Transition Fair Presentations

Future Planning and Able Now

Planning ahead is necessary when wanting to support a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD) to lead a good life as independently as possible. A plan is important throughout all stages of life, especially in the future when the parent is no longer able to provide help and advocate. Join Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts at Arc of Northern Virginia, to better understand the varying parts of the whole picture and how to plan systematically for your loved one's future. Included in the presentation will be special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, guardianship, alternatives, and more.

Presenter: Tia Marsili, Arc of Northern VA
Audience: All participants

Guardianship in Virginia

Barbara Lloyd Kessinger, Esq., will provide a PDF overview of guardianship proceedings in Virginia and some related topics, including estate planning for special needs. What is guardianship and when is it necessary?

What distinguishes guardianship from conservatorship and what strategies can help avoid conservatorship?

What are some alternatives to guardianship and when are they appropriate?

Presenter: Barbara Lloyd Kessinger, Attorney with Lloyd Law, PLLC
Audience: For families with students with autism, intellectual disabilities, others as appropriate

SSI / SSDI and Work - What You Need to Know!

The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although both programs provide income to individuals who are unable to work due to a medical disability, the eligibility rules for these programs are different and they serve two distinct groups.

Presenter: David Melton, Social Security Administration.
Audience: All participants.

Turning 18 in Virginia: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider.

Turning 18 is a big deal for all individuals. An 18-year old is legally considered an adult in Virginia. Therefore, when your child turns 18, he/she is the person that makes legal, financial, medical, and educational decisions in his/her life. For some individuals with disabilities, this will not be an issue. Others may need support.

Presenter: Tammy Burns, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC).
Audience: All participants.

Project SEARCH

This is a one-year transition program that provides education and on-site training to prepare individuals with disabilities, ages 18-21, to be ready for postsecondary success upon completion of their public education services. The youth participate in three 10-12-week unpaid internship experiences based on the youth’s interests, skills, and abilities. The goal for Project SEARCH is competitive employment within the local community

Presenter: Theresa Polk, DidlakeT
Audience: All participants

EMPLOY

EMPLOY is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course provided to students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) by the Special Education Department in each high school in Prince William County. EMPLOY provides special education students with skills that will facilitate their entry into suitable occupations in accordance with their individual educational needs, aptitudes, and interests. This course aligns with the Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The EMPLOY Program offers EMPLOY I, EMPLOY II, EMPLOY III and EMPLOY IV classes. EMPLOY I and II are class based and students participate in career awareness opportunities. EMPLOY III is internships experience in the community. EMPLOY IV is paid employment experience. Join this presentation to learn more about the EMPLOY Program offered at the high school level.

Presenters: Lorri Jones and Rian Burnside, PWCS EMPLOY Teachers
Audience: All participants