LOwer merion commitee for special education
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The Committee for Special Education (CSE) Is a parent-let volunteer organization serving families of children with IEPs, GIEPs, and or 504 Service Agreements in Lower Merion School District since 1972. Our mission is to supportt families with information about laws and policies that affect families of children with educational, social, emotional, or medical needs. WE OFFER INFORMATION, SUPPORT AND RESOURCES THROUGH
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Join the CSE Listserv. |
2020-21 EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Planning for the Future: Special Needs Trusts & Financial Planning
Planning for the future begins now, especially when you have a loved one with special needs. Whatever financial situation or the age of your child, this information is essential to protect your loved one’s financial future. Please join us as we discuss:
• Guardianship and Power of Attorney
• The ABLE Act and Special Needs Trusts
• Government Benefits
• Retirement Planning
• Life Insurance Planning
• Planning for Siblings without Special Needs
• Letters of Intent
• Pension Planning
• Tax-Reduction Strategies
• Education Funding
WHO: Steve Potts, Partner at Herr, Potts and Potts Pat Bergmaier, 1847 Financial (bios below)
WHEN: Wednesday, February 5th, from 7:00-8:30pm
WHERE: Lower Merion Administration Building, Board Room A 301 E. Montgomery Ave., Ardmore*
*Parking and entrance: Administration Lot C, west side of building, enter through the red door #7 in the lot.
QUESTIONS? Contact CSE President at cse.lmsd@gmail.com
Speaker Bios:
Steve Potts, Herr, Potts and Potts A key focus of Steve’s legal practice is helping families navigate the tricky legal territory of special needs-related issues. His knowledge in this area comes from years spent in his practice working on special needs trusts as well as guardianships and powers of attorney; a background directly informed by experience with his own special needs family members. Steve grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He received his B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College in 1999. He received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2002.
Steve’s active involvement in the local special needs community includes creating the Kokua Network app for special needs families, as well as his current position of President of the Board of Directors for the Arc of Chester County. Previously, he has served on the Kencrest Services Board in Blue Bell, Montgomery County, as well as the Board of Bournelyf Special Camp in West Chester. Steve lives in West Chester with his wife Julie and their three children, as well as his brother Tom, an adult with Down Syndrome.
Pat Bergmaier, Chartered Special Needs Consultant, 1847 Financial Pat is a Certified Financial Planner and has a passion for working with families. His knowledge and exper-tise allows him to develop comprehensive and holistic financial plans for his clients that provide the frame-work for making financial decisions that will help achieve their lifetime and legacy planning goals. Pat is also a Chartered Special Needs Consultant, which gives Pat the knowledge to address the unique circumstances and requirements of planning for individuals with special needs, a core focus of his practice.
Pat received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Albright College in Reading, PA and holds his FINRA Series 7, 66, 63 & 6 Securities Licenses. He is involved with supporting many special needs organizations such as Ascend, Autism Cares Foundation, Down Syndrome Interest Groups, and PLAN of PA. He also sits on the Advisory Board of the American College Center for Special Needs. He resides in Downingtown with his wife and daughters.
• Guardianship and Power of Attorney
• The ABLE Act and Special Needs Trusts
• Government Benefits
• Retirement Planning
• Life Insurance Planning
• Planning for Siblings without Special Needs
• Letters of Intent
• Pension Planning
• Tax-Reduction Strategies
• Education Funding
WHO: Steve Potts, Partner at Herr, Potts and Potts Pat Bergmaier, 1847 Financial (bios below)
WHEN: Wednesday, February 5th, from 7:00-8:30pm
WHERE: Lower Merion Administration Building, Board Room A 301 E. Montgomery Ave., Ardmore*
*Parking and entrance: Administration Lot C, west side of building, enter through the red door #7 in the lot.
QUESTIONS? Contact CSE President at cse.lmsd@gmail.com
Speaker Bios:
Steve Potts, Herr, Potts and Potts A key focus of Steve’s legal practice is helping families navigate the tricky legal territory of special needs-related issues. His knowledge in this area comes from years spent in his practice working on special needs trusts as well as guardianships and powers of attorney; a background directly informed by experience with his own special needs family members. Steve grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He received his B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College in 1999. He received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2002.
Steve’s active involvement in the local special needs community includes creating the Kokua Network app for special needs families, as well as his current position of President of the Board of Directors for the Arc of Chester County. Previously, he has served on the Kencrest Services Board in Blue Bell, Montgomery County, as well as the Board of Bournelyf Special Camp in West Chester. Steve lives in West Chester with his wife Julie and their three children, as well as his brother Tom, an adult with Down Syndrome.
Pat Bergmaier, Chartered Special Needs Consultant, 1847 Financial Pat is a Certified Financial Planner and has a passion for working with families. His knowledge and exper-tise allows him to develop comprehensive and holistic financial plans for his clients that provide the frame-work for making financial decisions that will help achieve their lifetime and legacy planning goals. Pat is also a Chartered Special Needs Consultant, which gives Pat the knowledge to address the unique circumstances and requirements of planning for individuals with special needs, a core focus of his practice.
Pat received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Albright College in Reading, PA and holds his FINRA Series 7, 66, 63 & 6 Securities Licenses. He is involved with supporting many special needs organizations such as Ascend, Autism Cares Foundation, Down Syndrome Interest Groups, and PLAN of PA. He also sits on the Advisory Board of the American College Center for Special Needs. He resides in Downingtown with his wife and daughters.
Please find the tentative schedule below. Check back for updates on topics, speakers and dates.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE for 2019-20 Educational Series:
- SEPTEMBER TOPIC: MEET THE LMSD SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAM
- OCTOBER TOPIC: NEUROPSYCH TESTING
- DECEMBER 12th TOPIC: TRANSITION/ COLLEGE
- JANUARY TOPIC: ESY/ SUMMER PANEL
- FEBRUARY TOPIC 1: GIFTED
- FEBRUARY TOPIC 2: PARENT EDUCATION TOPIC WITH ISC (TENTATIVE)
- MARCH TOPIC: INCLUSION IN THE COMMUNITY
- APRIL TOPIC: POLICE/CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
- MAY TOPIC: HEALTH RELATED TOPIC
- RESCHEDULED (NEW TADE TBD) TOPIC: TECHNOLOGY AND SETT WEBINAR
The CSE welcomes new volunteers. Please contact CSE at cse.lmsd@gmail.com if you would like to be a CSE rep for your school, contribute ideas for programming, or network with other parents.