Parent Learning Series

An educational event series for parents and guardians of

children and adults with disabilities. Gain practical tools,

helpful strategies, and support to help your loved ones thrive.

 

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Keynote: Medicaid Changes & How They Impact People with Disabilities

Presenter: Elen Traverna, Director of Federal & State Medicaid Policy, The Arc of the US (Zoom)

Medicaid changes can raise important questions about eligibility, benefits, and continued access to essential services.

Join Elen Traverna, Director of Federal & State Medicaid Policy at The Arc of the United States, for Medicaid

Changes & How They Impact People with Disabilities to learn about new work and community engagement requirements, who may be affected, and potential exemptions for people with disabilities and family caregivers. This session will also cover renewal changes, documentation, and practical steps families can take to stay informed, respond to notices, and help prevent coverage interruptions—equipping you to ask the right questions and advocate for your loved one.

Break for dinner (provided) and BREAKOUTS

6:00 – 6:55 p.m.

Navigating Benefits – What Are They Entitled To?

Presenter: Jeanine Geraci of Protected Tomorrows

Join Jeanine Geraci of Protected Tomorrows to explore benefits that may be available to your loved one with a

disability and how to navigate the process of accessing support. Gain a clearer understanding of available

resources so you can ask informed questions and plan confidently for your family’s future.

Bridges to Access

Presenter: Juan Aponte, Director of Services, Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU)

Understanding disability benefits and services can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them

alone. Join Juan Aponte, Director of Services at Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU), for Bridges to

Access, a session offered in Spanish and English to help individuals with disabilities and their families better

understand Medicaid, LINK cards, SSI/SSDI, and other essential supports. Learn about accessing resources,

applying for benefits, and connecting with services that support your family’s needs.

Missing Milestones?

Presenter: Ali Tarchinski, MSW, The Arc of the Quad Cities Area

Wondering what to do when your child isn’t reaching expected developmental milestones? Join Ali Tarchinski,

MSW, Director of Behavioral Health at The Arc of the Quad Cities Area, to explore developmental concerns,

learn when to seek additional support, and discover ways to encourage your child’s progress with

understanding and confidence.

 

7:00 – 7:55 p.m.

Positive Behavior Interventions

Presenter: Christabel Dinwiddie, M.S., BCBA, LBA (IL, MN, MO, MD), Founder & CEO of Alternative Behavior

Services

Join Christabel Dinwiddie, Founder & CEO of Alternative Behavior Services, to discover practical,

compassionate strategies for managing meltdowns, building predictable routines, and supporting emotional

regulation. Gain tools to better understand your loved one’s needs, respond with confidence, and create a

calmer, more supportive daily environment.

 

The Importance of Wills and Beneficiary Designation

Presenter: Timothy Gulbranson, Lane & Waterman, Attorney at Law

Join attorney Timothy Gulbranson of Lane & Waterman to learn why wills and beneficiary designations

matter when planning for a loved one with a disability, and how leaving assets directly to them could

negatively affect eligibility for essential public benefits and services. Discover key planning considerations to

help protect their financial future and preserve access to the support they rely on.