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• Community Networking: Georgia's Disability Landscape - October 15

  • When
    Thursday, October 15, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:15 AM
  • Location
    Nadler Biernath Elder Law and Special Needs 1455 Lincoln Pkwy. Atlanta, GA 30346
  • Spaces left
    23

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  From the Capitol to the Community: Georgia's Disability Landscape
  

  We're excited to welcome Anna Maki from Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) for an inspiring look at the State of the State of Georgia — celebrating the progress we've made for the disability community and looking ahead at what's possible next.

  Georgia's disability advocates showed up big this year — pushing for stronger Medicaid waiver funding, more resources for services, and continued investment in the programs that help Georgians with disabilities live, work, and thrive in their communities. Anna will share those wins and the momentum building across the state.

  She'll also speak about where our community still work has to do — including the ongoing push to expand access to NOW/COMP waiver services, strengthen support for direct service providers, and keep disability services fully funded as the state's budget priorities shift. Particular focus will be paid on new auditing requirements for waiver recipients who self-direct, as well as changes in Social Security processes including continuing disability reviews.  These are real opportunities for advancement, and Anna will share how advocates are turning them into action heading into the next legislative session.

  Whether you're a self-advocate, a family member, a provider of services, or simply someone who believes in a more inclusive Georgia, come be part of the conversation.

  Anna will open the floor for discussion and there will be time for networking after.

  Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026

  Time: 8:30 am – 10:15 am

  Location: Nadler Biernath Special Needs and Elder Law

  1455 Lincoln Pkwy

  Atlanta, GA 30346

  Free: Light Breakfast and Coffee will be available.

  Venue Sponsor Nadler Biernath Special Needs and Elder Law 

  
  

  
  

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• Parent Planning with Purpose Workshop: October 15, 2026

  • When
    Thursday, October 15, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    13660 New Providence Road Alpharetta, GA 30004
  • Spaces left
    2

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  The GANCC  presents

  Parent Planning with Purpose

  A Hands-On Workshop for Parents of Adults with Disabilities

  
  

  October 15, 2026

  
  

  6:00pm - 8:30pm 

  
  

  Mill Springs Academy

  13660 New Providence Road
  

  Alpharetta, Georgia

  
  

  Everyone Is Welcome

  ________________

  At the end of the day, parents are the ones who must understand the highly specialized, complex long-term plan for their individual child, connect the pieces, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. That means coordinating a already highly complex legal, financial, and government support planning. When parents don't understand the intricacies of each area, the long term risk can be be devastating. 

  The GANCC Parent Planning with Purpose Workshops is built to help navigate. 

  We're bringing together a special needs attorney and a financial advisor who specializes in disability planning into one room, at one table, for parents - to teach everyone how the legal and financial sides of a disabled adult's plan works together ... and how to manage it going forward.

  Right now, most parents are flying blind.

  Parents may be starting or already have a special need trust — but do you understand how to fund it? You may be applying for or already have government benefits in place — but do you know what triggers a loss of SSI or Medicaid? You may be creating a will and an estate plan — but does your extended family know how to leave money to your child without destroying the benefits they depend on?

  For example, Grandma passes away and leaves your child an inheritance directly - with nothing but love behind it. The money hits your child's bank account. Suddenly they're over the resource limit. SSI - gone. Medicaid - suspended. Support, medication, daily care - all at risk. Not because of bad intentions, but because the family didn't understand the highly complex rules. 

  This is preventable ... and we are here to help you understand how it all works.

  What parents walk away with.

  The knowledge to understand how your child's legal and financial plan works as one integrated system. A roadmap connecting the legal documents to a real funding strategy. The ability to ask the right questions, catch the gaps, and guide your family. The confidence to lead your child's planning team.

  This workshop puts you in the driver's seat.

  Our GANCC Parent Planning Workshop is here to teach you how the pieces fit together — trusts, government benefits, ABLE accounts, estate plans, inheritances, long-term funding — so that you can manage your child's plan with confidence. So you know what to ask your attorney. So you know what to tell your financial advisor. So you can sit down with your parents, your siblings, your family, and explain exactly how they can help without accidentally causing harm.

  ________________

  The Presenters

  DJ Jeyaram, JD

  
  

  Mr. Jeyaram is with Jeyaram and Associates

  
  

  Amanda Coccia, ChFC, ChSNC

  
  

  Ms. Coccia is with Edward Jones

  ________________
  

  The Evening Agenda

  6:00 - 6:20— Arrive, connect, enjoy a light dinner, snacks and beverages

  6:20 – 6:30 — Opening remarks, Introductions 

  6:30– 6:55 — DJ Jeyaram, JD: Special Needs Attorney — Trusts, guardianship, inheritance protection

  7:00 – 7:25 — Amanda Coccia, ChFC, ChSNC, Chartered Special Needs Consultant and Financial Advisor — Funding strategies, long-term planning

  7:30 – 8:00 — Small group sessions with one professional

  8:00 – 8:30 — Groups rotate to second professional

  8:30 — Closing remarks and end of event 

  ________________
  

  Finding Answers to Questions: What we hear from parents

  "I have a special needs trust but I don't really understand how it works or how to fund it."

  "My mother left money directly to my son. He lost his benefits for months."

  "My attorney and financial advisor do not understand the complexities of special needs funding along with government barriers - and I don't know enough to bridge the gap."

  "I don't know what questions I should be asking."

  "My brother wants to leave something for my disabled daughter, and I have no idea how to guide him."

  "I've been to the big seminars. I leave with information overload and no idea how it applies to my specific child and family’s situation." 

  This workshop is for you.

  You're a parent or caregiver of an adult (or soon-to-be adult) with a disability. You have some pieces in place but don't fully understand how they connect. You want to learn how to manage and oversee your child's plan — not just delegate it. You want real answers to your specific questions in a room small enough to ask them.

  And we're doing it the only way that works – keeping it small.

  We cap this at 20 parents, broken into small groups of 10, working shoulder-to-shoulder with both professionals. Parents ask your questions. Parents hear other parents ask theirs. Everyone will begin to truly understand the legal and financial interconnectivity with more clarity and will leave understanding their own child's plan.

  ________________
  

  The Details of Event

  Date: Thursday, Ocotber 15, 2026

  Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

  Location: Mill Springs Academy, 13660 New Providence Road, Alpharetta GA 30004

  Dinner: A Light Dinner is provided along with snacks and beverages.

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• NeuroCONNECT - Bowling Night with Food and Drinks! - October 18

  • When
    Sunday, October 18, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Bowlero, 785 Old Roswell Rd, Roswell, GA 30076
  • Spaces left
    16

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  • Why Join?
    Come experience a safe space, meet new friends, and enjoy bowling! A great way for potential members to experience the GANCC community!
    RSVP required and payment is due on sign up — space is limited.
    
    Don't miss out!
    
    INCLUDED IN PRICE: 
    Shoes, Bowling .... and UNLIMITED Pizza, Fries, and Soda. So come hungry! 
    
    GANCC Members: $35
    General Public: $45 

    LOCATION: Bowlero, 785 Old Roswell Rd, Roswell, GA 30076

    DATE: Sunday, October 18, 2026

    TIME: 5:00 - 6:30pm 
    
    

    RSVP + PAYMENT : RSVP and payment is required immediately as space is limited.

    If you are not able to attend, please let us know as we will have a wait list. We want to afford the opportunity to everyone who is able to attend. We are sorry, there are no refunds. 

    Email: jacey@gancc.org

    Text: 404-998-2897
    
    

    Important Note: GANCC events are unsupervised and designed for independent participation. If an attendee needs support for safety or accessibility, a qualified professional support person is welcome to attend with no registration fee. 

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• Community Networking: Tommy Nobis Center "From Potential to Paycheck"

  • When
    Tuesday, November 03, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    240 Interstate N. Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Spaces left
    46

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  Tommy Nobis Center Presents The Academy Program

  
  

  
  

  
  

  From Potential to Paycheck

  Closing Georgia's Disability Employment Gap

  
  

  November 3, 2026 

  8:30 am - 10:30 am

  Tommy Nobis Center

  240 Interstate N Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339

  
  

  One in four adults in the U.S. lives with a disability, yet they face an unemployment rate nearly double that of the general population. Closing that gap is exactly what Tommy Nobis Center exists to do.

  Join us to hear from Karen Dernavich, VP of Programs at Tommy Nobis Center, on how TNC is empowering people through employment across Georgia and beyond. For 50 years, TNC has helped individuals with disabilities move from potential to paycheck through a full continuum of support: guiding high schoolers through their first steps toward career readiness, building real-world skills through hands-on vocational training, and delivering job placement with job coaching for adults entering the workforce.

  Employment isn't a one-way street. Karen will also share how TNC partners with employers, civic groups, and organizations across the state to turn inclusion into real business solutions, helping companies tap into a skilled, reliable, and often overlooked talent pool while building stronger, more resilient local economies. 

  This gathering will be hosted at Tommy Nobis Center, so attendees will get a firsthand tour of the campus and see this work in action! 

  If your life, community, or work touches the disability community in any way, you won't want to miss this conversation. 

  A light breakfast and coffee will be provided by Rise Coffee + Tea

  
  

  REGISTER TODAY! 

  Date: November 3, 2026 

  Time: 8:30am - 10:30am

  Address: Tommy Nobis Center, 240 Interstate N Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339

  Agenda 

  8:30am - Doors open, attendees start to arrive. Light breakfast and coffee provided.

  
  

  8:30am-9:00am - Networking Time.

   

  9:00am - Opening remarks + Speaker begins

   

  9:25am - Speaker Ends and opens up for Q&A. 

   

  9:30am - Q+A ends 

   

  9:30am-9:45am - Networking

   

  9:45am-10:30am – Attendees can Tour Tommy Nobis Center or continue networking

  About: Karen Dernavich 

  
  

  About: The Academy Program

  
  

  Program Model

  The Academy offers a yearlong program of accelerated vocational education and training on life skills and job readiness.

  EDUCATE: Curriculum-based vocational training.  Topics include life skills, social skills for employment, self-advocacy, vocational skills, confidence, communication, and more! Instruction takes place in the classroom and in the community.

  TRAIN: Job discovery that includes on-site and community-based instruction. Participants will be able to explore specific career pathways and learn about targeted vocational topics.

  EMPLOY: Specialized employment support to ensure success. All participants who complete the program will be guaranteed employment.

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• Community Networking: Relationship Based Practice - Lionheart Life Center - January 26, 2027

  • When
    Tuesday, January 26, 2027
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    The Lionheart School, 225 Roswell St, Alpharetta, GA 30009
  • Spaces left
    35

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  Relationship-Based Practice for School, Vocational, and Life Success

  Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2027 

  Time: 9:00am - 10:30am

  Meeting Held at: The Lionheart School, 225 Roswell St., Alpharetta, GA 30009

  
  

  What if the most powerful intervention isn't a curriculum, a job-training module, or a behavior plan, but the relationship underneath all of them? Grounded in DIR philosophy, The Lionheart School educates children from elementary through high school (ages 5 to 21) using individualized, relationship-driven approaches that build communication, learning, and self-regulation—principles that transfer seamlessly into vocational readiness. As participants graduate, Lionheart WORKS supports adults through the same relational foundation, offering meaningful employment opportunities via teamWORKS group experiences and individualized iWORKS pathways across diverse internal worksites:

  • Lionheart Gardens (organic farming and sustainable practices),
  • Lionheart Cottage (design, production, and retail of art and home décor),
  • Lionheart Radio (24/7 online broadcast and media production),
  • Lionheart Tech Site (computer repair and refurbishment),
  • Lionheart Kitchen (culinary skills)
  • Lionheart Art (creative instruction and community classes).

  Discover why relationship comes first across every stage—and what that looks like when educational practice becomes vocational success.

  Everyone is welcome!

  Morning Agenda 

  9:00 AM - Doors open, networking, and light breakfast with coffee + tea. Introductions. 

  9:30 AM - Welcome

  9:35 AM - The Lionheart School and Lionheart Life Center - Tracy Burke, BS, MBA

  9:50 AM - Presentation Ends 

  9:50 AM - 10:10 AM - Networking 

  10:10 AM - Leave for Lionheart's The Cottage Tour

  
  

  Lionheart Life Center, Executive Director

  Tracy Burke, MBA

  About Tracy

  Tracy joined the Lionheart team in 2018, but her relationship with the organization goes back to 2013,  first as a Lionheart parent, then as a deeply involved volunteer, a Lionheart WORKS job coach, and later as Director of Operations. In 2025, she became Executive Director, bringing the full depth of that experience to lead the organization forward.

  Her background spans nuclear medicine imaging, classroom support as an assistant teacher, and operations leadership in the software industry. Tracy holds a B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology from the University of Dayton and an M.B.A. from the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, a combination that gives her both the analytical rigor and organizational range Lionheart's work demands.

  

  
  

  
  

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• Community Networking: Jacob's Ladder - Compass Program - Building Vocational + Life Skills - February 24, 2027

  • When
    Wednesday, February 24, 2027
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    407 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell, GA 30075
  • Spaces left
    30

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  NETWORKING EVENT at THE JACOB'S LADDER GROUP

  
  

  The GANCC presents our February 2027 All Community Connect Networking Event at The Jacob's Ladder Group: 

  
  

  The Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care in Action

  
  

  The Compass Program: From Skills to Vocation to Community - A Whole New Path to Adulthood

  
  

  What supports a young neurodivergent adult in building a life of genuine independence?
  

  Our visit to Jacob's Ladder Group will introduce attendees to their framework at the center of everything they do: the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™). They will walk through how the IWBMC™ shapes evaluation, individualized goal-setting, and intervention across their full continuum of care; from early childhood through adulthood.

  With that foundation in place, their Compass Program begins fostering independence through their experiential learning program for teens and young adults ages 16+ who are transitioning into adulthood. Compass helps clients build personal living skills, vocational training, community engagement, and educational planning through its focus areas — including job coaching, community-based enrichment, and overnight independence skill development — all guided by the IWBMC™'s Independence Navigator.

  We'll also briefly spotlight the broader ecosystem that supports this work:

  Jacob's Ladder School — a SAIS-Cognia accredited program serving clients pre-K through 12th grade, applying the IWBMC™ in daily educational practice.

  Pillar Research Institute — their research arm, building the evidence base behind their clinical and educational approach.

  Ascend Training Institute — how they train and certify clinicians, educators, and evaluators to deliver the IWBMC™ with fidelity.

  AHAVA Software — their digital platform extending the IWBMC™ methodology to providers and families worldwide.

  Attendees will leave with a clear picture of how their model, Compass program, research, training, and technology work together to support neurodivergent individuals and families, specifically those moving into adulthood.

  Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2027

  Time: 8:30am - 10:30am

  Location: Jacob's Ladder Group, 407 Hardscrabble Rd, Roswell, GA 30075

  About Speaker: Megan Finnegan, BA, LBS-I, IWBMC-CE

  Director of Outreach

  
  

  As Director of Outreach for The Jacob's Ladder Group and a Certified Evaluator in the Jacob's Ladder Interpersonal Whole Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™), Megan leads professional training, strategic partnerships, and policy engagement while helping expand awareness of the organization's innovative clinical model. She regularly presents Jacob's Ladder's research, clinical outcomes, and whole-person approach to educators, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and national conference audiences, translating research into practical strategies that improve outcomes for individuals and families.

  She is also a member of the GANCC Policy Committee. 

  More about The Jacob's Ladder Group

  Compass School, click below.

  
  

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