia)
September 21st
Lyndzey Elliott from Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation
October 19th
Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy, The Arc of Northern VA on Supported Decision Making
November 16th
Topic and speaker to be announced at a later date.
It’s never too early to plan; you don’t have to wait until your student is close to graduation. Also, these Lunch & Learns would be a great way for families who started the process but got overwhelmed or stuck to find the motivation to restart the process and press forward.
Note due to COVID-19, this is a Zoom virtual meeting rather than in-person meeting. Remember, all of our webinar events are FREE to attend, but pre-registration is required.
Click HERE for the Full Schedule and to Register to Attend
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First Fridays Futures Planning Workshops
On the first Friday of almost every month Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts for The Arc of Northern Virginia Special Needs Trust Program, (SNT) and her guests present information and share resources on the tools, programs, and action steps to consider when developing a plan for the future. First Friday Futures Planning workshops are open to families, siblings, adults with disabilities, and others interested.
Location: While restrictions on indoor public gatherings in place, all of The Arc of Northern Virginia’s informaton and training sessions are presented as live, online Zoom webinars. The link to join the webinar will be provided upon registration.
Click HERE for more information and to see the full schedule of sessions.
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Trust Talk Tuesdays
Held twice a month on Tuesday mornings, these small-group discussions will focus on Special Needs Trusts. Tia Marsili, our Director of Trusts, will walk you through the importance of planning for the future of your loved one with a disability, why SNTs are important, who may establish SNTs, how they are funded, how you can protect means-tested benefits, how to help those who cannot manage their own money. and other critical services and programs that you should consider.
Click HERE for more information and to see the full schedule of sessions.
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Thank God It’s Finan¢ial Fitne$$ Friday
Are you taking care of your own financial future? Do you have retirement savings set aside? Have you considered the distribution of your assets upon your death? Our Special Needs Trust team hosts a bi-monthly session to help you answer these questions. Thank Goodness It’s Finan¢ial Fitne$$ Friday (TGIFFF) is an online round-table for finance queries. Hosted by Director of Trusts Tia Marsili, each session will feature a certified professional answering your questions on financial futures planning.
When: 3rd Friday of odd-numbered months – 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Click HERE for more information and to see the full schedule of sessions.
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Special Needs Trusts
It is important to ensure that your child with disabilities is financially secure when you are no longer around to provide help.
Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, will share the roles of Special Needs Trusts in safeguarding government benefits, while ensuring your (adult) child’s personal needs and aspirations continue to be met in the future.
When: 3rd Friday of even-numbered months – 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Click HERE for more information and to see the full schedule of sessions.
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For further information on The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Information & Referral program contact:
Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy at 703-208-1119 x116 or email LBeadnell@TheArcofNoVA.org.
For information about sponsorship opportunities to help support and present our workshops , please contact:
Howard Stregack, Director of Development, at 703-208-1119 x102 or email HStregack@TheArcofNoVA.org.
