In this session, attendees will learn about a new type of savings option made available for families of individuals with disabilities through the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014. This session will focus on their state’s ABLE Account policies, including contribution and account limits, program manager, status of enrollment, how funds can be used, and more. 

Offered times: 9:15-9:55am // 10:00-10:40am // 10:45-11:25am // 11:30am-12:10pm

In this session, attendees will learn about the other funding sources and ways to receive financial support, especially when working with limited resources. This will include information on Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, waiver programs, and more. 

Offered times: 9:15-9:55am // 10:00-10:40am // 10:45-11:25am // 11:30am-12:10pm

In this session, attendees will learn about the various levels of guardianship, from conservatorship to guardianship.

Offered times: 9:15-9:55am // 10:00-10:40am // 10:45-11:25am // 11:30am-12:10pm

In this session, attendees will learn about the various pieces to developing a Special Needs Trust, including crafting a letter of intent, how to fund a trust, what provisions are included, and more.

Offered times: 9:15-9:55am // 10:00-10:40am // 10:45-11:25am // 11:30am-12:10pm

This session will provide information and resources about researching, finding, and maintaining employment in the current, competitive labor market. It will cover benefits and funding, like Social Security and Vocational Rehabilitation; employment models, including competitive, supported, customized, and self-employment; and ways to prepare for employment, including interviewing, soft skills, and more.

Offered times: 1:35-2:15pm // 2:20-3:00pm

In this session, attendees will be able to use the knowledge they have gained about special needs financial planning from the morning's session and begin working through their own specialized plan, with support from a certified financial planner in a group setting. 

Offered times: 1:35-2:15pm // 2:20-3:00pm

In this session, attendees will be provided with information on how to find and secure housing and residential supports for adults with disabilities. This will include an overview of housing options and the supports and services often needed by adults with disabilities; options for funding capital costs, operating costs and residential services and supports; and more.

Offered times: 1:35-2:15pm // 2:20-3:00pm

In this session, attendees will be provided with information about the different opportunities and learning environments available after leaving high school. Information to be covered includes preparing for postsecondary education, types of postsecondary education programs available, how to obtain services and accommodations, and more.

Offered times: 1:35-2:15pm // 2:20-3:00pm

In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to begin creating a transition plan through the use of the Community-based Skills Assessment. This tool assesses needs in the area of community-based living, from transportation to financial management to peer relationships and more. All attendees will receive this tool kit, and will be able to use this time to begin using it, under the direction of an Autism Speaks staff member.

This assessment was developed for Autism Speaks through a contract with Virginia Commonwealth University's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. It was designed to assess an individual's knowledge, skill and social communication abilities. 

Offered times: 1:35-2:15pm // 2:20-3:00pm