College Planning for Families with Special Needs - Consolidated Planning Webinar

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEbrle-ESQI

February 25, 2025

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Host Introduction

  • Michelle Morris from Consolidated Planning Group.

  • Focus of the webinar: Educational opportunities post-high school.

• Webinar Purpose

  • Aim: Prevent students from stagnating after high school graduation.

  • Coverage of available opportunities and support systems.

• Communication and Interaction

  • Audience engagement through the chat box for questions.

  • Links to the YouTube channel and contact information shared in the chat.

• Consolidated Planning Group Overview

  • Special needs-focused financial planning firm.

  • Serving families across Texas and the U.S.

  • Areas of support include protection plans, care plans, transition planning, and understanding ABLE accounts.

• Planning for Transitions

  • Importance of planning for key transitions post-graduation (high school completion, turning 18, moving out, and parents passing).

• Unique Financial Considerations

  • Less than 200 out of 263,000 financial advisers specialize in special needs planning.

  • Importance of understanding nuanced rules and benefits related to special needs.

• Focus of Today's Webinar

  • College planning, especially for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

  • Encouragement to keep an open mind regarding opportunities available to students.

Chapter 2: Graduated High School

• Partnership Opportunities

  • Collaboration with organizations for mentorship and guidance for students.

  • Resources like the Texas Workforce Commission for vocational training.

• Career Paths

  • Exploring career paths through volunteering and training programs.

  • Importance of avoiding comparisons with others; every child has a unique journey.

• Day and Transition Programs

  • Importance of programs for life skills and job readiness post-graduation.

  • Emphasis on finding appropriate day/transition programs tailored to individual needs.

• Goldberg's Six Traits for Success in College

  1. Self-awareness: Understanding strengths and weaknesses.

  2. Proactivity: Planning ahead and seeking help.

  3. Perseverance: Learning to not give up on challenges.

  4. Goal setting: Establishing responsibilities.

  5. Effective social support: Utilizing campus resources.

  6. Emotional coping strategies: Developing methods to manage feelings.

Chapter 3: Heard Great Things

• Navigating College Accommodations

  • Need for proactive communication regarding accommodations for students.

  • Use of 504 and IEP serves as legacies but need to adapt in higher education.

• Importance of Preparing for Emergencies

  • Establishing a power of attorney or FERPA to enable communication with schools.

• Negotiating College Funding

  • Strategies to effectively negotiate financial aid offers with colleges.

• Finding Great Programs

  • Mention of successful programs such as Texas Workforce Solutions and other supportive initiatives.

Chapter 4: School And College

• Finding Fitting Educational Programs

  • Introduce Custom College Consulting for personalized guidance.

  • Overview of CLLE (College Living Experience) for holistic support.

• Workforce Solutions

  • Programs for vocational skill development and career readiness.

  • Internal resource to find internships and job opportunities.

• Funding Mechanisms

  • Importance of FAFSA in securing financing for education.

  • 529 College Savings Plans for educational expenses.

Chapter 5: List Of Scholarships

• Scholarship Accessibility

  • Foster care and state adoption as pathways to free college.

  • Utilizing clinic child life specialists for scholarship guidance.

• Search Strategies for Scholarships

  • Focus on larger scholarships and those tied to specific disabilities.

  • Highlight the Terry Foundation as a strong scholarship option in Texas.

Chapter 6: Scholarships and Scholarships

• Varied Scholarship Opportunities

  • Discuss interest-based scholarships and community involvement options.

• Advice on School Selection

  1. Consider Location and Price: Evaluate private vs. state schools.

  2. Utilize Financial Aid Award Letters: Opportunities for negotiation in funding amounts.

Chapter 7: Conclusion

• Free Support and Consultation

  • Invitation for a personalized consultation for further assistance.

• Contact Information

  • Encouragement to reach out for any additional questions or issues with links.

• Generous Offer: All services are free such as webinars and consultations to help families navigate financial and special needs planning.