June 11th, 2026, with National Association of Social Workers – Massachusetts Chapter. This conference will examine the growing challenges facing adults who age or live with disabilities without strong support systems.
Keynote Presentation “Liberty, Justice & The Aging or Disabled Adult”. Speakers Wynn Gerhard, Esq. and Dr. Heather Connors, will explore the complexities of guardianship in Massachusetts, when it is necessary, how it is regulated, and how professionals can ensure least-restrictive, person-centered decision-making.
* The conference will also feature workshops addressing critical areas of advocacy.
* Participants will understand guardianship and least-restrictive decision-making practices.
* Participants will identify key public benefit programs (Medicare, Medicaid/MassHealth, and SNAP).
* Participants will apply advocacy strategies to support autonomy and well-being.
Workshop Topics:
• MassHealth: Recent And Planned Changes, with speaker Kate Symmonds.
• Optimal Nutrition for Older Adults, with speaker Leigh Hartwell.
• Empowering the Disability Vote: A Guide for Social Workers, with speaker Brianna Zimmerman.
• What to Know About Medicare in 2026, with Alice Bers, Director, Massachusetts Medicare Advocacy Project, Community Legal Aid.
• Scaling the Elephant: Strategies to Protect Older Adults from Losing SNAP Nutrition Benefits due to Harmful Federal Cuts, with Patricia Baker, Senior Economic Justice Advocate, Mass Law Reform Institute
• Social Workers as Narrative Leaders: Addressing Ableism in Literature and Pop Culture, with Dr. Kate Benson, EdD.
Fees apply, registration is required.
