Ron Hurd Memorial Lecture Series 2011/2012 Schedule

September 29, 2011

RON HURD MEMORIAL LECTURE SERIES 2011-2012

Please join us for this year’s Ron Hurd Memorial Lecture Series. Ron was a long time Board Member, supporter and benefactor of Arc Community Services and this series is dedicated to his memory.

Each session is held at 6:30pm at Arc Community Services, 564 Main St., Fitchburg, MA 01420.

November 2, 2011 – Thinking About Housing for your “Adult” Child is relevant for many families. Learn what resources are out there, and why it is important to start planning for this milestone in your family member’s life as early as possible. Parents of younger children need to understand the need to begin saving early, and the importance of teaching their child certain skills to reduce the cost of support services. Parents of older children need to carefully consider housing as part of their transition planning. Parents of already adult children need to include housing as an important component in their long term care planning.

The presenter, Catherine Boyle is herself the parent of a 20 year old with autism and the President of Autism Housing Pathways, a clearinghouse on self-directed housing.

January 25, 2012 – Enhanced Adult Family Care. Explore the possibility of receiving financial assistance while providing live-in care to your disabled adult family member. This program pays family members – or non-family members – to be care providers for an elder or disabled adult family member (over age 16) in their home or in the provider’s home. Parents, children, siblings, other relatives or friends who are already caring for a loved one at home are encouraged to apply.  Come see if you are eligible to receive financial assistance for what you’re already doing.

The presenter, Laura Casey-Black is a parent of children with special needs, a Shared Living Provider and the Division Director of Matson Community Services’ Enhanced Adult Family Care Program.

April 4, 2012 – Transition 101: High School to Adulthood: This workshop addresses effective use of the IEP and the Massachusetts Transition Planning Form for students who are ages 14 – 22. Individualized, person centered planning of curriculum and supports throughout high school leads to better post high school outcomes and opportunities in education, training, and/or employment for students with disabilities. Discussion includes age of majority, self determination and self advocacy, life skill development and preparing students to pursue as independent an adult life as possible.

A speaker from The Federation of Children with Special Needs will present this workshop.

May 16, 2012 – Public Benefits: SSI and Mass Health: This workshop provides an introduction to the SSI program and overview of Mass Health benefits available to children from birth to 18 years old in Massachusetts. SSI eligibility, the application process, appeals, cash benefits and MassHealth will be discussed. The presenter will address maximizing benefits and services for children with special health needs. This will be an informal presentation where questions are encouraged.

This workshop will be presented by Gail Havelick, Public Benefit and Policy Specialist from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

RSVP is required. Participants may register for the entire series or for individual sessions. While sessions are geared to families, professionals and the general public are also welcome to attend. RSVP by email to e.ganong@arc-matson.org or by telephone to Eileen Ganong at 978-343-6662, ext. 125. Sessions without sufficient registration may be cancelled.