Past Seminars
Aaron’s Acres is committed to hosting informational seminars for families with individuals of varying ability levels. Information and summaries from past seminars hosted by Aaron’s Acres are below.
May 27, 2025 – “Special Needs Planning Timeline” — a virtual seminar presented by Kimberley Kuczawa and Jason Velencia from DVB Financial.
This presentation outlined the key stages of special needs planning and highlighted the critical decisions families and individuals with disabilities face along the way. Drawing from real-world experience, DVB also addressed common challenges and concerns encountered in their work with families, and provided practical insights and guidance to help navigate each phase with confidence.
March 31, 2025 – “How to Become a Home Health Aide for Your Child” — a virtual seminar with Laura Piontkowski from Abby Care.
Laura Piontkowski is the Central PA Outreach Coordinator for Abby Care. Abby Care helps families of children with disabilities to train and certify as a home health aide in order for families to get paid to provide the quality at-home care for their child. In this presentation, attendees learned about the process of becoming a home health aide in addition to the requirements of the program.
November 20, 2024 – “Understanding the IEP Process” — a virtual seminar with Dr. Ellen Long and hosted by Aaron’s Acres.
This seminar’s goal was to better understand the IEP process and comprehend your role as your child’s advocate. Having basic knowledge of this process and knowing what you are able to request for your child can be good first steps as you navigate your child’s educational journey.
September 25, 2024 – “PA ABLE Basics and Practical Use in Disability Planning” — a virtual seminar hosted by Empowered Financial Strategies and moderated by Risa Paskoff, Executive Director, Aaron’s Acres.
Topics covered in this seminar regarding PA ABLE account basics were eligibility, how to get started and account set-up, allowable contributions with and without earned income, practical uses for everyday expenses, and using ABLE accounts strategically in special needs planning.
July 24, 2024 – “Disability Planning Panel: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know”— a virtual seminar hosted by Empowered Financial Strategies and moderated by Risa Paskoff, Executive Director, Aaron’s Acres.
Topics covered in this seminar were legal planning, financial planning, three person retirement, special needs trust funding strategies, creating a quality life plan, care management considerations, ABLE accounts, and maximizing and protecting government benefits.
May 28, 2024 – “Creating Connections For You And Your Child” — a virtual seminar with Meg Kutz from 3.21 For Life PA.
This seminar focused on how parents and caregivers can help to create connections for their child or children with disabilities, and themselves.
April 2, 2024 – “The Intellectual Disability/Autism Waivers: An Overview Of Eligibility And Services“ — a virtual seminar with Jill Martin from Lancaster County BHDS
This seminar focused on the three Waivers that are managed by Lancaster County BHDS, as well as what Waiver funding is and what services are available once someone is enrolled in Waiver.
