DATE/TIME:  Wed., July 8, 2026, at noon Central

TITLE/DESCRIPTION:  Transitioning to Adulthood: A Masterclass on Special Needs Legal Planning and Public Benefits - How to Protect Your Child’s Rights and Preserve Essential Resources in Texas

As children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) approach adulthood, families face a complex "turning 18" transition. Chelsea Owens, Estate Planning and Guardianship Attorney will be joining forces with  Robert Ogden, Executive Director of the ARC of Smith County,  to give Texas families a clear, plain-English guide to the legal and financial hurdles ahead.

Part 1: The Legal Foundation.  Presented by an experienced attorney specializing in guardianship and estate planning, backed by 10 years of executive leadership in the human services sector, this segment will cover the "why" and "how" of legal protections. We will discuss:

• Guardianship at 18: Understanding the legal process for IDD loved ones and why timing is critical.
• Special Needs Trusts: How to fund your child’s future without jeopardizing their eligibility for state and federal support.

Part 2: Navigating the System.  The Executive Director of the ARC of Smith County will pivot to the practical challenges of maintaining quality of life, focusing on:

• Social Security & Medicaid Roadblocks: Identifying the common "traps" that cause delays or denials.
• Overcoming Barriers: Strategies for effectively advocating for your loved one within the state system.

SPEAKERS: Attorney Chelsea Owens and Robert Ogden, Executive Director for the ARC of East Texas

ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 868 7919 7924

REGISTER HERE:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O9AfN5MCR7yvDmYssQ37TA