MAKING CONNECTIONS NORTH TARRANT
Saturday, February 24, 2024
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD • 5800 Colleyville Blvd. 76034
9 A.M.
Exhibitor Hall Opens
Visit with a variety of Exhibitors providing services and resources for people with disabilities and their families.
9:30 - 10:15
Breakout Session 1
Breakout descriptions
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
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Guardianship: Rush to the Courthouse or Last Result?
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Accessing Services through My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
10:45 - 11:30
Breakout Session 2
Breakout descriptions
Choose to attend a breakout session on:
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Life Planning Nuts and Bolts
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Self-Determination: The Counterpart of Self-Advocacy
12:00 - 12:45
Breakout Session 3
Breakout descriptions
Attend a breakout session on:
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Bring the Fun! Summer Camps for all ages
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ABLE Accounts: Tax Free Saving for Your Child's Future
1:00 P.M.
Exhibitor Hall Closes
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Breakout Sessions:
9:30 - 10:15 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 Associate Judge Patricia Burns, 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
10:45 - 11:30 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
Self-Determination: The Counterpart of Self-Advocacy
The Self-Determination group was established in 2014 by Carissa Oaschall & Jamie Butler to amplify the voices of people with disabilities to live a self-determined life. Hear members of the group share about the importance of voice and choice for individuals with disabilities.
12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Bring the Fun! Summer Camps for all ages
Summer is quickly approaching, learn about some of the summer programs designed for individuals with IDD that are available in our area. Programs included: Camp Summit - overnight camp in Paradise, TX, Ability Connection - Day Camp in Irving, TX, Puzzles DFW - Day Camp in Irving, TX, and Bridges to Success Camps - various overnight camps in DFW
ABLE Accounts: Tax Free Saving for Your Child's Future
ABLE accounts have become a valuable and flexible resource for individuals with disabilities to save money in a tax-advantaged account in their own names, including wages, and still remain eligible for Medicaid, Learn how you can save money and protect your benefits. By: Vanessa Goodson, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Educational Opportunities and Investment Division
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.
Vanessa Goodson
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Educational Opportunities and Investment Division
Vanessa Goodson has worked for the Texas Comptroller's Office for 4 years and currently serves as the Outreach Specialist for the state’s new Texas ABLE Program. She earned a master’s degree in Business from Grantham University. She has 7 years of service with the State of Texas including serving as Business Specialist for the Office of the Governor. Previously, she managed several large-scale Central Texas businesses and served six years in the United States Air Force.
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.
Associate Judge Patricia Burns
Tarrant County Probate Court #2
Patricia Burns is the newly appointed associate judge of Probate Court No. 2 in Tarrant County, Texas. She has received her JD for Texas Wesleyan School of Law, now known as Texas A&M School of Law in 2000. For 24 years, Judge Burns’ has assisted thousands of families in the area of guardianship, probate, mental health and CPS law. She has her certification in mediation and attended LSU for her undergraduate degree. Previously she served on the Texas Guardianship Association, and received recognized as a Top Attorney, and received the Great Women of Texas Award, Legacy of Women Award, and Woman of Influence Award.
