a co-ed, independent, inclusion school for grades k-12+

Family Education Events

Next Steps Speaker Series

Open to the public

The IDEAL School of Manhattan presents the third year of the Next Steps Speaker Series. These virtual webinars feature experts in fields related to services, employment, housing, benefits, and financial planning for adults with disabilities. Families with children of all ages are invited to attend. The events presented on Zoom from 5-6 PM. 

2023-24 Season

October 18, 2023, 5-6 PM: Introduction to Adult Services--Presented by Job Path
Speaker: Kevin Crooks• Presentation recording

January 11, 2024: Subject and Speaker TBD

February 29, 2024: Subject and Speaker TBD

April 11, 2024: Subject and Speaker TBD


Recordings from Season 2

October 13, 2022: Introduction to Adult Services--Presented by Job Path
Speaker: Kevin Crooks • Presentation recording 
November 3, 2022: Maximizing Benefits for People with Disabilities
Speaker: James Traylor, CLU, ChFC, ChSNC, President, Upstate Special Needs Planning • Presentation recording
January 5: Navigating OPWDD–Housing
Speaker: Cayle White Presentation Recording
February 2, 2023: A-Z of a Special Education Case
Speaker: Alison Morris • Presentation Recording
April 13, 2023: Preparing for Transition
Speaker: Arianna Merems, New Visions Transition ConsultingPresentation Recording

Recordings from Season 1

October 7, 2021: Introduction to Adult Services--Presented by Job Path
Speaker: Amanda Becker-Torres, MSW • Presentation recording
November 2, 2021: Planning 101--Maximizing Benefits and Services, Part 1
Speaker: James Traylor, CLU, ChFC, ChSNC, President, Upstate Special Needs Planning • Presentation recording
January 26, 2022: Planning 101--Maximizing Benefits and Services, Part 2
Speaker: James Traylor, CLU, ChFC, ChSNC, President, Upstate Special Needs Planning • Presentation recording
February 17, 2022: Building a More Inclusive World--Talking To Children About Disabilities
Speakers: Lauren Macchio and Stephanie Santoro, IDEAL School Counselors • Presentation recording Presentation slides
February 23, 2022: Supported Decision-Making as an Alternative to Guardianship
Speakers: Hon. Kristin Booth Glen, Supported Decision-Making New York (SDMNY) Project Director, and Joan Cornachio, SDMNY Site Coordinator • Presentation recording Presentation slides
May 10, 2022: Guardianship, Estates, and Trusts
Speaker: Ellyn S. Kravitz, Esq., Partner, Abrams Fensterman • Presentation recording