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March 15, 2025

Presented by:

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In Partnership with:

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Breakout Presentations

Keynote

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Thoughtfully Planning for Your Child's Transition to Adulthood

Anna Hall

Education & Research Lead at Organize 365

Anna is an educator with a background in secondary and higher education. She has a passion for helping teachers, families, and students feel less overwhelmed in academia. She earned her Doctorate of Education in 2024 and loves reading current research in the field. Anna loves speaking about the many ways organization and planning can help ease the mental load and help individuals focus on their own personal uniqueness. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children

Breakout Presentations

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Making the High School Years a Launching Ground for Postsecondary Success

Susan Rinaldi, Director of Expanded Services Bishop O'Connell High School

The four years of high school are marked by significant growth and changes for all adolescents, including those with disabilities. While seeking to embrace the present fullness that high school may offer, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families must also plan ahead for life after high school. This presentation will discuss the different domains of postsecondary transition planning (education/training,  employment, and independent living) and how these may be supported during a student’s four years in high school. Transition planning and preparation is a collaborative process. We will discuss actions for students to take to help reach their postsecondary goals, as well as actions for parents to move their dreams for their child/s adult life  forward. We will also discuss the role of teachers and parents in promoting self determination, and helping students acheive the maximum benefits from high school life to promote future success in adulthood.

​​Susan Rinaldi is in her 10th year as the  Director of Expanded Services at Bishop O’Connell High School, offering inclusive Catholic education to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Susan attended Villanova University for her undergrad and more recently completed her masters in Secondary Special Education and Transition from the University of Kansas. She enjoys applying best practice for secondary special education and transition within the context of a Catholic school, and continuing to learn from and collaborate with other professionals and colleagues. Her approach to inclusion for individuals with disabilities is undergirded by Catholic belief in the dignity and value of every person, and in the love of Jesus. Susan's personal experience having a younger sister with Down Syndrome has served as a catalyst for her professional pursuits and continues to be a source of insight and joy in her life. She and her husband live in Reston, Va and have three young adult children.
 

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Cultivating Growth: 45 Minutes to Empower Your Child’s Mindset

Naina Narayana Chernoff, Founder/CEO of Inclusive Pathways to Success

This session is geared toward parents and teachers of younger children with disabilities (ages 5-14) who seek tips and resources to prepare students for future independence and employment. The work of becoming successful adults begins during childhood and children with disabilities are no less impacted by that fact. This session offers tips to parents and educators about planting those seeds despite a child's functioning level by adopting a specific approach to teaching young disabled children, planning for a student's transition from high school and developing their essential soft skills at home and school. Parents and educators will also hear about how person-centered planning is a vital tool toward preparing students for the transition to adulthood, presuming competence in their children and building opportunities toward independent living in the future.

Naina Narayana Chernoff is the founder and CEO of Inclusive Pathways to Success (IPS), a trade school created specifically to train disabled young adults in the skilled trades with a unique curriculum blending instruction in both hard and soft skills. Naina is a disability advocate and mother of an autistic teenager named Dhillon. While worrying about his future during the pandemic, she sought to build new opportunities for individuals like him in the skilled trades because of the financial stability and routine-driven nature of the work, often with fewer social and communication barriers. She created the idea for IPS to help young adults with differing abilities in the Northern Virginia community find new paths to employment while supporting their unique learning needs. Naina currently serves on the Coordinating Council for the Aging and Adults with Disabilities, which advocates for disabled adults in Fairfax County.

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Understanding the "Alphabet Soup" of Adult Services

Christine Fowler, MS in Nursing, Director of PortoWorks

Christine will review and discuss the essential functions, activities and access points of the most commonly used adult service agencies, CSB, DARS,SSA (SSI/SSDI). Helpful resources such as ABLE and SNTs will also be discussed. The discussion will include how these entities can be helpful and why individuals and families utilize all or most of these agencies and resources in some way based on their individual needs, priorities and goals.

Christine Fowler was a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Critical Care Nursing. She is a parent of two young men with disabilities, Zach 26 has Down syndrome and Ben 24 has Autism. She served on the Parent Education Committee of The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia for 5 years. She is currently a Special Olympics Coach and serves on The Special Olympics of Virginia, Area 26 (Northern Virginia) Council. Zach's experience at Paul VI provided her with the motivation to become involved with Porto Charities to help insure the continued expansion of Inclusive Catholic education and employment. Zach is currently employed by St. Leo the Great Catholic School as a School Assistant, a Job that was customized to capitalize on Zach's strengths and interests and the unmet needs of St. Leo's School.  Zach is thriving, growing and contributing to his community as a staff member at St. Leo's Catholic School. Christine has facilitated more than 20 additional customized employment solutions for individuals with IDD and interested employers.

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Transition of care from parents to siblings

Joseph Fitzgerald

The transition from parents to siblings of the caring for an adult with developmental disabilities includes numerous important considerations.  These considerations typically come into focus after a developmentally disabled child turns 18 yrs old or graduates from high school, and as parents begin to consider their child's long-term future.  This presentation will highlight some of these issues including residential, healthcare and financial related topics, and discuss potential approaches to successfully accomplishing this transition.

Joe is the legal guardian with primary oversight responsibility for his older sister Kathleen who is developmentally disabled from birth.  He has been in this role since 1990.  Over the past 20 years, he has also been involved with several local organizations supporting the residential, educational and recreational needs of adults with developmental disabilities.  Professionally, Joe has over 30 yrs. experience in corporate banking.  He is currently a group manager for corporate credit risk management at TD Bank N.A. where he oversees credit risk monitoring for the Bank's $17 billion healthcare lending portfolio.  Joe has a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an M.B.A. from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.  He lives in Bethesda, MD.

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Sacraments for All

Mrs. Charleen Katra, Executive Director NCPD

How are persons with disabilities being prepared to celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation in your parish? Learn how to make the preparations and celebrations a joyful experience for everyone involved. Gain strategies and best practices to help ensure that all are made one in the Body of Christ and supported in living a sacramental life. The revised USCCB Sacramental Guidelines with Persons with Disabilities will also be discussed 

Prior to her current position, Katra served in the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, where she directed the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities for over twenty years. She is the co-author of The Adaptive Teacher: Faith-Based Strategies to Reach and Teach Learners with Disabilities (Loyola Press, 2019) and the author of How to Talk to Children about People with Disabilities (Twenty-Third Publications, 2019). Katra has extensive experience in systematic and sacramental catechesis and has served as a national consultant, author, and speaker on the topic of disability ministry for various Catholic publishers. She currently serves on the board of the National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) and as a member of the Loyola Press Speaker Corp. Katra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies. 

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Future Planning: Navigating Resources and Supports for Your Child's Adult Life

Diane Monnig, Director of Programs, The Arc of Northern Virginia

Join us for an insightful presentation exploring the comprehensive resources offered by The Arc of Northern Virginia, a trusted resource for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Learn how our resources support individuals across the lifespan, from advocacy and education to employment and independent living.

​​Diane Monnig is the Director of Programs for The Arc of Northern Virginia. In this role, Diane oversees Transition POINTS (Providing Opportunities Information Networking and Transition Support) that provides information and resources to individuals with disabilities and their families at critical decision points across the lifespan and the Tech for Independent Living Program that provides customized lessons using their own Arc2Independence app that fosters independence in travel, daily living, safety, and employment skills. Diane has worked with The Arc of Northern Virginia for over 20 years. Diane was awarded the 2020 Martha Glennan Inclusion and Equality Individual Advocacy Award and the 2021 Community Champion for Special Education of the Year Award from Fairfax County Public Schools SEPTA.

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Creating Financial Security for a Loved One With Special Needs

Mark Downs, CFP®, RICP®, ChSNC®, Wealth Management Advisor

Mark Downs, CFP®, RICP®, ChSNC® will host a discission on financial and estate planning for parents of children with disabilities.  Topics will include the roles of professionals within financial and estate planning, alignment of retirement planning and other family financial priorities with planning for your child’s care, navigating family dynamics, tax considerations, risk management, special needs trusts, and quality of life planning.  Mark will share some best practices around how to approach planning at various life stages, and how to avoid some of the potential derailments that often present themselves. 

Mark Downs is a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in Fairfax Virginia. His work includes a focus on serving families of children with disabilities.  As a special needs parent himself, he understands the unique challenges families face around planning for the lifetime care and support of their loved ones.  Mark is a Chartered Special Needs Consultant, a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners, and a Certified Financial Planner.  He is also a 1994 graduate of Bishop O’Connell High School. 

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Anatomy of an IEP

Kathleen Gibson, Early Childhood Specialist, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)

In this breakout session, we’re breaking down the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and how each section builds on the other to develop an effective IEP. We’ll discuss the parts of the IEP, the why of each section, and how it all comes together. You will learn practical tips to help create an IEP that supports your student’s access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

As PEATC’s Early Childhood Specialist, Kathleen Gibson helps support and empower families of young children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them. With over a decade of experience navigating disability and special education services, she understands the importance of being an informed family member throughout our children’s educational journey. A strong believer in the power of early intervention and family engagement, she emphasizes the critical role of collaborative family-school-student partnerships in achieving positive, long-term outcomes for our children. Kathleen has a wealth of knowledge and experience in program development and systems change. Her passion lies in setting high expectations and ensuring that all students have equitable access to high-quality education and full participation in community life from the earliest years.

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Special Needs Trusts: Who, What, When, How Much & Why

Cortney Heykoop, Chartered Special Needs Consultant

Special Needs Trusts are a critical step to planning for your disabled child’s future. They allow the family to pass down money to support the child without impacting access to governmental programs. But Special Needs Trusts can be confusing and overwhelming.  This presentation will outline the different types of trusts, who can establish, how they are administered, a variety of ways to fund a trust and how to determine how much is needed in the trust for your child.

Cortney Heykoop is a Special Needs Mom and Financial Advisor.  She opened her own firm 6 years ago with a focus on serving families impacted by disability.  Cortney loves working with other families like hers. She not only brings a breadth of financial knowledge but a comprehensive, holistic approach that includes helping families navigate the complexities of governmental resources, disability planning, estate planning and of course their financial plan

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Is there work after school? 

Robin Rinearson - owner - Jake's Ice Cream and Jake's Gourmet Popcorn

I own 2 businesses created specifically to employ differently abled adults that were created after I retired. I will share a VERY brief power point and a video taken at one of the shops.  I have high expectations for what people can achieve when appropriately trained. Training starts at home and at school.  Parents are still an integral part of the workplace environment. I will discuss inclusion in the workplace and the role of job coaches (if any).  will explain about internships and training of staff. I will discuss the role of communication.

After a successful career as a developmental optometrist, Dr. Rinearson embarked on a journey as a social entrepreneur employing adults with disabilities at Jake’s Ice Cream and Jake’s popcorn shop. 

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The Virtual Resource Fair and Innovation in our Special Needs Community

Doug McCallum, Community Coordinator

This session will describe the current state of the NOVA Special Need community, identify constraints and bias in planning, and then describe a new innovative capability (A Virtual Resource Fair) born of collaboration across the community. The challenge statement for this effort was: "Wouldn't it be great if Northern Virginia's (NOVA) families who are managing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) could go to ONE on-line location where they could get information by meeting and talking with service providers and experts and by sharing what they have learned with others who are on the same journey"?

Currently Doug is the Community Coordinator for a non-profit (NOVA IDD Group Genius) that has launched a virtual platform designed to flatten the information stovepipes across the region's Special Needs/IDD communities. Doug is also the father of a special needs son who has recently transitioned from FCPS to the community.  He has taken the lessons he learned from that experience to help other families.   Doug is a retired Army officer and public servant who has worked across DoD, DHS and in the private sector.  He is particularly leveraging the concepts he used as the Director of an Innovation Center to bring people together and build new capabilities for our NOVA families. Their first project was launching a virtual information fair so families can go to one online location to meet, ask questions, and develop plans with our area's service providers and information experts.

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Welcoming Adults with Disabilities into the Life of the Church

Sarah Schmitt, M.Ed., Director of Witness to Dignity

Community involvement is a big component of transition planning to adulthood in order to create a full life for an individual. Parishes should be the first place Adults with Disabilities find welcome so that they may access the life of the Parish through so much more than simply attending Mass each week. In this session, we will discuss parish life and learn strategies for Clergy, Staff, and Volunteers serving in Parishes to enhance opportunities for Adults with various Disabilities and access needs. 

Sarah is the founder and president of Witness to Dignity, a non-profit that provides Disability and Mental Health Support to Churches and Private Schools. Since her early days on the playground, Sarah has always had a heart for inclusion, advocating for the accessibility and belonging of those often overlooked. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville for undergrad and later George Mason University for a Master’s in Early Intervention. She started her career by helping to found a school for Autism out west. Sarah has been an ABA Therapist, a Disability-Inclusive Educator, a Professional Development Trainer and Speaker, a Behavioral and Educational Consultant for a school district, and served various ministry roles, including Youth Ministry, Liturgy and Worship, and Faith Formation. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Sarah brings a personal insight into her work. Residing in Central Virginia with her husband, Adam, and their two foster children, she finds joy in exploring accessible ways to cook, garden, and complete DIY projects.

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Guardianship and Estate Planning

Sherie Kristiansen, ESQ

Providing an overview of what a special needs parent must begin to think about for their special needs child who will soon turn 18. when it comes to turning 18 and what their role will look like and how it will change. I will give a brief overview of the difference between powers of attorney and guardianship and what parents need to consider to determine the correct course for their individual child. I will also discuss estate planning as it concerns the special needs child and options available so that governmental aid to the child will not be interrupted by an inheritance.

Sherie graduated from Arizona State University in 2000 with a summa cum laude Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology.  In 2005, she graduated from American University Washington College of Law and went on to pass the bar in the summer of 2005.  Sherie began work on our Wills, Trusts and Estates team in 2020 as a law clerk. During that time she assisted with drafting estate planning documents, the administration of estates and trusts, and provided support in guardianship and conservatorship cases.  In 2022, Sherie reactivated her law license to begin taking on her own Wills, Trusts and Estate clients. Not only does she provide estate planning, but also administers estates, helps families with guardianship and conservator petitions and acts as a guardian and conservator.

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Discovery for Students: Let Your Strengths Be Your Guide!

Therese Fimian, President, Marc Gold & Associates 

Discovery is a strategy that strives to understand what is meaningful and unique regarding a person with a disability and provides a common-sense foundation to person-centered, person-directed planning.  Discovery focuses on the best of a person and this information is used to set and achieve goals that are a “great fit” for a student or young adult with a disability.  For some this may mean employment that is well matched to interests and career goals.  For others, this can mean deepening and enhancing school-to-work transition activities, or this may mean achieving other goals for increased independence.  In this sense, Discovery is useful in the contexts of school, employment, home and community life and can be used by professionals, families, friends, and other community members to support individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals. In this session, we will share information about the principles, approach and activities of Discovery.  We will talk about how Discovery can inform planning activities, and how we use this information to identify and develop related resources (such as a visual resume) and customize outcomes that meet the goals of students and young adults with disabilities.  And we will share specific examples of how it has benefited young people – including those in the Diocese of Arlington.  

Therese Fimian has worked in the disability employment field for 25 years, overseeing national workforce, research and demonstration projects and programs to increase access to independence, employment and economic empowerment for individuals with significant disabilities.  For nearly 10 years Therese directed a national Customized Employment initiative through which jobs and internships were customized and strong partnerships with businesses were established across multiple states. She has worked with national and state agencies to develop and improve strategy, policy and practice to increase access to services that result in outcomes of significance for individuals with disabilities and their families. Therese joined Marc Gold & Associates in 2019 and has been a member of the Porto Charities board since 2024.   

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Transitioning from Middle School to High School

Mary-Kate Wiedemer

This presentation will go over the transition from middle school to an inclusive high school program, including the admissions process and how to prepare students during their 8th grade year coming from Diocesan schools, public schools, or homeschooling.

Mary Kate Wiedemer is in her 9th year of teaching students with intellectual disabilities in the Diocese of Arlington, and has experience teaching at both the elementary and high school levels. She grew up in Northern Virginia and attended Diocesan schools, and was very involved with the Options Program when she was a student at Paul VI High School. Mary Kate has her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Longwood University and has taken special education coursework at Marymount University. She is currently the Options Program lead teacher at Bishop Ireton High School.

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Empowering Independence:  A Journey with Arc2Independence

Ashley Africa-Osborne, Tech for Independent Living Program Manager

The Tech for Independent Living Program at The Arc of Northern Virginia is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve full inclusion and active participation in their communities. Through free, customized virtual lessons, the program provides essential tools to build independence and confidence in navigating everyday life. At the heart of the program is Arc2Independence, an app designed to support individuals with managing daily routines and overcoming challenges. The app offers a comprehensive library of lessons in key areas, including Transportation, Daily Living Skills, Employment, and Safety, accessible on phones, tablets, or computers. The app can be used across an individual’s full circle of care, including caregivers, family members, schools, job coaches, etc to consistently teach skills to be independent in their communities. The program also supports disability service providers, group homes, and day programs by offering memberships to Arc2Independence’s general lesson library. These customizable lessons allow organizations to expand their resources and provide tailored support, helping individuals with IDD reach their goals and thrive in their communities.

Ashley is the Program Manager for the Tech for Independent Living Program at The Arc of Northern Virginia, where she leads efforts to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the innovative Arc2Independence app.  In this role, she leads webinars, events, and community outreach efforts, while building valuable partnerships with local organizations, schools, and agencies. Through her work with the Arc2Independence platform, Ashley empowers individuals to leverage technology as a tool for increasing their independence. With over 11 years of experience in the disability services field, Ashley is deeply committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from Radford University and a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, specializing in Autism, from Ball State University. Passionate about fostering inclusive communities, Ashley strives to create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive.

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Hobbies and Skills for Adulthood

Shannon Zish, MA, RPM level 4

To live a full and purposeful life, we all need hobbies. Shannon will lead parents through different ways to discover and cultivate their child’s interests and hobbies regardless of their motor skills and challenges.

Shannon is the Founder and Director of Unspoken Thoughts (UT). Shannon earned her M.A. in Applied Developmental Psychology from George Mason University and holds a level 4 RPM certification. She enjoys supervising the UT Team, training caregivers, leading groups, and working individually with students. She focuses on building skills including communication, regulation, hobbies, chores, and independence. 

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Beyond the Nest: Navigating Housing After High School

Claude Thomas, Director of Programming and Community Our Stomping Ground

An engaging breakout designed to help teenagers with developmental disabilities and their families navigate the path to independent living, this session will break down the complexities of housing options, rental assistance, and support networks, offering practical guidance on planning for the future. From understanding the "benefits cliff" to exploring inclusive communities, we'll provide insights, resources, and real-world strategies to help families make informed decisions. Whether you're just starting to think about housing or actively making plans, this session will empower you with knowledge and connections for the journey ahead.

Claude coordinates Our Stomping Ground's robust event programming and community outreach. As a neurodivergent individual with a background in public health she has both lived and learned the impact of inclusive communities on individual and population well-being. Claude is now pursuing graduate studies at the University of Maryland school of social work with a focus on clinical behavioral health.

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Los conceptos básicos del sistema de exenciones de Medicaid en Virginia

Majo Flores, Frank Trippett Spanish Advocacy & Outreach Fellow

Sra. Flores nos explicara lo que es un exención de Medicaid, elegibilidad para las exenciones, el proceso de solicitud, los servicios disponibles, y mas información esencial.

​En The Arc of Northern Virginia, me desempeño como becario Trippett 2024-2025, enfocándome en el alcance a la comunidad de personas con discapacidad de habla hispana. Mi función incluye responder a preguntas en español, traducir los materiales existentes al español y crear talleres y oportunidades de aprendizaje adaptados para personas y familias de habla hispana. Mi objetivo es cerrar las huecos en la accesibilidad y garantizar que la comunidad tenga los recursos y la información que necesita. Me gradué de la facultad de derecho en Guatemala, donde me licencie como abogada antes de mudarme a los EE. UU. en 2012. Después de obtener mi certificación como asistente legal, trabajé en la ley de inmigración hasta 2018, ayudando a la comunidad hispana interpretando en la corte y en las oficinas de inmigración, traduciendo documentos y gestionando casos de inmigración. En 2018, me convertí en madre y decidi centrarme en mi familia. Desde hace varios años, he sido voluntaria en el Ministerio Inclusivo de Christ Church, que apoya a adultos con discapacidades.

At The Arc of Northern Virginia, I am serving as the 2024-2025 Trippett Fellow, focusing on outreach to the Spanish-speaking disability community. My role includes answering questions in Spanish, translating existing materials into Spanish, and creating workshops and learning opportunities tailored for Spanish-speaking individuals and families. My goal is to bridge gaps in accessibility and ensure the community has the resources and information they need. I graduated from law school in Guatemala, where I became an attorney before moving to the U.S. in 2012. After earning my certification as a paralegal, I worked in immigration law until 2018, assisting the Hispanic community by interpreting in court and at immigration offices, translating documents, and managing immigration cases. In 2018, I became a mother and transitioned to focusing on my family. For several years now, I’ve been volunteering with the Inclusive Ministry at Christ Church, which supports adults with disabilities through various programs and activities. I also handle the ministry’s marketing efforts, helping spread its mission to the community.

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Alojamiento después de la escuela secundaria

Josue Amaya, Our Stomping Ground Lead Community Builder

Una interesante sesión de trabajo diseñada para ayudar a los adolescentes con discapacidades del desarrollo y sus familias a recorrer el camino hacia una vida independiente. Esta sesión analizará las complejidades de las opciones de vivienda, asistencia para el alquiler y redes de apoyo, ofreciendo orientación práctica sobre la planificación para el futuro. Desde comprender el "precipicio de los beneficios" hasta explorar comunidades inclusivas, brindaremos conocimientos, recursos y estrategias del mundo real para ayudar a las familias a tomar decisiones informadas. Ya sea que esté empezando a pensar en una vivienda o haciendo planes activamente, esta sesión le brindará conocimientos y conexiones para el viaje que le espera.

Josué Amaya es un dedicado Constructor de Comunidades en Our Stomping Ground, donde desempeña un papel vital en el fomento de comunidades inclusivas y de apoyo para adultos con discapacidades del desarrollo. Con un enfoque cálido y acogedor, Josué dirige una programación personalizada que reúne a los residentes, construye conexiones significativas y fomenta la participación de la comunidad en general. Se asegura de que cada espacio OSG sea vibrante, accesible y esté lleno de oportunidades de crecimiento y alegría.

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