MAKING CONNECTIONS CENTRAL TARRANT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 9:00 A.M. - 1 P.M.
M.G. Ellis Elementary School ♦ 215 NE 14th St., Ft. Worth, 76164
Making Connections Disability Resource Fairs bring together the disability resources in our community 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, College Programs, Assistive & Adaptive Technology, Special Needs Trusts / Wills, Assisted Living / Housing, Financial Planning, Recreation & Leisure, Therapy & Camp Providers, Respite/Day Habilitation, and more
The IDD Council is proud to partner with Fort Worth ISD to host “MAKING CONNECTIONS” CENTRAL TARRANT
Sponsorship Opportunities and Exhibitor Registration
información en español
Special Thanks to Exhibiting Sponsors:
ResCare Community Living (EduCare)
www.rescarecommunityliving.com
817-640-3316
Be An Angel DFW
281-219-3313
Earth Angels Pediatric Day Center
www.earthangelspediatricdaycenter.com
682-683-2450
Star-Medical Specialties
800-368-2065
Urban Village Family Services, LLC
facebook.com/Urbanvillagefamilyservices/
Pharmacy Alternatives- Pharmerica
https://pharmacyalternatives.com
469-918-8412
To All Exhibitors and Sponsors:
Together we are Making Connections to disability resources in our great community. Thank you for your support!
Schedule
9 A.M.
Exhibitor Hall and Very Special Art Exhibit Opens
Visit with a variety of Exhibitors providing services and resources for people with disabilities and their families.
Enjoy the Very Special Art Exhibit, displaying one of a kind artwork by very special students from the Fort Worth Special Education program.
9:30 - 10:30
Breakout Session 1
Session descriptions
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
-
Guardianship: Rush to the Courthouse or Last Result?
(most useful for caregivers with children 17 or older) -
Life Planning Nuts and Bolts
11:00 - 11:30
Awards
Join us to recognize each student participating in the Very Special Arts exhibit
12:00 - 1:00
Breakout Session 2
Session descriptions
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
-
Accessing Services through My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
(useful for all caregivers and families newly diagnosed) -
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
12:30
Exhibitor Hall Closes
.
Session Descriptions:
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Guardianship and Alternatives: What is Best for My Child?
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 Judge Brooke Allen, Tarrant County Probate 2 Court
Accessing Services through My Health My Resources
As the State’s Local IDD Authority (LIDDA), 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. By Stephanie Morris & Natasha Sankey, My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Life Planning Nuts and Bolts
Caregivers have many concerns and responsibilities in the care of their loved one. How does one plan for their finances, daily physical care, emotional support, medical and education needs, housing and transportation needs, or attendants for legal matters? Learn the many steps in preparing for your child’s future. By TJ Kroehle, Texas Life Planning
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based framework that uses proactive strategies to identify, teach, and reinforce positive behaviors in students. PBIS aims to improve student outcomes in a safe and positive learning environment. By: Adrianne Yule, Partners Resource Network
About our Presenters
TJ Kroehle
For Families of Special Needs
TJ Has been working with Families of Special Needs since he was age 16. TJ and Tracey are parenting Lauren, a person of Special Needs. TJ helps clients understand their need to develop the appropriate wills and trusts. He helps them see the need for a "Letter of Intent" which defines their special needs person's hopes, dreams and desires through a lifetime strategy. He is knowledgeable in government programs that aid special needs families, and he coaches families in how to obtain government aid, such as SSI. More importantly he helps the family understand how to maintain those government programs throughout their loved one's lifetime. Life Planning for Families of Special Needs is a non-profit group created by TJ to specialize in assisting individuals with disabilities and their families. TJ frequently speaks to state and local groups such as ARC, Life Path, Down Syndrome Guilds, Autism Societies, Region X and XI, various ISD's, and other similar organizations. Whether it is insurance and estate planning, a secure retirement, or leaving a legacy, every person, family and situation is unique and requires customized and highly personalized solutions.
Adrianne Yule
Partners Resource Network
Adrianne Yule worked as a writer and editor for years for companies such as Amazon Web Services, National Instruments, and Dun and Bradstreet. She has a husband and two children. Adrianne utilized Partners Resource Network services for years to support her efforts advocating for her son before joining the agency in 2023. She loves empowering parents and youth self-advocates with information to help them better navigate the education system
Stephanie Morris
My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
Stephanie Morris is the Parent & Family Advocate for Disability Services, MHMRTC. She is a parent of a young man with special needs. She 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. Finally, she is parent who can relate and listen to your concerns.
Judge Brooke Allen
Tarrant County Probate Court #2