About our speakers:
Mary McDirmid, Special Needs Financial Planner, Special Abilities Network
When Mary isn’t helping families navigate the world of special needs financial planning, she is a wife to Jay and a mom to Charlie and Ruth. In addition to her leadership role at Special Abilities Network, she is a volunteer advocate for kids with rare diseases. She takes the title “Mom Boss’ seriously; just ask her! Mary understands the emotional and financial aspects of caring for a loved one with special needs because she is the parent of a child with a rare disease. Let her guide you toward making educated financial decisions for your unique family situation.
Eric Ochmanek, Program Director – ABLE Today, National Association of State Treasurers (NAST)
Eric Ochmanek leads NAST’s ABLE today national initiative to advance financial empowerment for people with disabilities by increasing the awareness of ABLE accounts. ABLE today, a collaborative outreach and awareness effort highlighting the impactful benefits of ABLE accounts for all ABLE Programs, fosters the opportunity for people with disabilities to save and invest in their future. This includes providing ABLE education directly to the disability community, establishing partnerships with stakeholders, and engaging employers on the benefits ABLE provides as a tool for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Eric helped launch Ohio’s ABLE Program in June 2016 and led its national outreach efforts. He traveled to each of the state’s 88 counties and throughout the country to connect people with disabilities with ABLE accounts and built partnerships within the disability community and the financial, legal, and support service industries.
Sara Hart Weir, Senior Advisor & Former President + CEO of the National Down syndrome Society
Sara Hart Weir is a national ABLE expert, nonprofit executive, and disability activist. Weir is the former President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), where during her tenure at NDSS, she led the passage of the landmark, bipartisan Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014 (P.L.113-295). Weir also supported a majority of the enactment of ABLE state laws, assisted with over 40 state ABLE plan launches, and led efforts to expand ABLE to include the ABLE to Work Act and the ABLE Financial Planning Act. Weir is also a national leader in driving public-private partnerships to ensure people with disabilities have a fair shot at the American Dream. Weir drives solutions that give individuals with disabilities access to a better life – from growing workforce development and career opportunities, increasing access to quality, affordable housing, improving healthcare delivery systems, and expanding inclusive education. Weir has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Leadership from Westminster College and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College.
About Power Hour
We understand that being a parent of a child who is anywhere on the epilepsy surgery journey can be challenging and overwhelming at times. That’s why we’ve created our Power Hour workshops – to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to empower yourself and your child.
These workshops are designed to be non-intimidating and easy to understand. We use real-life examples to make sure you can easily follow along and apply what you learn.
During the workshops, we’ll cover a variety of topics, including:
- Understanding your child’s needs and the impact it may have on their development;
- Navigating the educational system and finding the right resources for your child;
- Building a support system for yourself and your family;
- Self-care and stress management for parents of children with disabilities
…. and more!
We believe that by empowering yourself and your child, you’ll be able to better advocate for their needs and create a more positive and fulfilling life for both of you.
Power Hour workshops are held online and can be attended from the comfort of your own home. They are open to all parents and primary caregivers of children anywhere on the epilepsy surgery journey. We hope you’ll join us for these valuable and informative workshops. Sign up today and take the first step towards empowerment!
Please note you must REGISTER IN ADVANCE here.
