Virtual Conference, February 20th, 2026, with the AANE of Watertown, MA. The Jody Acford Conference – Navigating Benefits in Uncertain Times“ will provide insights and practical tools for Autistic and other Neurodivergent individuals navigating the complexities of adulthood.
* This conference will discuss how changing federal policies and budget cuts may impact benefits and services for Autistic adults and their families.
* Learn from experts and advocates about what these changes mean, how to protect essential supports, and ways our community can work together to stay informed, resilient, and ready for what’s ahead.
* Workshop topics and speakers listed below.
Fees apply, registration is required to https://aane.org/events/aanes-spring-2026-virtual-jody-acford-conference-safeguarding-supports-navigating-benefits-in-uncertain-times-2-20-26-1100-am-400-pm-et/ or contact events@aane.org.
2026 Jody Acford Conference Topics:
- Autism in the Crossfire: How Politics Shapes Perception and Policy – Journalist Eric Garcia explores how today’s political landscape shapes public perception and policy around autism.
- Federal & State Updates + Current Advocacy Priorities: Demystifying the Moment – Join Nora Bent to hear an overview of federal and state policy updates affecting individuals with disabilities and their families. This session will highlight current policy developments, state and federal budget implications, and legislative actions shaping access to services and supports.
- Advocacy in Action: Making Policy Accessible and Personal – The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) will translate current state and federal policy issues into plain language, highlight inclusive advocacy priorities, and guide participants through ASAN’s letter-writing and engagement tools designed to make political participation approachable for everyone.
- Intro to Gov’t Benefits & Special Needs Trusts- Presented by Abigail Pool of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN), this presentation gives attendees an opportunity to learn about special needs trusts, and how those resources can help in planning for the future.
- Navigating Cuts to SSI/SSDI – Lee Rachel Jurman will outline how recent federal cuts impact SSI and SSDI, highlight common obstacles beneficiaries may face, and provide practical guidance on navigating the system to maintain access to critical supports and benefits during times of policy change.
- Adult Insurance Transition Guide – Transition to adulthood is fraught with uncertainty as school-based systems end. Parents, caregivers, and Autistic self-advocates are often faced with confusing and conflicting information, insurance changes can be difficult to understand, and systems are not set up to coordinate care with coverage. Any Weinstock will talk about how The Adult Insurance Transition Guide explains key eligibility changes, deadlines, and options for transitioning into adulthood.
- Closing Moments – Becca Lory Hector will begin this conclude this event with a few closing remarks.
- Speakers
Eric Garcia is the Washington Bureau Chief and Senior Washington Correspondent at the Independent and the author of the book We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation.
– Nora Bent is the Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at The Arc of Massachusetts, where she leads state and federal policy and advocacy.
– Abigail V. Poole, Esq. joined PLAN of MA and RI as In-House Counsel in 2025. Attorney Poole brings with her a decade of experience in assisting individuals and families in the areas of estate planning, elder law, probate and trust administration while
in private practice.
– Lee Rachel Jurman has been a private disability advocate and case manager with Personal Disability Consulting for over 30 years. She has extensive experience helping adults with a range of disabilities and their families access resources and make informed decisions about living with disabilities.
– Amy Weinstock is the Director of the Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health at the UMass Chan Medical School’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, and an instructor in the medical school’s Department of Psychiatry. She has an extensive background on insurance issues related to autism and behavioral health, and has played a key role in passing several significant pieces of autism insurance legislation in Massachusetts, including the groundbreaking 2010 law requiring health insurance to cover medically necessary treatment for autism.
