"Life planning" involves creating plans for your assets, as well as outlining preferences for how you wish to be supported in the event that your decisional capability changes. Life planning tools include wills, trusts, health care proxies, living wills, transfer on death deeds and other will-substitutes. These tools promote self-determination and ensure that the wishes of older adults are affirmed even after their death.

While life planning includes putting plans in place for distribution of assets after death, it can also help older adults during their lifetime to help preserve housing and economic security, as well as put mechanisms in place that can avoid unnecessary guardianship and conservatorship.

This training will discuss how life planning services can benefit older adults and how to take a person-centered approach to traditional estate planning and preservation of generational wealth.

Presenters will cover:

- How life planning can support housing stability, economic security, and preserve the wishes of older adults;

- The various tools and instruments for life and succession planning, as well as the processes and procedures for probate and administration of a decedent's estate, and non-probate assets;

- How legal services providers can contribute to this work and develop opportunities for pro bono partnerships; and

- Strategies for engaging in conversations with older adults about the need for life planning services.

Presenters:

- Odette Williamson, National Consumer Law Center

- Danaya Wright, University of Florida Levin College of Law

- Tina Smith Nelson, Legal Counsel for the Elderly

Presented by the National Center on Law and Elder Rights.

Free registration.

This virtual workshop series is designed to educate participants about evidence-based strategies, learn how to use these strategies with individuals with ASD across home, school, community settings as well as to discuss and plan various materials tailored to individuals. These interactive workshops provide an opportunity to learn about and create tools used to support individuals with ASD. Each session will focus on a different area of interest. All sessions at noon ET.

• 12/18 Data-Driven Decision-Making: "Data-Driven Decision-Making: Practical tools to make data work for you and your team"

Presented by HANDS in Autism.

Register here for any or all of the sessions.

Do you or a loved one receive government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid? Not sure on how to save for the future and keep these benefits? In our webinar series, Talks with The Arc Trust, we cover the options that people have when saving for the future, the ins and outs of those options, and how they work with various government benefits.

Webinars take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm. ET. There is no cost, but you do need to register. Registration is for the full webinar series.

Presented by The Arc Master Trust.

Free registration.

This webinar series offers a comprehensive exploration of federal and state benefits for individuals with disabilities, highlighting crucial topics such as the differences between SSI and SSDI, work incentives, and benefit counseling resources. Attending these sessions is vital for understanding how to navigate complex benefit systems, achieve economic independence, and maintain the vital supports necessary for sustaining that independence.

Additionally, participants will gain valuable insights into managing healthcare programs and asset-building strategies, all while seizing the opportunity to build momentum for creating a coalition that fosters positive changes in the disability community.

December 17, 2024: Federal and State Healthcare benefits
Discussion of Medicaid, Medicare, MEDWorks, and other programs and how they are connected to your federal benefits.
1:00 pm EST
Free registration.

January 21, 2025: Asset Building including ABLE accounts and Special Trusts
Discussion about possible ways to save money for short- or long-term goals without the worry of losing benefits.
1:00 pm EST
Free registration.

For more information or questions contact Luke Labas, Director of The Inclusion Institute at The League, LukeL@the-league.org or call 260-441-0551.

Presented by Indiana Institute on Disability & Community Center on Community Living & Careers and The League Inclusion Institute.

Bring the whole family to 2024 Winter WonderFest! Community vendors and resources, cookie decorating, hot chocolate bar, and more!!! Be one of the first 50 people to register and get entered into a drawing for a $200 Visa Gift Card!!

Presented by Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, Inc.

Register Today at https://tinyurl.com/areaivwinterwonderfest.

Four individuals – Christine Mathis, Gabe and Diana Smaglik, and Susi McKay – will share how they use smart wearables, like smartwatches, and other smart home technology to enhance their daily routines.

The presenters will discuss how smart devices support managing elopement and anxiety, as well as assist with everyday activities such as cooking dinner and doing laundry. This webinar is an opportunity to learn practical tips and gain insights into how technology can make daily tasks easier and more accessible.

Presented by PA Assistive Technology Foundation.

Free registration.

Our Ask The Arc webinar series will discuss timely topics relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their support systems.

Ask The Arc is brought to you by the key organizations and trusted partners who join in support of our advocacy efforts through our Circles of Support initiative.

Presented by The Arc of Indiana.

Free registration.

Want to connect with your neighbors, meet like-minded people, or bring something new to your community?

Join us Thursday, December 12, 3-4 PM, and let's dream and think together!

Collective Learning - small group design breakout sessions for attendees to discuss community projects and/or their journey; the design group addresses challenges / obstacles, and ideas for breakthroughs, etc.

Commitment/Affirmation/Action - participants share their takeaways from the session and next steps.

Presented by starfire.

Free registration.

iPhones and iPads have many accessibility settings built-in to their operating systems. This workshop will teach participants about different ways to modify these Apple devices to make them more accessible, including voice control, text-to-speech features, head tracking, and more.

Presented by The Pacer Center.

Free registration.

Meet new friends for good conversation!

The group meets the 2nd Thursday each month at Cafe Literato in West Lafayette.

For more information contact Rachel at 815-353-0985 or rndebelak@gmail.com.

This training will introduce the fundamental principles of Positive Behavior Support as families navigate behavior change. It will review a brief overview of behavior support, the influence of mental health on behavior, and practical support strategies to prevent challenging behavior.

Note: This training is intended for unpaid family members of people with disabilities and not for professionals /agency employees. This training cannot be used to fulfill DDD's Intro to PBS training requirement.

Certificates: Certificates of Attendance with training title and duration will be provided.

Presented by The Boggs Center on Disability & Human Development.

Free registration.

This virtual workshop series is designed to educate participants about evidence-based strategies, learn how to use these strategies with individuals with ASD across home, school, community settings as well as to discuss and plan various materials tailored to individuals. These interactive workshops provide an opportunity to learn about and create tools used to support individuals with ASD. Each session will focus on a different area of interest. All sessions at noon ET.

• 12/11 Tasks & Adaptations: "Creative Teaching: Adapting Instructional Material for Inclusive Settings"

• 12/18 Data-Driven Decision-Making: "Data-Driven Decision-Making: Practical tools to make data work for you and your team"

Presented by HANDS in Autism.

Register here for any or all of the sessions.

The Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework supports and empowers people with disabilities, families and professionals.

Get an overview of CtLC and its tools.

Presented by Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

Join for this two-part series exploring how an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be more than a plan. Explore how teams can use the CtLC principles and tools to promote genuine belonging. You’ll learn practical ways to collaborate as a team to support a student’s vision to learn, contribute, and understand their value in community. Learn how to:

• Use the IEP to support your child’s unique needs.

• Set meaningful goals that foster growth, confidence, and connection.

• Build a vision of belonging that promotes respect, connection, and community.

Transform the IEP process into a tool that celebrates your child’s place and purpose. Don’t miss this opportunity—register today!

Presented by Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

Members of the Governor's Council for People with Disabilities meet quarterly to conduct business, review progress of funded projects and annual workplans, and discuss current topics relevant to Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The meeting is open to the public. ASL and CART services will be provided.

The meeting agenda is available on our website.

The Limitless Ability Conference is the premier opportunity for Indiana families, professionals, and individuals with moderate-to-profound disabilities to engage in bridging the gap in service for transition-aged individuals (14 and older). Attendees will find a community committed to learning innovative practices in all settings.

Sessions will focus on interdisciplinary service delivery, access to communication, quality of life, and best practices for individuals with the most complex learning, communication, and medical needs.

Individuals and families of individuals with moderate-profound disabilities are welcome to attend for free! There will be separate family sessions that focus on advocacy and building a support network with other like-minded individuals. Please reach out to our executive director, Conner Edwards to learn more about this registration option: conneredwards93@gmail.com

University students in a variety of fields can attend for a discounted rate of $50: contact our leadership at the email above to learn more!

Registration Includes:

• Dynamic keynote speaker

• Certificate for up to 5 hours of Continuing Education

• Breakout sessions from experts

• Opportunities to win door prizes

• Continental breakfast and boxed lunch

• Free parking

Join for a plated luncheon as we celebrate good people doing good things to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual & developmental disabilities & their families!

Presented by The Arc of Indiana and Self Advocates of Indiana.

Registration requested by November 25.

Questions? Contact Julie Merrick at jmerrick@arcind.org.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have the right to lead healthy, fulfilling lives within their chosen communities. This includes expressing their sexuality safely and being able to access sexuality education on topics of choice. 

Join on December 5 at 2 PM ET as Erica Thomas, Education and Outreach Manager at RCM of Washington, explores the importance of recognizing and respecting the body autonomy of people with IDD.

Learning objectives:  

• Explore the concepts of bodily autonomy, ways to support and respect the body, and the significance of supporting the rights of people with disabilities.  

• Develop the skills to create and sustain safe spaces that empower individuals with IDD to openly discuss their bodies.

• Discover effective strategies to empower individuals with disabilities to advocate for their rights and establish personal boundaries. 

If you cannot attend the live webinar, we still encourage you to register, as all registrants will receive an email with a link to the recording and resources.

Presented by Relias.

Free registration.

This virtual workshop series is designed to educate participants about evidence-based strategies, learn how to use these strategies with individuals with ASD across home, school, community settings as well as to discuss and plan various materials tailored to individuals. These interactive workshops provide an opportunity to learn about and create tools used to support individuals with ASD. Each session will focus on a different area of interest. All sessions at noon ET.

• 12/4 Social Skills: "Social skills: Crucial skills for the everyday success across the lifespan"

• 12/11 Tasks & Adaptations: "Creative Teaching: Adapting Instructional Material for Inclusive Settings"

• 12/18 Data-Driven Decision-Making: "Data-Driven Decision-Making: Practical tools to make data work for you and your team"

Presented by HANDS in Autism.

Register here for any or all of the sessions.

Join for this two-part series exploring how an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be more than a plan. Explore how teams can use the CtLC principles and tools to promote genuine belonging. You’ll learn practical ways to collaborate as a team to support a student’s vision to learn, contribute, and understand their value in community. Learn how to:

• Use the IEP to support your child’s unique needs.

• Set meaningful goals that foster growth, confidence, and connection.

• Build a vision of belonging that promotes respect, connection, and community.

Transform the IEP process into a tool that celebrates your child’s place and purpose. Don’t miss this opportunity—register today!

Presented by Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

Join Mark Raymond, Jr and other ABLE experts to learn about ABLE Accounts. Mark will do a 30 minute presentation covering all ABLE topics (what is ABLE, who qualifies, how it works and much more). After the presentation, participants have the opportunity to ask questions live.

Presented by ABLE today.

Free registration.

Book Life is a book club which focuses on reading, friends, and fun!

Adults (ages 18 & older) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers are invited to join our book club.

Presented by the Tippecanoe County Public Library.

For more information:

Maggie Andrejko, Head Youth Librarian
Tippecanoe County Public Library
765-429-0120
mandrejko@tcpl.lib.in.us

Discover how specific Charting the LifeCourse tools in the Healthy Living domain can support and empower students in managing their own health.

Explore how these tools can empower students to take an active role in managing their own healthcare.

Learn how to help teams to integrate support for a student's healthcare needs into the school day.

Enhance family and community partnerships to sustain the health levels essential for effective learning.

Presented by Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.

Sponsored by The Arc of Tippecanoe County.

Outdoor Club is moving inside this month!

Join us for for an afternoon of creativity to create a painting led by Julia Berry from Artful Connections.

Julia has had her own business for 14 years and has taught people with disabilities for 26 years in the public school system.

Cost is just $10 and that includes all the supplies you’ll need.

Registration is required by November 19: email programs@oasisforlife.org or call/text 765-267-3808.

In this special annual webinar event, Stories of Belonging, people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities will share with you how they have found and experience belonging in their community. They will share insights as to what is most important to them in this experience and why belonging in their community, relationships, and getting their spiritual needs met is so impactful. Join us!

Presented by Stone Belt Arc.

Free registration.

Turkey Trauma! Hanukkah Havoc! Christmas crisis!

Holidays, for many, can be very stressful.

‘Stress Free Holiday’ Zoom

GUEST SPEAKER: CARLA MILLER

Allow this to be a dedicated time for self-care. Caring for yourself will help you AND impact those you love during the holiday season and all year round.

Presented by Noble.

Register by 4pm 11/19/24 to CFL@mynoblelife.org.

This virtual workshop series is designed to educate participants about evidence-based strategies, learn how to use these strategies with individuals with ASD across home, school, community settings as well as to discuss and plan various materials tailored to individuals. These interactive workshops provide an opportunity to learn about and create tools used to support individuals with ASD. Each session will focus on a different area of interest. All sessions at noon ET.

• 11/20 Goal Writing: "Effective Goal Writing: An essential roadmap for intervention and programming"

• 12/4 Social Skills: "Social skills: Crucial skills for the everyday success across the lifespan"

• 12/11 Tasks & Adaptations: "Creative Teaching: Adapting Instructional Material for Inclusive Settings"

• 12/18 Data-Driven Decision-Making: "Data-Driven Decision-Making: Practical tools to make data work for you and your team"

Presented by HANDS in Autism.

Register here for any or all of the sessions.

Talks with The Arc Trust Webinars

Do you or a loved one receive government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid? Not sure on how to save for the future and keep these benefits? In our webinar series, Talks with The Arc Trust, we cover the options that people have when saving for the future, the ins and outs of those options, and how they work with various government benefits. Webinars take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm. ET. There is no cost, but you do need to register. Registration is for the full webinar series.

Talks with The Arc Trust Webinars Registration Link 

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, you're invited to join our CtLC Live: Respite Planning Session!

This event, led by Barbara Sapharas, CtLC Ambassador and LifeCourse Nexus Trainer and Coach, is designed to empower family caregivers with essential tools to plan and take much-needed breaks. Learn how to use Charting the LifeCourse tools to create meaningful respite opportunities that support your well-being and rejuvenation.

Presented by the Family Resource Network of Ohio.

Free registration.