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Planning Beyond Graduation

Adulthood & Transition | Ages 18+

Leaving the school system can feel like stepping into an entirely new world of services, benefits, programs, and responsibilities. This session brings together experts who can help families understand what comes next and how to begin planning for a meaningful, supported adult life.

Whether your loved one is approaching graduation, transitioning out of school-based services, or already navigating adulthood, this panel is designed to help families understand their options and identify practical next steps.

We’ll Talk About

  • Transition planning beyond high school

  • Transition IEPs and aging out of school-based services

  • Employment and vocational opportunities

  • Supported employment and job coaching

  • SSI and public benefits

  • Medicaid and DD Waiver services

  • ABLE accounts and special needs financial planning

  • Guardianship and supported decision-making

  • Legal planning for adulthood

  • Residential and supported living options

  • Adult day programs and community-based services

  • Transportation and community access

  • Building independence and daily living skills

  • Safety and self-advocacy

  • Social and recreational opportunities

  • Long-term care and future planning

  • Planning for the future: “Who will support my loved one when I can no longer do it all?”


Who Should Attend?
This session is especially helpful for:

  • Parents and caregivers of teens and adults with disabilities

  • Families beginning transition planning

  • Families approaching graduation or aging out of school-based services

  • Adults with disabilities and self-advocates

  • Families trying to understand Medicaid and waiver services

  • Families exploring employment, housing, or adult day programs

  • Anyone wondering what services and supports are available after high school
     

Bring Your Questions

  • Not sure when to apply for SSI?

  • Confused about Medicaid waivers or the waitlist?

  • Wondering whether your loved one can work and still receive benefits?

  • Trying to understand guardianship versus supported decision-making?

  • Thinking about where your loved one will live in the future?

  • Looking for meaningful employment, day programs, or community opportunities?
     

Bring your questions. Our panel is designed to connect families directly with professionals who work in these areas and help you understand where to start.

CEO & Chief Investment Strategist, All Needs Planning

Kristin Carleton

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Owner and President, Family-Run Individual Group Homes of Virginia, LLC 

Lisa Escoto 

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Unit Supervisor, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Julie M. Paradiso

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BENECOUNSEL

Matt Bellinger 

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DD Community Resource Navigator
The Arc of Northern Virginia

Jamie Colgin 

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Parent Perspective

Nicole Zupan

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More experts are joining soon! We’re bringing together a multidisciplinary panel of professionals to help families navigate the transition from school into adulthood and plan confidently for the future. Additional experts in employment and vocational services, SSI and public benefits, Medicaid and DD Waivers, ABLE accounts and special needs financial planning, legal and transition planning, residential and supported living options, adult day and community services, and long-term care planning are being added to the panel. More panelists will be announced soon—stay tuned!

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