Events

Learn about the range of services and instructional supports available to help your child be successful in public school. These services and supports include the response-to-intervention (RTI) framework used in general education, 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible children with disabilities. To register, click the "Register" button below to open the Webinars page on the Torchlight website, then click on the "Register" link for this webinar. (You will need to create a free Torchlight account if you don't already have one.)

Grief impacts us emotionally, physically and socially. Learn ways to take care of yourself as you go through the grieving process.

Most people say they wish to remain in their own homes forever (aka “age in place”). But sometimes that’s simply not possible. How can you help your loved one find the right place to live? What can you do if your loved one insists they won’t move? (Sometimes people say they don't want to move but what they really mean is they want to maintain their independence.) Once you’ve sorted that out, how can you organize the move (while taking care of your family and going to work every day)? This webinar provides insights and practical advice for honoring your loved one’s wishes and meeting their care needs, as well as practical advice for organizing the move, and helping your loved one settle into a new home. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

During this webinar, we'll cover 1) an overview of person-centered planning and how it can help your child increase control over their life, develop relationships, participate in their school and community, and develop the skills needed to achieve their goals, 2) a range of tools and strategies that can help you and your child build a plan for the future, and 3) tips for assembling a team that’s committed to helping you and your child develop and implement strategies that help your child achieve their dreams. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

The concept of neurodiversity is changing the way we view Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences. Learn how neurodiversity is defined and how the movement is impacting policymaking and advocacy efforts. We’ll cover 1) what environmental changes we can make to support kids (and adults) who are neurodivergent, 2) how mindset changes can help make parenting a neurodiverse child more joy-filled, and 3) why some people support and others disagree with the neurodiversity movement. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

The Department of Justice estimates that $3 billion is stolen from seniors each year. Scammers target the elderly on the phone, on the internet, by email, and even in person. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates there are nearly 2.4 billion robocalls made each month, with many targeting older adults! Join this webinar to 1) learn why older adults are increasingly vulnerable to con artists, phishing schemes, and other insidious attempts to get their money, 2) get practical advice about how to prevent criminals and fraudsters from getting near your loved one in the first place, and 3) find out what to look for and how to respond when you suspect there’s a problem. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Join Attorney Christine Boutin for a discussion about the legal documents that you, your older family members, and your young adult children should have in place. It may be unpleasant to think about possible mishaps, accidents, injuries, and other such events. But if the unthinkable happens, you will be relieved that you took the time to prepare. The right conversations and documents will answer important questions like 1) Who will be the legal decision maker?, 2) How will you know what that person wanted for care in dire circumstances? and, 3) What happens if events occur outside your state of residence? Or outside the country? Learn how a few possibly uncomfortable conversations and a little planning can make when bad things happen to good people. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Parents often need to speak up and advocate for their children, especially kids who have extra health, behavioral, learning, and/or developmental needs. Discover how you can build your advocacy skills as you navigate school, medical, and government support systems. We’ll cover 1) which skills are needed for effective advocacy, 2) how to collaborate with decision-makers, 3) how to negotiate to overcome objections, 4) where to find help if you’re not making progress. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Family support and acceptance are critical for youth who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. As your child learns to navigate a world that is not always welcoming, you can help them on the journey toward self-acceptance, happiness, and success. Join this webinar to learn how to best support a child or younger loved one who is LGBTQIA2S+. You’ll learn 1) strategies for communicating openly and lovingly with your child, 2) ways to educate other family members and friends, 3) advocacy steps both you and your child can take and how to support your child’s self-advocacy, and 4) supports available for your child at home and in school. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Death and taxes – both are said to be unavoidable! In this webinar, while we won’t be talking about taxes, we will be focusing on options for end-of-life care. Many individuals and caregivers would benefit from a better understanding of hospice and what the Medicare hospice benefit provides for the patient and their family. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about options available when end-of-life approaches. We’ll cover 1) the difference between hospice care and palliative care (hint: palliative care is available to patients with or without hospice), 2) when hospice care may be helpful (hint: many patients request/receive hospice care much later than they would qualify and miss out on services that would benefit them), 3) how Medicare’s hospice benefit works in both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, and 4) how to find and assess potential Hospice providers in your area. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

New research, new medications, and new approaches to dementia care continue to emerge. In this webinar, the presenter will share some of the latest research and thoughts about dementia diagnosis and treatment. Sign up to keep up with trends in the field ― whether your loved one has a confirmed dementia diagnosis (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia) or not. The more you know, the better you will understand options for care. Understanding changes and new approaches for diagnosis and treatment will put you in the best position to advocate effectively for your loved one. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Today, 15% of high school students have used illegal drugs and 14% have misused prescription opioids. Learn about evidence-based prevention principles that can help parents manage the risks of teen substance use. We’ll cover 1) substance use risk factors, 2) signs that your teen might have a problem with substance use, 3) substance use prevention strategies, and 4) how to support your teen if they’re struggling with substance use. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

In most schools and families, once-classic childhood activities – such as climbing trees, rolling down hills, or even recess – have been replaced by “safer” ones, such as adult-supervised extracurriculars, accelerated academics, and screen time. But could our desire to keep our kids out of harm’s way and on the path to achievement be negatively impacting their cognitive and physical development? Sign up to hear an expert discuss the importance of outdoor play, unrestrained physical movement, and their impact on our children’s brains and nervous systems. You’ll learn 1) why too little outdoor play may be contributing to epidemic levels of sensory processing disorders, attention deficits, and anxiety, 2) what amount of outdoor play is considered optimal for healthy development and the types of activities that may be beneficial, and 3) how you can help your child re-engage with the wonder of the world outside. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides health insurance and other benefits to many different categories of Veterans. Learn more and explore whether your loved one may be eligible for help with insurance, facility-based long-term care, or in-home assistance. You'll also learn about VA caregiver benefits, such as training and support that you and other family caregivers may be able to take advantage of as you care for a loved one who served in the U.S. armed forces. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Food and diet can have an enormous impact on many aspects of your loved one's life. Are you concerned that your friend or family member is 1) getting enough to eat?, 2) getting the right mix of proteins, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals?, and 3) correctly following a special diet because of their medical needs? The presenter will discuss ways to help a loved one improve their diet, meet their nutritional needs, and enjoy their meals and snacks. They will also share ways to make mealtimes easier with special utensils and dishes that accommodate arthritic hands, vision impairments, or other conditions that can make eating or drinking more challenging. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.