Navigating Federal Benefits: Primer for Families of Youth with Disabilities

This course is designed to help equip families of students with disabilities, the people who support them, and self-advocates with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate and access Federal Benefits. Families and advocates will gain the confidence to make informed decisions about their future, including social security income (SSI), supplemental security disability insurance (SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, and Section 8 Housing Vouchers.

In this primer, you will learn how to:

• Navigate the application process for federal benefits.
• Understand eligibility requirement for federal benefits
• Explore strategies to maintain benefits
• Identify supports and resources

Course Details

• Thursday, December 16th, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Virtual
• Ideal for students ages 14 – 22 and their parents
• No cost to attend

Registration Deadline December 15, 2025

This event is supported by grant funding from the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services – Disability Services

Meet Your Instructors

Keeri Tramm, Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks, is an Autistic professional dedicated to fostering equity and empowerment for the disability community. With a career spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she leverages her expertise in business and data analysis to drive impactful outcomes. Keeri holds a degree in Special Education and serves on the board of Minnesota NEAT, where she influences disability policy and practice. Her experience as a case manager in Oregon and Minnesota underscores her commitment to advocacy and creating lasting change.

Adam Lyon (they/them) is a Navigation Specialist and Certified Benefits Coach at Lifeworks, where they help people with disabilities navigate complex systems. With a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies, Adam's career has spanned higher education, fiscal planning, crisis intervention, and team leadership, all of which have refined their solutions-focused approach. Adam is a champion for diversity, working to ensure equity and representation for all.