This FREE presentation is geared towards parents of young children and teens, as well as professionals.
The Massachusetts Sibling Support Network is the only organization in Massachusetts that focuses exclusively on the needs of siblings of individuals with disabilities. They provide information on sibling issues across the sibling’s lifespan, referrals to sibling services, resources for siblings, and social connections.
Light refreshments will be served during the presentation.
FOCUS OF PRESENTATION:
The experience of growing up with a brother or sister with disabilities is addressed.
Strategies and tips to support siblings are included.
Current trends in sibling re- search and the growing sibling movement are reviewed.
DETAILS:
The Arc Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod Conference Room
52 Armstrong Road Plymouth, MA 02360
6:30pm-8:00pm
March 10, 2020
Free of charge to attend.
MEET THE SPEAKERS:
Hillary Dunn Stanisz: Hillary has an older brother with Angelman Syndrome and as a result of this ex- perience, she has devoted her career to assisting individuals with disabilities and their families. Hillary is a Staff Attorney at the Disability Law Center where she represents individuals with disabilities in matters involv- ing special education, housing and employment discrimination, abuse and neglect, and securing appropriate community supports and services from adult human service agencies. She has been involved in legislative and regulatory advocacy regarding disability issues and has trained individuals disabilities, families and profession- als in various areas of disability law. Hillary previously worked in the Special Needs and Elder Law Practice Group at Fletcher Tilton PC and has focused her practice in the areas of special education, advocacy with adult human service agencies and guardianship. Hillary earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law and a B.A. from Tufts University where she also Played Basketball.
Kathleen Amaral: Kathleen is a 2008 graduate of the Southeast Family Leadership Series. Her passion for advocacy and supporting families began in 2005 when her son received a rare diagnosis of Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation. Navigating life for him and his complex needs ignited her passion for assisting families who find themselves on a similar journey. She instinctively held a vision for her son to live a life as natural and typi- cal as his sisters. It was her experience in the Family Leadership Series that added a level of credibility to her vision. In addition to her role as Southeast Regional Coordinator, she works to support families eligible for DDS in the greater New Bedford area. Kathleen remains current on disability initiatives by attending, trainings, conferences, workshops and professional development courses on a large variety of topics offered within. When she’s not working, or spending time with her family , watching sports or other recreational activities; she enjoys serving her community and being part of effecting positive change locally. For several years Kathleen has been a Dartmouth town meeting member and held a seat on her local Disability Commission. She’s volunteered her time in school council boards, chaired the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). She currently holds a seat on the Dartmouth School Committee. Statewide, she was appointed as a citizen member of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) in 2015 where she was able to contribute to ad- dressing the most important issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities. Kathleen is commit- ted to continuing the effort in the Southeast Region to provide sustained advocacy and leadership training in pursuit of high quality, individualized community support and service options, including family support, for individuals with disabilities and their families.
FOR MORE INFO:
Brandon Gangell
Community Supports Coordinator
508-732-9292 ext. 133
BrandonG@PlymouthCapeArc.org