Our Purpose

Empowered Education is a free virtual learning series designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/A), caregivers, and professionals better understand available supports, services, and resources.

Hosted by The Arc Alliance’s Supports Coordination Organization, each session is led by experienced professionals who share practical guidance on navigating the IDD/A system and accessing services that help individuals thrive.

Designed for teens & adults with IDD/A, their families and caregivers, and professionals who support them.

Upcoming Session

Planning for the Future: Understanding Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts

Thursday, November 12 | 7:00 PM | Virtual

Planning for the future can look different for every family, but understanding your financial planning options can help create greater security and peace of mind.

Join The Arc Alliance for an Empowered Education session focused on Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts. Learn how these tools can help individuals with disabilities protect access to important benefits while planning for long-term financial needs and goals.

During this session, Randy Hope Steen, Esq. will explain:

  • • What Special Needs Trusts are and how they work
  • • What ABLE Accounts are and who can use them
  • • How these tools can support financial planning
  • • Why a family may consider using both
  • • Important considerations when planning for the future

Come prepared to learn, ask questions, and take a step toward building a more secure financial future.

Meet the Presenter

Randy Hope Steen, Esq.

Randy Hope Steen, Esq. has nearly three decades of experience in Trust, Estate, Special Needs, Business, and Tax Law. With extensive experience in special needs and estate planning, she helps families navigate complex financial and legal decisions while planning for the future of their loved ones with disabilities.

As a frequent lecturer in the special needs community, Randy is passionate about helping parents and caregivers understand their options and create thoughtful plans that support long-term quality of life. Her professional experience, combined with her personal perspective as the parent of a daughter with rare special needs, allows her to bring both expertise and compassion to this important conversation.

More Empowered Education Coming Soon!

Each session explores a different topic to help individuals with IDD/A, families, caregivers, and professionals better understand the services, benefits, and resources available throughout adulthood.

Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Understanding Benefits & Eligibility Rules

Wednesday, January 20, 2027 | 7:00 PM

Advocacy 101