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
Making Connections Central Tarrant Highlight Sponsors
Cook Children's
Health Plan
www.cookchp.org
Behavioral Innovations
My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
United Healthcare
Special Thanks to All of our Sponsors!
My Health My Resources of Tarrant
United Healthcare
Behavioral Innovations
Mylar Health Services
Carekal Health LLC
Cook Children's Health Plan
Metroplex Women's Clinic
Ultimate Caring ABA
www.ultimatecaringaba.com
Stacy's Sensory Solutions
https://stacyssensorysolutions.com
Abundance Health Network
Champion Services
Homestead Behavior Therapy
www.homesteadbehaviortherapy.com
Star Medical Specialties
Viva Pediatrics Healthcare
Caleb, Inc.
Bloemfontein Care Services LLC
www.bloemfonteincare.com/about
Tiff & Co. LLC ISS/Dayhab
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!
Schedule (Schedule in process/Subject to change)
9 A.M.
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Exhibitor Hall Opens
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Child/Youth/Adult Respite Care Room Opens (Advance Registration Appreciated)
9:30 - 10:30
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
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Guardianship and Alternatives: Rush to the Courthouse or Last Result? (most useful for caregivers with children 17 or older)
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Understanding the ARD Process
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From Diagnosis to Dreams: Panelist perspectives on Navigating the IDD Diagnosis
11:00 - 11:45
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
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Emotional Regulation Behavioral Techniques for home and classroom
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Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (Texas ABLE®): A Savings Plan for Texans with Disabilities (Appropriate for families with loved ones of any age)
12:00 - 1:00
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
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#WoWTalk (Words of Wisdom) Café (for young adults 13+)
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Planning for Peace of Mind: The Importance of Wills, Trusts, and Letter of Intent documents
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Medicaid Waiver Programs and Interest Lists / Accessing Services through your Local LIDDA and Help Me Grow North Texas
12:30
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Exhibitor Hall Closes
1:00
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Child Care / Kids Activity Room Closes
Session Descriptions:
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Guardianship and Alternatives: Rush to the Courthouse or Last Result?
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
Understanding 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.
From Diagnosis to Dreams: Panelist Perspectives on Navigating the IDD Journey
A discussion with parents and self-advocates sharing real stories, practical strategies, and lessons learned to support others in the journey from diagnosis through adulthood.
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Emotional Regulation: Behavioral Techniques for Home and Classroom
Emotional regulation does not begin with a deep breath—it starts with a well-regulated nervous system. This interactive session explores the foundational elements of emotional regulation for both children and adults, focusing on the critical link between connection, felt-safety and physical well-being. Participants will examine how meeting basic physiological needs like hydration, sleep, and nutrition combined with felt safety and meaningful connection form the foundation for emotional regulation. By Jennifer Cox
Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (Texas ABLE®): A Savings Plan for Texans with Disabilities
Appropriate for families with loved ones of all ages, attendees will learn about the Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (Texas ABLE®) Program and how Texans with disabilities and their families can save for disability-related expenses in a tax-advantaged ABLE account without losing eligibility for certain public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. By Vanessa Goodson, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Educational Opportunities and Investment Division
Noon - 1 p.m.
#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.
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
Planning for Peace of Mind: The Importance of Wills, Trusts, and Letters of Intent Documents
This presentation will provide families and caregivers with an overview of essential planning tools that help protect the future of their loved ones. Participants will learn the purpose and benefits of wills, trusts, and Letters of Intent, and how these documents work together to ensure wishes are clearly communicated and legally supported. The session will explore key considerations for individuals with disabilities, including preserving eligibility for public benefits, identifying future caregivers and decision-makers, and outlining personal preferences, routines, and supports. Attendees will gain practical information on how to begin the planning process, avoid common mistakes, and create a comprehensive plan that provides security, continuity, and peace of mind for both today and the years ahead. By Tristan Griffin, T.S. Griffin Law
About our Presenters
Cherise Overstreet, LMSW
Tarrant County Probate Court #2
Cheriece Overstreet is a Licensed Master Social Worker, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Tarleton State University. She has 13 years of experience in the field, including working in mental health with MHMR and school social work with Fort Worth ISD. She is also currently pursuing an advanced licensure in Clinical Social Work. Cheriece currently serves as an Assistant Court Investigator for Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2 under the Honorable Judge S. Brook Bell, where she supports the court by assessing the need for guardianship and advocating for vulnerable individuals. Beyond her professional work, Cheriece is a proud mother of two adult children and has been married for 27 years. She enjoys being in nature and traveling
Jordyn Casto-Fisk, LMSW
Tarrant County Probate Court #2
Jordyn Casto-Fisk is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas, with a minor in substance use counseling, and her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. Jordyn brings nine years of experience working with diverse populations, ranging from children in foster care to older adults in nursing home settings. In her role with Probate Court No. 2, Jordyn serves as an Assistant Court Investigator and the Court Visitor Program Manager under the Honorable Judge S. Brook Bell. She oversees all active guardianship cases for the court and supervises social work interns who conduct annual court visits. Outside of her professional life, Jordyn enjoys spending time with her family and is recently married. She can often be found at a hockey rink cheering on her husband and cousins. She also loves expressing her creativity and making meaningful memories with her loved ones.
Stephanie Morris
My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
Stephanie Morris is the Parent & Family Advocate for Disability Services, at My Health My Resources of Tarrant County (MHMRTC), where she's been employed for over twenty years. As a parent of a young man with special needs, she can relate and listen to your concerns. Stephanie supports families by helping them make decisions and choices regarding services and negotiates families concerns with service providers when requested. She helps educate families to have a clear understanding of their rights and how services should be provided.
Vanessa Goodson
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Vanessa Goodson serves as the Outreach Specialist for the Texas ABLE Program at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, where she focuses on helping Texans understand and access tax-advantaged savings opportunities that support long-term disability-related expenses. She is an experienced public sector professional dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families through education and strategic outreach.
Vanessa brings a unique blend of public service and private-sector leadership to her work. She holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Arkansas Grantham University and has served the State of Texas across multiple roles, including as a Business Specialist in the Office of the Governor. Prior to her state service, Vanessa managed large-scale businesses in Central Texas and honorably served six years in the United States Air Force.
Christy Balraj
Partners Resource Network
Christy Balraj is a Regional Coordinator with Partners Resource Network (PRN), serving families in Region 11 through the PACT Project. PRN operates Texas’s statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers, providing support to parents of children and youth with disabilities ages 0–26 and youth self-advocates ages 14–26.
Christy holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of North Texas. She spent more than 30 years working in Fort Worth ISD as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, and assistant principal. Following her retirement from public education, Christy joined PRN to continue her commitment to empowering families, supporting self-advocates, and helping students with disabilities achieve success.
Tristan Griffin
T. S. Griffin Law
Tristan Griffin is an attorney and father who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to his work helping families plan for the future of loved ones with disabilities. As the father of a child with a disability, Tristan understands firsthand the importance of thoughtful planning, protecting a loved one’s financial future, and ensuring that the right supports are in place for the years ahead.
Through his Fort Worth-based law firm, Tristan provides estate planning and disability-focused legal services to families throughout Texas. His practice includes wills, special needs trusts, powers of attorney, guardianship, and other legal and estate-planning strategies designed to help families protect assets, preserve access to important benefits, and plan for the long-term needs of their loved ones.
Tristan believes that estate planning for a person with a disability involves much more than preparing documents—it is about creating a plan that reflects the individual’s needs, goals, and quality of life while providing families with greater confidence about the future.
With a combination of legal knowledge and lived experience as a parent, Tristan is committed to helping families navigate the often-complex decisions involved in planning for a loved one with a disability. Although his firm is located in Fort Worth, he serves families across the state of Texas.
Jennifer Cox
My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
Jennifer has served in a variety of roles in education and organizations serving families and children over the past 25 years. She has taught students ranging in ages from preschool to graduate school. She has also served as a public-school administrator. She enjoys reading anything related to development, but her specific areas of interest are the development of social/emotional and executive functioning skills. She is passionate about helping parents and those who work with children and youth understand how children learn and grow and how to best support their development. She earned her PhD in Child Development.