Employment with a Disability: Benefits to Work

If you are hesitant about pursuing work goals because of concerns about your benefits, Benefits to Work can help at absolutely no charge to you! Are you currently getting benefits and interested in returning to work? Our Mission Statement: To promote self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities by alleviating significant obstacles faced when going to work…

Supports, Modifications, and Accommodations for Students

“For many students with disabilities—and for many without—the key to success in the classroom lies in having appropriate adaptations, accommodations, and modifications made to the instruction and other classroom activities.” “Adaptations, accommodations, and modifications need to be individualized for students, based upon their needs and their personal learning styles and interests.  It is not always…

How Educators & Support Professionals Can Help Families

Barbara Doyle and Emily Doyle Iland provide some great ideas to aid educators and support professionals in making a real difference as they support families affected by special needs.  While this article was written about families affected by autism spectrum diagnoses, the ideas here can actually apply to most families regardless of the diagnosis involved.   These ideas…

Follow Up Resources for Special Needs Trust

In January and February, Martin Pierce & Jeffery Babb made presentations to both our Tennessee and Georgia support groups sharing information about Special Needs Trusts, Conservatorships, Guardianships, Powers of Attorney and other related resources.  Below are listed some of the resources which were referenced in those events as well as some additional Georgia-specific resources shared…

Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership

Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership Although the specific job descriptions and work plans may vary slightly from one school district to another, mentor’s work is focused on enhancing communication and collaboration between families, schools, and communities in order to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and their families. Families: Parent mentors provide information and resources to…

Next Steps at Vanderbilt University

Educational experiences beyond high school “Next Steps at Vanderbilt University is a 2-year nonresidential certification program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing individualized Programs of Study in the areas of education, social skills, and vocational training. Next Steps at Vanderbilt is now a Comprehensive Transition Program designated by the U.S. Dept. of Education.…

Shepherd’s College

“Shepherds College is a three-year post-secondary educational program that assists young adults with intellectual disabilities in successfully transitioning from school to work, and from home to independent living. We are one of only a few resources for students with intellectual disabilities in the nation. Students at Shepherds College receive education, skills training and support to…

What Happens to My Child When Something Happens to Me?

Thanks to Attorney Martin Pierce (Martin Pierce Law) and Financial Planner Jeffery Babb (Battleground Financial Advisors) for spending a couple of hours with our families last night sharing the details of a Special Needs or Supplemental Needs Trusts, Guardianship, Conservatorship, and other estate planning topics.  Both men have more than 20 years experience in their fields and…

VAP Graduate Reunion & Additional Training Coming Soon!

We have some information for you about our upcoming VAP trainings and networking opportunities for graduates. Our first session will be on February 18th from 3-5pm CST . Carrie Mason will speak about 504 and discipline, followed by some time to network and brainstorm together. Next, Tie Hodack and Theresa Nichols from the TN DOE will present…