Workshops

SNC provides educational workshops for parents and families of special needs individuals on topics ranging from benefits, guardianship, managing behaviors, advocacy, legal matters, and more.

Have a topic or speaker request? Email [email protected].

Workshop Recordings

Resource Spotlight: Cobb Parks Therapeutic Recreation Services

with Matt Ulmer, Recreation Coordinator

In this Resource Spotlight video, we are joined by presenter Matt Ulmer who shares an overview of what Cobb Parks Therapeutic Recreation Services (Cobb Parks TRS) offers to the special needs community, including programs, events, and classes for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, how to sign up, and a look at offerings available for Winter ’23/24. Open to residents of Cobb and surrounding counties.

Recorded December 11, 2023

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Financial Planning for Special Needs Families

with Jeff Wright, President, Wright Wealth

Join us as we discuss the basics of financial planning for special needs families. Learn about incorporating SSI into your financial plan and funding options for Special Needs Trusts.

Recorded November 6, 2023

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Legislative Advocacy for Special Needs Parents

with Rita Young, Grassroots Engagement Director, Unlock GA

Join us for an introduction to Unlock GA, the grassroots coalition that’s fighting for you! We’ll discuss advocacy efforts regarding increasing wages for direct support professionals and NOW/COMP waivers. Learn how families and self-advocates can stay informed on I/DD issues and get involved in legislative advocacy.

Recorded October 18, 2023

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Special Needs Summer Camp Round-Up 2023

In this two-part series, we are joined by the best special needs summer camps that Cobb County and metro Atlanta have to offer: Camp Big Heart, Focus, Lekotek Georgia, Cobb County PARKS, Tommy Nobis Center, Great Prospects, Shepherds College Preview Experience, Autism Improvised, and Spectrum Autism Support Group. Come away ready to register your special needs loved one for the best summer ever!

Kid Camper Session Recorded March 8, 2023

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Adult Camper Session Recorded March 9, 2023

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NOW/COMP Waiver & Family Support

with Anna Maki, Director of Benefits Navigation, Bobby Dodd Institute

Join Special Needs Cobb and presenter Anna Maki for this highly requested presentation on the NOW/COMP Waiver and Family Support. Learn how these programs can help you support your special needs loved one and how to apply! During this session we review the eligibility criteria for the NOW/COMP waiver and discuss the application process, “most in need” criteria, and the process for once a waiver is awarded.

Recorded October 3, 2022

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Cybersafety for Special Needs

with Kelly Bramblett and Joy Gaines, Cobb County School District

Join Special Needs Cobb and presenters Kelly Bramblett and Joy Gaines from Cobb County School District for this presentation on online safety for special needs teens and young adults. Learn about the most popular games and apps and discuss tips and programs you can use to keep your special needs loved ones safe. 

Recorded September 8, 2022

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SSI Basics for Special Needs

with Anna Maki, Director of Benefits Navigation, Bobby Dodd Institute

In this session, we’ll review Social Security basics, including the differences between SSI and SSDI, eligibility requirements, and different classifications of Medicaid. 

Recorded August 22, 2022

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Special Needs Planning

with Attorney Kim Martin

As parents, we all want to ensure that our children are cared for in every possible way. For the parents of a child with special needs, planning for that child’s long-term care is especially challenging. The purpose of this discussion is to explain the means test that applies to many state and federal benefits, and to walk parents through the estate planning options that will allow them to set aside assets for their child without endangering the child’s ability to receive those benefits. Special needs trusts play a large role in this type of planning; we discuss the most commonly used types of special needs trusts and when each of them is appropriate.

Recorded May 19, 2022

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Special Needs Benefits 101

with Attorney Kim Martin

In this session, we discuss the importance of benefits as part of the long-term plan to care for a child with special needs. We begin with a description of means-tested benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, and move on to benefits that the child can anticipate qualifying for later in life.

Recorded April 14, 2022

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