Safety and the IEP: Advocacy, Goals, and Being Prepared Training

This training video features tips and strategies on how to create an IEP for your child that is focused on safety. Presented on 12/1/20 by Carrie Noseworthy of “A Safer Me”. ( Note: English and Spanish captions included)

La seguridad y el IEP: defensa, metas y preparación.

Este video de capacitación presenta consejos y estrategias sobre cómo crear un IEP para su hijo que se centre en la seguridad. Presentado el 1/12/20 por Carrie Noseworthy de “A Safer Me”.

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Anxiety Training with Brendan Mahan, M. Ed, M.S

This training video provides helpful information on how to navigate anxiety and ADHD in everyday life. Presented on 12/8/20 by Brendan Mahar of ADHD Essentials. (Note: English and Spanish captions included)

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Healthcare Rights for Immigrants

Este video de capacitación ofrece información importante sobre los derechos de atención médica de los inmigrantes durante la pandemia y más allá. Presentado en español el 23/11/20 por María González de Healthcare for ALL.

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Self Directing Your Supports – Charting the LifeCourse

This training video describes how to design and plan self directed supports using the Charting the LifeCourse tools. Presented on 4/7/20 by Robin Foley of Seven Hills Family Services.

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Zoom 101: A Basic Tutorial

This training video provides guidance on how to navigate zoom for new users. 
Presented by Peter Demko of Seven Hills Foundation. 
 

Zoom 101: un tutorial básico

Este video tutorial explica cómo acceder al Calendario de actividades de Seven Hills, registrarse en uno de nuestros entrenamientos de Zoom programados, y cómo configurar el audio y video de su computadora para conferencias virtuales.

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Guardianship and Alternatives

This training video provides information on guardianship and conservatorship from the perspective of Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson of the Moody Street Group. Presented on 10/26/20.

Capacitación sobre tutela y alternativas

Este video de capacitación brinda información sobre la tutela y la tutela desde la perspectiva de Tom Alessi y Craig Richardson del Moody Street Group. Presentado el 26/10/20.

Subtítulos en español

Charting the LifeCourse Training 2

Charting the life course frame work was created by families to help individuals with disabilities and families of all abilities, and all ages develop a vision for a good life. Think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find and develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the life they want to live. Robin Foley will present an overview of charting the Life Course. Learn how to utilize tools in creating a life vision for the future of your loved one. The training is geared toward helping make choices, explore options, and life experiences to consider as you “pilot a course to a full meaningful life.

Understanding the IEP and Advocating For Your Loved One

Gayle Green presents a training on Understanding the IEP and Advocating For Your Loved One.

• Download the IEP Form

RCAP Loan Modification and Section 8

Presented by RCAP Solutions, this video provides a basic overview of the many housing assistance programs available to families and individuals. Topics covered include RAFT/ERMA Funding Programs, HomeBASE, Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP), Rental Assistance Programs, Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP),Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (VASH), the Familuy Self Sufficiency Program (FSS), and more. Visit RCAP solutions at https://www.rcapsolutions.org

Frequently Used Forms and Informational Brochures (PDF Downloads)

• Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP)Informational Brochure
• Office of Consumer Affairs Guide to Home Improvement Contractors
• HMLP Loan Terms
• HMLP Combined Contractor Sheet
• HMLP Application (2021)
• Funding Sources for Home Modifications
• Home Modification Loan Program Guide and Bid, Scope of Work and Contract Form
• HMLP List of Contractors

Formularios y folletos informativos de uso frecuente (descargas en PDF)

• Fuentes de financiamientopara modificaciones de vivienda
• Aplicación HMLP (2021)
• Folleto combinado para contratistas
• Resumen del préstamo
• HMLP Folleto

Join Betsy Johnson of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) as she explains the differences between guardianship, a healthcare proxy and power of attorney. In this audio recording, you'll learn how these important legal designations impact you and your loved ones.

Transition Training with Johanne Pino

This workshop will address the transition planning and services required for youth with disabilities ages 14-22, including a focus on transition services during COVID-19. The training will focus on the transition special education services needed to prepare youth for employment, independent living, and further education, including guidance and strategies to address transition needs during the pandemic. Through the use of case examples, parents and professionals will learn strategies that can help students receive important transition services mandated by special education laws, preparing youth to live, learn, and work in the community when they exit special education. The workshop will also focus on the transition to the adult human service system process. Parents and professionals will gain an understanding of Chapter 688, the federal law that helps plan for youth with disabilities after they leave school, as well as transition to the adult human service system. Presenter: Johanne Pino Project Coordinator, Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Recorded by Johanne Pino on 3/29/2021

Download an Informational Brochure about Massachusetts Health Care Proxy Law

Pat Carney has more than thirty years’ experience in human services working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting out as a direct support professional, Ms. Carney is currently a Training Technician in the Office of Learning and Development in the Central/West region of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. As a trainer and advocate, her focus areas are sexuality education for individuals served, staff development in the areas of sexuality, and human rights of people with I/DD. For Ms. Carney, sexuality and human rights are inseparable parts of a larger discussion acknowledging the humanity and personhood of individuals with I/DD. Pat has published articles in national disability publication, and presented on sexuality and rights regionally, nationally and internationally. Pat has a M.Ed. in Health Education and is a matriculating Ph.D. candidate at the University of Massachusetts Boston, in the School of Global Inclusion and Social Development. Join us as Pat leads an insightful conversation on strategies for talking to our loved ones with disabilities about healthy relationships, sex, and living a productive adult life.

Additional Resources About Healthy Sexuality

• Find the communication chart/article Pat mentions in her training here!
• Visit Amaze.org for more age-appropriate
• Becoming Sexually Able, Scholarly article (PDF)
• The Gender Unicorn (PDF)
• Talking To Your Child About Sexuality (Power Point Presentation Spanish)

Transition Information Webinar Hosted by Seven Hills Family Services of North Central and DDS.

This webinar was recorded September 30 and features information about the services and resources available to families and their loved ones approaching transition age.

Social Security Training with Sabrina Feliciano

Sabrina Feliciano, Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration, talks with Ida and Eliana from Seven Hills Family Support Center of North Central about Social Security.

Download the slides from this presentation as a PowerPoint Presentation or as a PDF.

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This training was recorded November 11, 2021.

Healthcare Proxy Versus Guardianship with Betsy Johnson

Recorded on January 31, 2022

Join Betsy and the Family Support Center as they discus the differences between healthcare proxy and guardianship, which is preferred under certain circumstances, and how to go about establishing either designation.

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Transition Training with Rebecca Davis, April 25, 2022

In this training, Rebecca Davis, Transition Projects Director at the Federation for Children With Special Needs, provides up with high-level information on the Transition process and how to best prepare.

We value your feedback! Let us know if you found this video informative by taking a quick survey, here.

We value your feedback! Let us know if you found this video informative by taking a quick survey, here.

We value your feedback! Let us know if you found this video informative by taking a quick survey, here.

Charting the Life Course framework was created to help individuals with disabilities, families of all abilities, and all ages, to develop a vision for a good life. The framework helps to guide individuals in thinking about what they need to know and do, identify how to find, or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the life they want to live.
Join us as Maryann Welch, Northeast Regional coordinator of Mass Families explains how to use Charting the Life Course to help the transition process go smoothly. Maryann Welch is a mom of three children, one with autism and complex needs, a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador, and MassFamilies Northeast Regional Coordinator. She has a master’s degree in education, has taught inclusion as well as sub-separate special education, is the former Amesbury SEPAC co-chair and a member of the Amesbury School Committee. She supports appropriate special education programming, votes for inclusive policies, and empower families to envision enviable life’s for their loved ones with disabilities.

We value your feedback! Let us know if you found this video informative by taking a quick survey, here.

Housing Training with Marcia Brennan

This video was recorded on July 5, 2022.

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Healthcare For All and My Ombudsman Training

Healthcare for All will be providing tools to navigate the Massachusetts health care system and to advocate for health care rights and health equity in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. My Ombudsman will be discussing their services and help with advocacy for healthcare justice and medical service for folks with disabilities.

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AANE and Seven Hills present "In My Own Words: A Self-Advocate Presentation" Presented Live: September 26, 2022

A presentation given by an autistic young adult detailing their lived experience with the goal of encouraging inclusivity and acceptance. This talk will highlight the perspective and lived experiences of an autistic individual. Our speaker will answer attendee questions and share their insights and recommendations for other young adults, family members of young adults and professionals working with autistic individuals. Click on the image below to access the presentation. 

Financial Planning Training with Alexandria Dunn, CFP®, CTFA

Alexandria Dunn, CFP®, CTFA, is a wealth advisor at Affinia Financial Group, and an active participant in several organizations and fundraisers designed to benefit individuals with disabilities. She is the former President and current Vice President of the Massachusetts Guardianship Association (MGA) and is on the board of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) local Citizens Advisory Board as well as the area liaison to the Massachusetts Statewide Advisory Council. In addition, she was selected to be a part of the DDS initiative in Creating a CommonWealth. Special Needs Financial Planning is planning for two generations. Many children with a disability must be supported their entire lives, even long after their parents have died. Their approach reaches beyond the limited boundaries of Wills and Trusts to provide you with a road map to address your own family’s Special Needs.

We value your feedback! Let us know if you found this video informative by taking a quick survey, here.

IEP Training with Rob Terreden

Rob Terreden is an educational advocate who has experience as a school administrator, so he understands both sides of the bargaining table.

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Supported Decision Making with Fred Misilo 

Frederick M. Misilo is the Chair of Fletcher Tilton's Trust and Estate Department and is a member of the firm's Management Committee. He will be discussing the legal logistics of guardianship and supported decision-making and its practicality.