(Seguin) — Seguin area families with children who have special needs are being encouraged to take advantage of tonight’s first-of-its-kind educational workshop. Beyond22, Inc. will be hosting a free “Transition to Adulthood Workshop,” designed to help parents better understand the services, supports, and planning tools available as their children move into middle school, high school, or the workforce.
Christian Barton with Beyond22 says this is a great time for families to come out and ask questions.
“It’s like can they go to college? What do we need to get into college? What do we need to do to get their Social Security? What do we need to do to just to continue on with life so that’s why we decided to have this really much needed resource seminar for everyone,” said Barton.
The workshop will feature special guest speaker Cristina A. Dorta, M.Ed., a board-certified advocate in special education and founder of Holy Spirit Special Education Advocacy. Over the course of two hours, Barton says Dorta will walk families through options available under disability-related laws, how to handle major transitions, and what support can help students build an appropriate plan for adulthood.
Beyond22 also plans to bring in several community partners offering one-on-one guidance. Barton says the event will be packed with some much-needed resources.
“We even have Futurity First Insurance Group that is coming out because insurance is important to have – long-term planning is important to have. We also have Ray of Hope Associates counseling coming out because sometimes we need a little mental health. Having children with special needs — it’s a collaboration of parents and child and you have to take care of yourself before you take care of your kids. That’s another resource that is coming out. We also secured someone to come out and talk about the Ablenow account which is a savings account for special needs individuals,” said Barton.
The workshop will be held today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Small Town Ven-U located 111 W. Court St.
Families seeking more information may contact Beyond22 at (210) 255-2392.