OCT 16: Preparing for Adulthood – Social Security, Benefits Planning and Guardianship

Announcing an upcoming workshop for high school transitioning students and their families.

In collaboration with Project Employ, Family and Community Together (FACT) will be hosting Preparing for Adulthood—SSI/SSDI, Benefits Planning, and Guardianship,” on Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 9am – 1pm, at the Arc of Washington County—4450 SW 184th Avenue in Aloha, 97007.

This FREE workshop is open to ALL interested families in the Tri-County Metro.

  • Alan Edwards from the Social Security Administration will be presenting information on SSI/SSDI.
  • Eugene Rada from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS), Competitive Employment Project, will speak on benefits planning—preserving an individual’s benefits while pursuing employment.
  • A parent panel will share their perspectives as each came to their decisions of pursuing or not pursuing guardianship.

OCT 12: Navigating High School Transition – Beaverton

ARRO Westside Family and Community Center
2360 SW 170th Ave, Beaverton, Oregon

Tuesday, October 12 th
6:30-8:00 PM

ARRO (Autism Research and Resources of Oregon) will be hosting a panel discussion on high school transition for teens with Autism.  The panel will feature Jonathan Chase, Peter Fitzgerald, and David Abramowitz, discussing the ins and outs of transition out of high school and into adulthood as it relates to teens with Autism.  Topics will include pre-high school planning, writing long-term goals into an IEP, eligibility and services in high school, and how the various agencies and services interact with families and the public school system.  The panel will also be taking questions and offering advice specific to the laws in the state of Oregon.

Jonathan Chase is an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome and a member of the Autism Society of Oregon’s board of directors.  Peter Fitzgerald works with the Youth Transition Program with the University of Oregon and has over 30 years of experience as a special ed teacher and transition specialist.  David Abramowitz also has over 30 years of experience working with transition-age teens and their families in the Eugene school district.  Jonathan, Peter, and David all serve on the Transition Subcommittee on the Oregon Commission on ASD.

This event is open to the public and will offer information helpful to parents of children with Autism who are currently in high school or looking ahead to high school in the future.  Teens and adults with ASD, service providers, and professionals are welcome to attend and ask questions. The forum will be held at the ARRO Westside Family and Community Center and a $5 donation is suggested, but not required, to help support our efforts to support the autism community and develop resources that meet the needs of our families and individuals with autism throughout their life and throughout the spectrum of ability.  Handouts, refreshments, and coffee will be available.

Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVP’s would be appreciated.  Please email Jonathan@JonathanChase.Net if you plan to attend or have any questions.