Learn about how family engagement improves student outcomes, parent rights under IDEA , how to participate in their child's education planning and a brief overview of the IEP process. Provided by Shannon Efteland, East TN Regional Specialist with The Arc TN Family Engagement Project, a TN-TAN partner.

It’s never too early or too late to start helping people, at any age, to make their own decisions. And, if you believe, as TNSTEP hopes you do, that people with disabilities should have the same opportunities to make important life decisions, then this webinar will provide information and tools to help make that a reality.

Very few of us make decisions by ourselves. We turn to those people in our lives--our parents, siblings, friends, people we know that have faced similar decisions--who we trust, to help us.

Advocating for your child can be emotionally draining as you try to maintain good relationships with school staff, therapists, and others, while balancing the needs of your child. Shannon Efteland, of Arc TN will be presenting a session on how to avoid conflicts and encourage positive relationships with those that work with your child. Click on the link below to register.

Attorney Shauna Collins will present “Planning for a Lifetime: Protection, Guidance and Support for your Loved Ones with Special Needs.” This special needs planning information will assist anyone exploring how to make informed decisions about ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, conservatorships or supported decision-making, and building a Circle of Support for your child.

Shauna Collins is a special needs parent who practiced primarily in juvenile court before recognizing the need for detail-oriented special needs planning after her son with autism required a conservatorship at age 18. She returned to law school to complete an LL.M. (Master of Law) in Elder Law and Estate Planning and now combines her legal education with the strength-based approach she learned in juvenile court to help special-needs parents plan for the future and maybe even enhance their present lives.

How to effectively communicate with teachers about your child's needs to ensure your child receives a high quality education in a safe and supportive environment.