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MAKING CONNECTIONS CENTRAL TARRANT DISABILITY RESOURCES FOR ALL AGES!
Saturday, October 3, 2026
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

McLean Middle School
3816 Stadium Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76109

Making Connections Community Resource Fairs bring together disability resources and other community partners in the region to one, easily accessed location for families and caregivers to collect information and learn about benefits and services each provide.

Attend Breakout Sessions and Visit with organizations providing services for:
Medicaid Waivers, Social Security, Guardianship/Supported Decision-Making, Behavioral Health, Transition & Employment Services, Homelessness, College Programs, Assistive & Adaptive Technology, Special Needs Trusts / Wills, Assisted Living / Housing, Financial Planning, Recreation & Leisure, Therapy & Camp Providers, Respite/Day Habilitation, and more 

Sponsorship Opportunities and Exhibitor Registration

To accommodate caregivers attending the event, complimentary supervised activities and support are available for their children and adults with disabilities.

Advance Respite/Childcare Registration

Schedule

Breakout Descriptions

About Our Presenters

Exhibitor Directory (available day of event)

information in English 

información en español​

Special Thanks to
Our Sponsors: 

My Health My Resources of Tarrant

​www.mhmrtc.org

United Healthcare

www.uhc.com

​Behavioral Innovations

www.bi-aba.com

Mylar Health Services

www.mylarhealthservices.com

Carekal Health LLC​

www.carekalhealth.org

Cook Children's Health Plan

www.cookchp.org/members

Metroplex Women's Clinic​

www.metroplexwomensclinic.com

Ultimate Caring ABA

www.ultimatecaringaba.com

​Stacy's Sensory Solutions

https://stacyssensorysolutions.com

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​The IDD Council is proud to partner with Fort Worth ISD to host “MAKING CONNECTIONS” CENTRAL TARRANT​

Special thanks to MHMR's Therapeutic Coaches for providing FREE childcare/respite during the event!

To All Presenters, Exhibitors,
Sponsors, and Donors:

WE THANK YOU!

Together we are Making Connections to disability resources in our great community.  Thank you for your support!

Making Connections Central Tarrant Highlight Sponsors

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United Healthcare

www.uhc.com

My Health My Resources of Tarrant County

www.mhmrtc.org

Behavioral Innovations

www.bi-aba.com

A collection of branded merch and freebies for events with the hashtag #EventSponsorship_e

Become a Highlight Sponsor

Schedule (Schedule in process/Subject to change)

9 A.M.

9:30 - 10:30

Choose to attend a breakout session on:

  • Guardianship: Rush to the Courthouse or Last Result? (most useful for caregivers with children 17 or older)

  • Parent Panel Presentation: Navigating Your Child's Journey from new diagnosis, partnering with your school, and after graduation success.​

11:00 - 11:45

Choose to attend a breakout session on:

  • ​Savings for your Loved Ones Future: Understanding Special Needs Trusts, ABLE and Savings Account options

  • Medicaid Waiver Programs and Interest Lists / Accessing Services through your Local LIDDA and Help Me Grow North Texas​

  • Emotional Regulation Behavioral Techniques for home and classroom -Jennifer Cox

12:00 - 1:00

Choose to attend a breakout session on:

  • Planning for Peace of Mind: Important documents such as Wills and Letter of Intent documents

  • #WoWTalk (Words of Wisdom) Café (for young adults 13+)

  • The ARD Process

12:30

  • Exhibitor Hall Closes

1:00

  • Child Care / Kids Activity Room Closes

Breakout Session Anchor
Session Descriptions:

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Guardianship and Alternatives: What is Best for My Child?

Appropriate for families with loved ones who are approaching the age of 18 and over, this presentation will provide an overview of the laws applicable to guardianship in Texas, the evidence and standard of proof needed to obtain a guardianship and the many alternatives to guardianship. By Tarrant County Probate 2 Court

Medicaid Waiver Programs and Interest Lists / Accessing Services through Your Local LIDDA

As the State’s Local IDD Authority (LIDDA) for Tarrant County, My Health My Resources (MHMR) is the first point of contact for families looking for services. Learn about Texas’ interest lists, options and benefits, and the criteria for services. Designed to help families, caregivers, and professionals understand how Texas waiver program interest lists work, and why getting on them early matters, this discussion breaks down the different waiver options, what services they provide, how the interest list process operates, and strategies for staying informed while you wait. Attendees will gain clarity, confidence, and take actionable steps to ensure their loved one is positioned for the support they may need in the future. It’s an essential conversation for anyone planning ahead and navigating long‑term services and supports. Session benefits families with loved ones of all ages. By Stephanie Morris, My Health My Resources of Tarrant County

Sexuality Health and Puberty

Most beneficial for families with loved ones approaching puberty or older, this session will help parents strengthen their bonds with their youth during puberty by exploring emotional and physical changes, encouraging open communication, and promoting sexual health, safety, hygiene, and preventative care. Participants will leave with practical tools to support healthy development and well-being.  By Dr. Michael J Parker, PhD, and James Turnage, LPCS

#WoWTalk (Words of Wisdom) Café

Designed specifically for young adults, ages 13+, #WoWTalk (Words of Wisdom) Cafés bring youth, young adults, families, and caring adults together for meaningful conversations that build strong relationships and support healthy growth. These gatherings create welcoming spaces where youth can share experiences, learn from one another, and build skills for a successful transition into adulthood and active community involvement.

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Special Needs Trusts, Wills, and ABLE Accounts: Saving for your Loved Ones Future

These essential tools help securing the financial future of individuals with disabilities. Learn how these tools can work together to preserve benefits, promote independence, and ensure peace of mind for families and caregivers. Whether you're just beginning to plan or looking to update your strategy, this presentation will provide practical guidance and expert insights to help you make informed decisions.  By 

Emotional Regulation: Behavioral Techniques for Home and Classroom

By Jennifer Cox

The ARD Process

This session will provide an overview of the ARD process so that parents will be prepared to participate at every stage of the process. Participants will gain an understanding of the ARD meeting agenda, as well as their procedural rights and responsibilities. By Christy Balraj, Partners Resource Network.​

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11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Noon - 1 p.m.

About our Presenters

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Presenter

Tarrant County Probate Court #2

Bio coming soon
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Presenter

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Presenter Bio
Presenter Bios

Bringing INCLUSION, AWARENESS and EDUCATION to Tarrant County

Donate through our website, PayPal, or Zelle.

If you appreciate the importance of what we are doing to make Tarrant County more inclusive, please make a tax-deductible donation. You can potentially double your donation by utilizing your employer’s matching gift program. Many employers offer to match your donation to your favorite charity or provide donations for volunteering your time. Inquire about your matching gift program from your Human Resources department, and maximize your donation to The IDD Council.

Support the IDD Council

Each and every day, we work to transform the region into an inclusive community where people with IDD thrive. You are a part of all of this, and with your donation of any amount, you make a difference! Your generous gift is used to support the advocacy outreach, inclusion activities, and educational events provided to the community.

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Copyright 2015 by IDD Council of Tarrant County. All Rights Reserved.

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