Autism Toolkit of Georgia
Autism Toolkit of Georgia
This webinar will equip you with essential tools to enhance communication and planning, building stronger relationships with those you care for. The session will focus on:
Effective communication techniques.
The importance of planning.
Practical de-escalation techniques to manage stress and diffuse tension in challenging situations.
You will leave with actionable strategies to create positive experiences.
Move to your own beat with your closest friends at this unique dance experience that celebrates diversity, inclusion and the joy of community. Silent disco headphones allow each participant to choose their own music as they dance the night away, without sensory overload, and enjoy the magic of a carnival. Ages 18+.
Advocacy Days give members of Georgia’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community the chance to connect directly with state leaders. They are a great opportunity for both new advocates and seasoned ones to have a real impact on our state’s policies for people with I/DD.
I/DD Commission: Georgia’s system of support for adults with I/DD is outdated. A Senate study committee met in 2022 to determine the need for Medicaid services that keep people with disabilities in their home and communities. This committee recommended that the legislature funds 2,400 new NOW/COMP waivers and that it creates an I/DD commission.
The goal of the commission is to develop new solutions for ending the NOW/COMP waitlist, employment, housing, and other important issues for the disability community so that adults with I/DD can live, work, and thrive in our communities.
During this session, we will review 2025 COLA adjustments and what that means for Social Security beneficiaries who are working, as well as a review of other changes including calculation of in-kind support and maintenance, overpayments, and the current process for applying for Social Security benefits.
This webinar training is designed to provide participants with an understanding of financial planning for a person with special needs. By attending this training, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively budget and manage the financial resources of individuals with special needs, ensuring their long-term financial well-being, while protecting essential public benefits such as Medicaid and Social Security Income (SSI).
Engage in robust panel discussions on topics that matter. Participant-directed families were surveyed and selected the topics they wanted to discuss.
Housing
Best Practices
Planning for the Future
Self-Determination
All sessions are geared toward PD families, professionals, and supporters of families utilizing the GA NOW/COMP/ICWP.
The First Annual Participant-Directed Advocates of Georgia Statewide Conference
Empowering Families. Supporting Choice. Building Community.
When: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Breakfast for Newcomers: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Conference: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: The Carter Center in the Cecil B. Chapel or Virtual Link
As children with disabilities grow, moving from pediatric to adult healthcare can be challenging and requires a lot of planning. This session is designed to support parents and caregivers of medically fragile children and adults with developmental delays in navigating this critical transition. In 2003, Blessing Udo, PhD, RN, became a mother to twin girls. One of them was medically fragile. Her journey through months in the NICU, multiple hospital stays, and the emotional toll of caring for a fragile child led her to create a pediatric home care agency built on compassion and quality. Now, she brings her experience and insight to help other families navigate the road ahead.
What you’ll learn:
When and how to start planning for the transition
How to involve your child and build independence
What changes to expect in care models and providers
Building a strong, coordinated care team
This masterclass will include a detailed review of the application process for Supplemental Security Income. We will review all the steps necessary for a successful application, including a review of the criteria to establish a medical determination of disability. We will also cover all the steps you need to take to prepare to file, including a means-testing review to ensure financial eligibility, followed by a review of the Social Security Blue Book to identify criteria for a medical determination of disability. We will walk through the Adult Disability Report to provide a framework of the required information and then review how to complete the SSI application online. We will guide you through the next steps following application submission.
This masterclass will include a detailed review of the application process for Supplemental Security Income. We will review all the steps necessary for a successful application, including a review of the criteria to establish a medical determination of disability. We will also cover all the steps you need to take to prepare to file, including a means-testing review to ensure financial eligibility, followed by a review of the Social Security Blue Book to identify criteria for a medical determination of disability. We will walk through the Adult Disability Report to provide a framework of the required information and then review how to complete the SSI application online. We will guide you through the next steps following application submission.
Understanding how working affects SSI and SSDI is important. This session will explore the differences between these two programs and explain the work incentives and protections built into each, so you can make informed choices without risking your benefits.
We’ll walk you through key rules and safety nets that let you work while keeping the support you need.
In this session, we’ll cover:
• The difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• How you can work and keep benefits, depending on which program you’re in
• What the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit means for your income
• How Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) can help reduce countable income
• A breakdown of the work incentive phases for SSDI, including the Trial Work Period
• Steps to take if you’re thinking about working or returning to work
When it comes to managing money for someone with a disability, two roles often come into play — the Representative Payee and the Trust Representative. These roles can seem similar, but they have very different responsibilities, and it’s important to know who does what.
This session is designed for caregivers, people with disabilities, attorneys, and financial professionals who are involved in planning or managing a Special Needs Trust. We’ll explain each role in clear terms, show how they can work together, and help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to compliance issues or lost benefits.
Whether you’re a family member managing care, or a legal or financial professional supporting a client, this session will give you practical tools and a better understanding of how to protect the financial future of someone with a disability.
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. We are blessed to be a part of this growing worldwide movement through the local church where thousands of people with special needs will be celebrated, given the royal treatment, and reminded of God’s love for them!
Night to Shine is a complimentary event and while each event is a little different, some activities include a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, a Sensory Room, and a crowning ceremony where every honored guest receives a crown or tiara!