Low Down on Law is a program that Catherine conceived, designed, and implemented as a service to families of those with special needs. The program seeks to educate families about the law and help them navigate the legal system so they can advocate on behalf of their families. The Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida and the Davey Law Group, P.A. co-present Low Down on Law events twice a year.
During the past Low Down on Law events, the focus has been on providing information for families who have members with special needs and are discerning guardianship, guardian advocacy, supported decision-making, and substituted decision-making for their child either now or shortly. By attending this session, families can save money on legal fees when they have the information they need to make the best decision for their family members. The program has also educated families about ABLE, Social Security Benefits, Transition Planning, and Medicaid Estate Recovery.
Nearly 100 family members attended each past event, learning about the law and the requirements for those with special needs. One attendee said, “Thank you for this informative time. I learned so much, things I did not even know.” The agendas for the events are full of needed information, including presentations from local judges. During the lunches, local attorneys volunteer their time to conduct roundtable discussions on topics such as estate planning, special needs trusts, social security benefits, and probate.
The event is open to any family member caring for someone with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
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Save the Date
Low Down on Law Spring 2024, Date TBD
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Past Low Down on Law Content
Note: Information current as of the original presentation date
November 4, 2023
- Guardianship and the Alternatives
- SSI Disability Basics
- ABLE United Update
- Complete Low Down Packet with checklist and forms
- Wings Decision-Making Toolkit
- Attorneys who have volunteered with Low Down
Information current as of November 4, 2023
March 25, 2023
- Guardianship and the Alternatives
- How ABLE and Special Needs Trusts Can Work Together
- Complete Low Down Packet with checklist and forms
- Wings Decision-Making Toolkit
- Attorneys who have volunteered with Low Down
Information current as of March 25, 2023
November 12, 2022
- Guardianship and the Alternatives
- Restoration of Rights
- ABLE Account Overview
- Complete Low Down Packet with checklist and forms
- Wings Decision-Making Toolkit
- Attorneys who have volunteered with Low Down
Information current as of November 12, 2022
May 14, 2022
- Guardianship and the Alternatives
- “Why a Special Needs Trust may be needed in my Estate Plan”
- Complete Low Down Packet with checklist and forms
- Wings Decision-Making Toolkit
- Attorneys who have volunteered with Low Down
- Webinar Recording
Information current as of May 14, 2023
November 13, 2021
- Guardianship and the Alternatives
- APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) How to Navigate the Medicaid Waitlist
- An Explanation of Rights Retained in Guardian Advocacy
- ABLE United Overview
- Complete Low Down Packet with checklist and forms
- Wings Decision-Making Toolkit
- Attorneys who have volunteered with Low Down
Information current as of November 13, 2021
April 10, 2021 Webinar
- Guardianship and the Alternatives
- Complete Low Down Packet with checklist and forms
- Wings Decision-Making Toolkit
- Guardian Advocate Legal Costs
- Attorneys who have volunteered with Low Down
Information current as of April 10, 2021
October 3, 2020 Webinar
- APD 101: The Medicaid Home and Community Based Services 1915c Waiver;
Eligibility, Enrollment, and CRISIS Waiver Enrollment Criteria - ABLE United Overview
Information current as of October 3, 2020
September 28, 2019
- Guardianship/Guardian Advocacy/Supported Decision Making
- What will my Adult-Child Do After High School?
- Special Needs Trusts
- ABLE United Overview
- Handout
Information current as of September 28, 2019
April 13, 2019
- Guardianship vs. Guardian Advocacy Presentation
- Parents in Transition: Flattening the Learning Curve- PowerPoint Version
- Parents in Transition: Flattening the Learning Curve-Webinar Version
- ABLE Update Presentation
- Attorneys who have volunteered at Low Down on Law events
Information current as of April 13, 2019
Low Down on Law
October 6, 2018
- Guardianship vs. Guardian Advocacy Presentation
- Common Challenges With Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Social Security Benefits Overview Presentation
- How does Guardian Advocacy Effect Transition Planning?
- Secondary IEP
- ABLE Update Presentation
- Low Down Handout
Information current as of October 6, 2018