Transitioning to Adulthood- Virtual Workshop Series

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

During this free webinar series, participants will learn about different aspects of transitioning to adulthood for special needs individuals

DATES AND TIMES: 9:00AM-10:00AM | Presentation followed by a Q&ALOCATION: These workshops will be offered virtually by Zoom.TOPICS AND PRESENTERS:<ul><li>September 6- Guardianship and Alternative Options. Emily Kile, attorney, Mushkatel, Gobbato &amp; Kile, PLLC, will discuss guardianship, limited guardianship, and will share with attendees’ information about the new Supported Decision-Making (SDM) law and how SDM differs from guardianship. She will explain when an SDM agreement makes sense, and when you would still consider a guardianship appointment instead. A sample SDM agreement will also be available to all attendees.</li><li>September 20- Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts, presented by Emily Taylor, Emily Taylor Law PLLC. Gain a basic understanding of the different types of special needs trusts and which one is right for your child or adult with special needs. You’ll also learn how they coordinate with other estate documents such as a will or trust to ensure that your estate is in order and your loved ones are safe and secure after you’re gone.</li><li>September 27- ABLE Accounts, presented by Karen Starbowski, SpecialCare Planner, MassMutual. Participants will gain a basic understanding of how ABLE accounts are created and what types of expenses these funds can be used for. You’ll also learn how they can benefit your adult child with special needs as you plan for their financial future.</li><li>October 18- Vocational Rehab Employment Services/Training, presented by Megan Mann, Senior Clinical Consultant, Southwest Autism Research &amp; Resource Center (SARRC). Participants will learn a general overview about Vocational Rehabilitation programs. Including what they can provide and eligibility criteria for your adult child with special needs. You’ll also learn how you can help your child prepare for, enter, and retain employment.</li><li>November 1- Government Benefits, presented by Charlotte Johnson, Elder Law of Arizona. Turning 18 brings significant changes, including to government benefits for the disabled, such as eligibility for SSI and reassessment for DDD. Participants will explore public benefits planning &amp; eligibility, Social Security, Medicaid, DDD (Division of Developmental Disability), AHCCS, (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) and how they work at that milestone age. This workshop will help you better understand government benefits and techniques to ensure a lifetime of eligibility for your loved one with special needs.</li></ul>

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:Charlotte Johnson Charlotte Johnson has a firm called Elder Law of Arizona located in Tempe, AZ. For over15 years, she has dedicated her practice to planning for the disabled and the aging. Specifically, she helps clients all over the Phoenix Metro area with special needs trusts, estate planning, guardianships, long term care planning and probate.Emily Kile Emily B. Kile has been licensed to practice law since 1993. Her goal is to help families through the guardianship process, obtain an estate plan that is practical and meets the needs of the client and family and provide advice and resources. Emily is an active member of the SARRC family—participating in the education committee and professional advisory council.Megan MannMegan is a Senior Clinical Consultant in the Family &amp; Community Services department at SARRC. She has been with SARRC for over 15 years, and is a knowledgeable expert in available programs and resources.Karen StarbowskiKaren Starbowski is a SpecialCare Planner. She has been working with the special needs community for almost 15 years. During this time, she has worked with SARRC and their Planned Giving Advisory Council. Additionally, she also works with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and the Down Syndrome Network of AZ.Emily TaylorEmily R. Taylor, a proud alumna of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law, has been a licensed attorney in Arizona since 2007. Her practice specializes in comprehensive estate planning and special needs planning, offering legal guidance with a personal touch.

EVENT CONTACT: Devin Dye, SARRC Planned Giving Manager, ddye@autismcenter.org or (602) 218-8183Thank you to SARRC’s Planned Giving Professional Advisory Council Education Committee for coordinating these workshops!