Safeguarding Supports: Navigating Benefits in Uncertain
February 20, 2026 @ 11:00am - 4:00pm
Trainings/Information Sessions, Transition
About
The event is designed to discuss how changing federal policies and budget cuts may impact benefits and services for Autistic adults and their families. Learn from experts and advocates about what these changes mean, how to protect essential supports, and ways the community can work together to stay informed, resilient, and ready for what’s ahead. The cost of the virtual conference is $45 for AANE members and $60 for non-members.
This is a virtual program hosted by the Association for Autism and Neurodivergence.
Below is information on the sessions, more information can be found on the event and presenters at https://tinyurl.com/AANESpring26.
Opening Moments (11:00 PM – 11:05 PM ET)
Autism in the Crossfire: How Politics Shapes Perception and Policy (11:05 AM – 11:55 AM ET)
Award-winning journalist Eric Garcia explores how today’s political landscape shapes public perception and policy around autism. From campaign rhetoric to legislative rollbacks, he reveals how these narratives impact Autistic people’s dignity, safety, and inclusion, while examining what’s at stake when politics, media, and misunderstanding collide.
Award-winning journalist Eric Garcia explores how today’s political landscape shapes public perception and policy around autism. From campaign rhetoric to legislative rollbacks, he reveals how these narratives impact Autistic people’s dignity, safety, and inclusion, while examining what’s at stake when politics, media, and misunderstanding collide.
Federal & State Updates + Current Advocacy Priorities: Demystifying the Moment (12:00 PM – 12:45 PM ET)
Join Nora Bent (Government Affairs, Arc of Massachusetts) to hear an overview of federal and state policy updates affecting individuals with disabilities and their families. This session will highlight current policy developments, state and federal budget implications, and legislative actions shaping access to services and supports. Participants will also gain practical and effective tools to engage in advocacy and make their voices heard at the state and national levels.
Join Nora Bent (Government Affairs, Arc of Massachusetts) to hear an overview of federal and state policy updates affecting individuals with disabilities and their families. This session will highlight current policy developments, state and federal budget implications, and legislative actions shaping access to services and supports. Participants will also gain practical and effective tools to engage in advocacy and make their voices heard at the state and national levels.
Advocacy in Action: Making Policy Accessible and Personal (12:45 PM – 1:30 PM ET)
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) shares practical, accessible ways our community can understand and influence policy. This session will translate current state and federal policy issues into plain language, highlight inclusive advocacy priorities, and guide participants through ASAN’s letter-writing and engagement tools designed to make political participation approachable for everyone. Attendees will leave empowered to take meaningful action in their own communities and contribute to systemic change.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) shares practical, accessible ways our community can understand and influence policy. This session will translate current state and federal policy issues into plain language, highlight inclusive advocacy priorities, and guide participants through ASAN’s letter-writing and engagement tools designed to make political participation approachable for everyone. Attendees will leave empowered to take meaningful action in their own communities and contribute to systemic change.
Intro to Gov’t Benefits & Special Needs Trusts (2:05 PM – 2:55 PM ET)
Presented by Abigail Pool of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN), this presentation gives attendees an opportunity to learn about special needs trusts, and how those resources can help in planning for the future. Specifically, attendees will understand how funds in a special needs trust are administered with individual benefits in mind to avoid negatively affecting their eligibility for means-tested benefits while supporting quality of life. The presentation will review state-specific benefits for residents of MA and RI, but attendees from any US state are welcome to join.
Presented by Abigail Pool of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN), this presentation gives attendees an opportunity to learn about special needs trusts, and how those resources can help in planning for the future. Specifically, attendees will understand how funds in a special needs trust are administered with individual benefits in mind to avoid negatively affecting their eligibility for means-tested benefits while supporting quality of life. The presentation will review state-specific benefits for residents of MA and RI, but attendees from any US state are welcome to join.
Navigating Cuts to SSI/SSDI (3:00 PM – 3:25 PM ET)
Lee Rachel Jurman will outline how recent federal cuts impact SSI and SSDI, highlight common obstacles beneficiaries may face, and provide practical guidance on navigating the system to maintain access to critical supports and benefits during times of policy change.
Adult Insurance Transition Guide (3:30 PM – 3:55 PM ET)
Transition to adulthood is fraught with uncertainty as school-based systems end. Parents, caregivers, and Autistic self-advocates are often faced with confusing and conflicting information, insurance changes can be difficult to understand, and systems are not set up to coordinate care with coverage. Any Weinstock will talk about how The Adult Insurance Transition Guide explains key eligibility changes, deadlines, and options for transitioning into adulthood.
Transition to adulthood is fraught with uncertainty as school-based systems end. Parents, caregivers, and Autistic self-advocates are often faced with confusing and conflicting information, insurance changes can be difficult to understand, and systems are not set up to coordinate care with coverage. Any Weinstock will talk about how The Adult Insurance Transition Guide explains key eligibility changes, deadlines, and options for transitioning into adulthood.
Closing Remarks (3:55 PM-4:00 PM ET)
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