Topical Conference Calls
We recognize that families with children and youth with special health care needs do not always have the luxury of attending conferences and workshops. In an effort to provide alternative learning and networking opportunities, the MA Family-to-Family Health Information Center hosts quarterly conference calls about topics of interest to families and our professional partners who are concerned about children and youth with special health care needs. Participants can join the call using a toll-free number and conference pass code, which is provided with each call announcement.
Each 1-hour call features a speaker, knowledgeable about a particular topic, who gives a 30 – 40 minute presentation, followed by a question and answer period. Summaries or audio files for past calls are linked below.
The Family-to-Family Center welcomes your ideas! If you have a topic you’d like to hear about, or a speaker to suggest, please e-mail: massfv@fcsn.org.
Past Calls
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission's Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP)
When: October 20, 2009
Presenter: Susan Gillam, Home Modification Loan Program
Handouts:HMLP Brochure
HMLP Application
HMLP Frequently Asked Questions
HMLP Topical Call Slide Show
Audio Transcript: MP3 File
- Assistive Technology Resource Center Services & Supports
When: April 28, 2009
Presenter: Catherine Bly, Easter Seals of Massachusetts
Handout:AT and MassMATCH handout
Audio Transcript: MP3 File
- Facilitating Friendships for Children and Teens with Special Needs
When: February 26, 2009
Presenter: Chanie Krinsky and Noach Pawliger of the Friendship Circle
Audio Transcript: MP3 File
- Supporting Siblings of Children & Youth with Special Needs
When: January 27, 2009
Presenter: Dr. Meike Watzlawik, Developmental Psychologist and visiting scholar at Clark University
Handouts:
Supporting Siblings
Audio Transcript: MP3 File
- Sports for All
When: September 12, 2008
Presenter: Jerry Cole, Director, Northeast Regional Office, BlazeSports America
Handouts:
Sports For All
Audio Transcript: MP3 File
- The Whens, Whys and How Tos of Establishing Guardianship
When: June 18, 2008
Presenters: Veronica Serrato, Staff Attorney, Volunteer Lawyers Project
Handouts:
Guardian Petition
Introduction to Guardianship
Health Care Proxy
Power of Attorney Template
Audio Transcript: MP3 File
- Building Parent-Provider Partnerships for Children Referred to Specialty Care
When: March 26, 2008
Presenters: Dr. Chris Stille and Beth Pond, a parent partner
Handout: Parents as Information Intermediaries between Intermediaries between Primary and Specialty Care: Primary and Specialty Care: Building Partnerships Building Partnerships
Audio Transcript: MP3 File
- Adolescent Substance Abuse
When: January 8, 2008
Presenters: Dr. Patricia CF Schram from the Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) at Boston Children’s Hospital
Handout: Call Outline
Transcript: Word File
Audio Transcript: MP3 File - Planning for Two Generations: Understanding the 5 Factors for Special Needs Planning
When: December 7, 2007
Presenters: Cynthia Haddad and John Nadworny, Certified Financial Planners at Bay Financial Associates and family members of individuals with special needs
Handout: Special Needs and Financial Planning: Special Needs and Financial Planning: How to Prepare for Every Stage of How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child Your Child’s Life
Audio Transcript:MP3 File - Mental Health Services for MassHealth Consumers
When: October 4, 2007
Presenters: Emily Sherwood, MassHealth Behavioral Health Services
Handout: “Rosie D.” Remedy Implementation - an update
Handout: Overview of the Case and Summary of the Trial in Rosie D. v. Romney
Audio Transcript: MP3 File - Medicaid Autism Waivers
- Back to School Readiness: – What Every parent needs to know to ensure their child’s special health care needs are met during the school day
- Implications and Implementation of Mass General Law Chapter 171 – An Act Providing Support to Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families
