Dollars and Sense: Trusts, Savings, and Support – Expert Financial Guidance for Autism Families

Dollars & Sense Webinar - June 4, 2026

Navigating finances as an autistic adult or as a parent or caregiver of someone on the autism spectrum can feel overwhelming. Between protecting eligibility for essential benefits like SSI and Medicaid, covering everyday expenses, and planning for long-term security, the rules are complex and the stakes are high. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM PST, Ability Central is hosting a free 60-minute virtual workshop: “Dollars and Sense – Trusts, Savings and Support.” Disability lawyer and advocate Stephen W. Dale, Esq., LL.M. will lead a practical, jargon-free conversation packed with real-world strategies you can use immediately.

Whether you’re managing your own finances or supporting a loved one with autism or other disabilities, this session delivers clear, actionable guidance on the financial tools that make a difference.

What You’ll Learn

Stephen will walk through key savings and support options designed specifically for people with disabilities, including:

• ABLE Accounts – Tax-advantaged savings accounts that let individuals with disabilities (onset before age 46) build savings and investments while preserving eligibility for most public benefits.

• Special Needs Trusts – Legal tools that allow families to set aside funds for a loved one’s supplemental needs without jeopardizing government benefits.

• True Link Cards – Specialized prepaid Visa cards that provide spending oversight, transaction tracking, and protection for benefits eligibility—ideal for managing daily expenses or disbursements from trusts.

• Trump Accounts – The new tax-advantaged child savings accounts (introduced under recent legislation) that offer a starter investment vehicle for minors, with special rollover options into ABLE accounts for eligible children with disabilities.

• Other savings strategies – Additional practical approaches to everyday money management and benefit protection.

The workshop uses real-life examples and simple explanations so you leave with a solid understanding of when and how each tool fits your situation.

What You’ll Take Away

By the end of the hour, you’ll have:

➤ Confidence in choosing the right financial tools for your family’s needs

➤ A clearer understanding of how to protect vital public benefits while saving

➤ Simple, practical strategies for handling day-to-day money matters As one past participant shared: “I have a better understanding of my options, and I can plan my future with greater confidence.”

Meet the Expert

Stephen W. Dale, Esq., LL.M. is a respected California attorney and long-time disability rights advocate. Founder of The Dale Law Firm, he specializes in person-centered estate planning and special needs trusts. With decades of experience as a psychiatric technician, disability policy advocate, and trustee of the Golden State Pooled Trust, Stephen brings both legal expertise and deep compassion to every conversation.

Join Us – It’s Free and Accessible

This virtual workshop is open to everyone—autistic adults, parents, caregivers, and allies. ASL interpretation, live captions, and translation services will be provided. You can share any additional access needs during registration.

Register here (free)

Mark your calendar now and invite a friend or family member who could benefit. Financial knowledge is one of the most empowering tools we can give ourselves and our loved ones on the spectrum.

At Autism Digest, we’re committed to sharing resources that help our community thrive with greater independence and security. We hope you’ll join us on June 4th—and feel free to share your biggest financial planning questions in the comments below. We may feature them in future articles.