Monday Memo

Families Together, Inc.

Who Are We?

Families Together, Inc. is the statewide organization that assists parents and their sons and daughters with disabilities. Our program's mission is to encourage, educate, and empower families to be effective advocates for their own children.

Families Together, Inc. is dedicated to a society that includes and values all people. We offer families the security of belonging to a support network of other parents that face similar goals, challenges and needs.

Together We Can Learn Conference

Feb. 26, 2011

Topeka, KS

Keynotes

John Magg, University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Controlling Your Emotions and Behavior Regardless of How Disagreeably Others Treat You

Colleen Riley, Director of Student Support Service, Kansas State Department of Education - Systems Change using Multi -Tier System of Supports

Breakout Sessions

AT as IT: Parents + Professionals = Integration

Planning for Your Child with Special Needs

Understanding Tests and Evaluations of Learning: How Specific Learning Disabilities Are Evaluated in Schools and by Independent Evaluators

The Journey to Adulthood: What Parents Need to Know (Sexuality)

Positive Behavior Support Extravaganza

Understanding Processing Deficits

Medical Home = Medical Team

Technical Assistance System Network (TASN)

On-line Registration

More Information & Printable Registration

Upcoming Events

Together We Can Learn Conference

Topeka

February 26, 2011

TEC Behavior Conference

Pittsburg

March 5, 2011

TEC Rights/Responsiblities & Transitioning Grade to Grade Conference

Wichita

March 12, 2011

TEC Conference

Garden City

April 2, 2011

Family Enrichment Weekend

(waiting list)

Topeka

April 8-9, 2011

*see center information

Common Myths About Taxes

Filing a Tax Return, Receiving Earned Income Tax Credit and a Refund

It's time to bust the myths!

Myth:

Do not "have" to file because the income is too low.

Fact:

May lose money by not filing an income tax return

Myth:

Afraid it will impact applying for benefits.

Fact:

Federal law excludes tax refunds from determination for other federal benefits

Myth:

Afraid it will impact remaining on benefits.
Fact:

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is not included in income in the month received and not included in resources for nine months after receipt.
Myth:

Cannot afford to pay a preparer.
Fact:

Free tax prep is available at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) TCE sites.

What about People with Disabilities who live with their parents and work in a sheltered workshop? Can the parents claim their son/daughter as a dependent and possibly claim Earn Income Tax CreditC? Under certain circumstances, yes. See IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf).

Now that the myths are "busted" be sure you and anyone you care for calls 2-1-1 to learn how to schedule an appointment to have federal and state tax returns prepared FREE by an IRS certified volunteer. For more information, e-mail Judy Stengel at JMStengel@cox.net.

Submitted by the Disability Initiative of The BE$T Coalition of South Central Kansas.

Celebrating 35 Years

Thirty-five years ago Least Restrictive Environment was added to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (today known as IDEA) emphasizing the importance of integrating special education students with general education students. Join parents, professionals and others who care for and about students who have disabilities February 26, in Topeka. At the Together We Can Learn Conference, you will have the opportunity to network and learn cutting edge strategies and resources.

more information