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Training Information

Workshop Trainings around the Commonwealth by Topic

Both The Arc of Massachusetts and its chapters across the commonwealth offer many educational programs throughout the year. Here is a list of upcoming seminars and workshops, with contact information. Since additional programs are frequently added, check The Arc website for up-to-date information on educational opportunities.

Information on financial planners and lawyers here.

Long Term Planning, Trusts and Legal Alternatives (Multiple Dates Offered)

This seminar provides participants with information on trusts, government benefits and how to effectively use family assets.

These programs are conducted by Theresa Varnet, M.S.W., J.D., an advocate for persons with disabilities for over 30 years. In addition to being a certified teacher, social worker and attorney, she is the parent of an adult daughter with disabilities. Ms. Varnet has served as Social Services Director in a residential school for profoundly retarded children, Coordinator for a Special Education Cooperative and a Citizen Advocacy/Disability Rights Coordinator. She is also a Past President of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Massachusetts. Currently a Director of the Massachusetts Chapter of the AAMR, she is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Ms.Varnet has shared her personal and professional expertise with hundreds of families by offering trainings on Legal and Future Care Planning.

Topics Include:

· Negotiating the Social Security Maze · Preserving Eligibility for Government Benefits through proper estate planning · Guardianship and Less Restrictive Alternative· The Implications for Consent · Health Care Proxies and Advance Directives · Selecting a Knowledgeable Attorney

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Location and Time TBD

Contact: Chris Peltier, 413-774-5558

Suggestions? Contact The Arc of Massachusetts now!

Additional trainings will be posted here when available.

To suggest a training, conference, or seminar that you think we should post here, please contact us.

Offered by The Arc and Affiliates

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Offered by The Arc and Affiliates

Future Planning for Parents of Children with Life Long Disabilities: presented by Theresa Varnet, M.S.W., J.D.

Saturday, April 10, 2010– Offered by The Arc of Northern Bristol County;

Location: Holiday Inn 700 Miles Standish Blvd., Taunton. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Continental breakfast and lunch are included) Cost: $25 per person for Arc members; $45 per person for non-Arc. Advance registration required; please contact Donna Brown (508-226-1445, ext. 3105).

Parents and families providing for life time care of persons with disabiities will gain great peace of mind if they take the time to plan for the special needs family member's future care while they still have the health, time and energy to do so. Planning is more than just having a will and a special needs trust in place. The speaker will provide practical advice and recommendations for parents, siblings and grandparents who are concerned about where their family member challenged with a disability will live when the primary caregiver dies or how the family's resources can be used to maximize the quality of life their family member will enjoy.

This session will provide critically needed information for young families, transition age families who are not prepared for what happens when the school bus stops coming as well as older families who are concerned about who is going to advocate for and monitor the care and services their adult child receives. Providing a life long support system for an individual with a life long disability is critical. The speaker will discuss how to maximize government resources and private funds to enable the individual challenged with life long disabilities to live as full and independent a life as possible.

Topics covered will include:

· eligibility for government benefits programs

· preserving eligiblity for government benefits

· how work affects SSI and SSDI, housing options and guardianship, and

· less intrusive alternatives to guardianship.

Theresa Varnet is a long time volunteer and supporter of The Arc. In addition to being a parent of an adult daughter challenged with life long disabilties, Theresa is a former teacher and social worker and has been an advocate for persons with disabilties for over 40 years. She is an attorney with Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple P.C. in MA and with Spain, Spain and Varnet, P.C. in IL.