Topical Conference Calls

It can be hard to get to workshops. Conference calls provide learning opportunities without having to travel. You can join the calls with a toll-free phone number that we provide. If you cannot call in, you can listen to the playback for free at the links below.

Each 1-hour call features a speaker, knowledgeable about a particular topic. The presentation is 30 - 40 minutes, with time for questions. Summaries or audio files for past calls are linked below.

The Family-to-Family Center welcomes your ideas! E-mail your idea for a speaker or topic to: massfv@fcsn.org.

Past Calls

• The New Autism Law: An Act Relative to Insurance coverage for Autism, also known as ARICA
  When: July 14, 2011
  Presenter: Amy Weinstock, Director, Autism Insurance Resource Center.
  Handouts:Frequently Asked Questions about ARICA
  ARICA Presentation
  Audio Transcript: MP3 File
  

• Social Security Disability Programs
  When: May 12, 2011
  Presenter: Kristen Alberino, Metropolitan Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration.
  Handouts:Social Security Disability Programs Resources
  Social Security Disability Programs Post-Call Questions and Answers
  Audio Transcript: MP3 File
  

• The Medical Review Team
  When: February 2, 2011
  Presenter: Denise Guilbeault, Medical Review Team Coordinator, MA DPH Medical Review Team.
  Handout:The Medical Review Team
  Audio Transcript: MP3 File
  

• The Sibling Experience
  When: January 14, 2011
  Presenters: Emily Rubin, Jennifer Weisman, and John Kramer, all of the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network and Sibling Leadership Network.
  Handout:The Sibling Experience
  Audio Transcript: MP3 File
  

• Health Information Technology (HIT) - what does it mean to Massachusetts families of children with special health care needs?
  When: December 1, 2010
  Presenter: Rick Shoup, the Director of the eHealth Institute, and state HIT Coordinator.
  Handouts:Slide Presentation
  Audio Transcript: MP3 File
  

• National health care reform - what does it mean to Massachusetts families of children with special health care needs?
  When: October 13, 2010
  Presenter: Meg Comeau, director of the Catalyst Center at the Boston University School of Public Health and parent of a young adult with a complex genetic syndrome.
  Handouts:Slide Presentation
  ACA and Chapter 58 Comparison
  National Health Reform and Massachusetts
  Audio Transcript: MP3 File
  

• Catastrophic Illness in Children's Relief Fund or CICRF
  When: May 14, 2010
  Presenters: Kathy Patisteas, Director of the CICRF, and Bonnie Thompson, Parent Advisor to the CICRF Commission, Catastrophic Illness in Children's Relief Fund
  Handouts:CICRF general info
  CICRF application
  CICRF eligible expenses
  Audio Transcript: MP3 File
  

• 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