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 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
Childcare Registration (coming soon)
Exhibitor Directory (available day of event)
information in English
información en español
Special Thanks to
Our Sponsors:
My Health My Resources of Tarrant
United Healthcare
Mylar Health Services
Behavioral Innovations
The IDD Council is proud to partner with Fort Worth ISD to host “MAKING CONNECTIONS” CENTRAL TARRANT
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
United Healthcare
My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
Behavioral Innovations
Become a Highlight Sponsor
Schedule (Schedule in process/Subject to change)
9 A.M.
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Exhibitor Hall Opens
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Child Care / Kid's Activity Room Opens (Advance Registration Required)
9:45 - 10:30
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
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Guardianship: Rush to the Courthouse or Last Result? (most useful for caregivers with children 17 or older)
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11:00 - 11:45
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
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12:00 - 1:00
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
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12:30
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Exhibitor Hall Closes
1:00
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Child Care / Kids Activity Room Closes
Session Descriptions:
9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
Homeless Education Linking Partners
Description forthcoming. By Itzia Oscos and Alysia Castillo
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 Jason Amon, P.C, The Law Office of Jason Amon.
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
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
Sexual Health Education and Puberty
This session will help parents and youth strengthen their bonds 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, James Turnage, LPCS, and Laura Golden, OTR, ODT.
Noon - 1 p.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
Achieving a Better Life Experience (Texas ABLE) - How to Save Money While Protecting Your Loved Ones Benefits
The Texas ABLE Program allows eligible individuals with disabilities and their families to save for long-term goals and disability-related expenses without affecting their eligibility for essential benefits like SSI and Medicaid. ABLE Accounts offers tax-advantaged growth and flexibility for qualified disability expenses, including housing, food, transportation, education, and personal support services. By Vanessa Goodson, Texas Comptroller’s Office.
About our Presenters
Presenter
Tarrant County Probate Court #2
Bio coming soon
Presenter
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