Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Conference in the DFW

A Look Ahead Series

Don't miss your chance to hear our speakers share on topics such as Guardianship & Alternatives, Letter of Intent, Medical Transition, Post Secondary Education, Self-Determination, Trauma Informed Care, Voting & More!

November 8th, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Meet our Partners

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Our Amazing Speakers

Jeff Miller

Policy Specialist at Disability Rights Texas

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Jeff Miller, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Cindi Paschall

M.O.M. & Disability Rights Advocate

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Cindi Paschall, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Robin Kuntz

Employment Service Provider at Achievable Employment Solutions

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Robin Kuntz, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Allan Bergman

President at HIGH IMPACT

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Allan Bergman, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Deann O'Lenick

Speech Pathologist at Language Through AAC

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Deann O'Lenick, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Laura Buckner

Program Manager at the Texas Center for Disability Studies: UT Austin

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Laura Buckner, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Mary Jane Williams

Family Systems Navigator & Special Education Strategist

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Mary Jane Williams, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Jacky Sylvie

Housing Options Manager at REACH Inc.

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Jacky Sylvie, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Lucy Gafford

Director of UNT WISE

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Lucy Gafford, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Britni Miles

APSE Board Member

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Britni Miles, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Haley Greer

Director, Master Pooled Trust at The Arc of Texas

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Haley Greer, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Jeff Garrison-Tate

Program Coordinator at Texas A&M University Center on Disability

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Jeff Garrison-Tate, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Amy Litzinger

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Denise Sonleitner

Network Facilitator at Texas Parent to Parent

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Denise Sonleitner, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Krista McIntire

CPS Consultant and Legal Assistant

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Krista McIntire, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Elizabeth Tucker

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Guy Caruso

Western Coordinator at Temple University

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Guy Caruso, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Curtis Klieger

Financial Planner at Stonewater Financial Group

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Curtis Klieger, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Heather Klieger

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Kyle Piccola

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Courtney Page

Training Consultant at Texas State Office of Risk Management

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Courtney Page, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Ivy Goldstein

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Christy Jolliff

Zarrow Institute,TRAIN Scholar

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Christy Jollif, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Angela Barbour

Zarrow Institute & SPARK360

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Angela Barbour, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Peighton Pratt

Associate Director, ECLIPSE Idaho

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Peighton Pratt, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Michael Clarke

Deputy Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, The Arc of Texas

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Michael Clarke, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

Julia Chalker

Director, The Arc of DFW Area

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Julia Chalker, speaker at the A Look Ahead Series conference.

APPLY TO BE A SPEAKER

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 8th at the next A Look Ahead Conference!

Your Guide to the ALA Conference

Communicating for Yourself

Learning to express needs, preferences, and desires in everyday and professional settings, whether through voice or assistive tools.

Building Confidence

Tools and stories that help self‑advocates take control. From making decisions to choosing next steps in life plans.

Policy and Legal Advocacy

Learn how to influence legal systems, join advisory groups, or testify for causes that matter. Your story is powerful and it can change policies.

Life Transitions

Helping plan educational to vocational transitions, including special education, job readiness, and future planning.

Financial Planning & Readiness

Learning about saving tools, ABLE accounts, Supplemental Security Income, trusts, and long-term planning.

Workplace & Vocational Skills

Fostering skills and connections for meaningful employment, including supported work and job coaching insights.

Well-Being & Self-Care

Strategies for emotional wellness, stress reduction, and balancing life for individuals and the team around them.

Policy & Advocacy in Action

Understand how local, state, and national policies impact the disability community and how to take action towards a better tomorrow.

Accessible Technology

A look at tools such as apps, assistive tech, and adaptive solutions that make life more independent and dynamic.

Benefits & Services

Practical sessions on navigating public benefits, understanding legal guardianship options, and accessing accessible planning tools.

Family & Caregiver Strategies

Enhancing communication, self-care tips, and strategies to foster independence while providing effective support.

Community & Local Resources

Introductions to North Texas local supports. From the Arc of DFW programs to FEAT‑NT and other organizations you can rely on.

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UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Julia Chalker

Director, The Arc of DFW Area

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Michael Clarke

Deputy Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, The Arc of Texas

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Peighton Pratt

Associate Director, ECLIPSE Idaho

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Angela Barbour

Zarrow Institute & SPARK360

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Christy Jolliff

Zarrow Institute,TRAIN Scholar

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Ivy Goldstein

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Elizabeth Tucker

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Laura Buckner

Program Manager at the Texas Center for Disability Studies: UT Austin

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Jeff Miller

Policy Specialist at Disability Rights Texas

“Excellent information and facilities. Thank you for making this available—the speakers, materials, and sponsor tables are all valuable.”

Parent

“This conference is amazing!”

Person with a Disability

“I always learn something new when I attend the ALA meetings.” – Jennifer, Parent Professional

Jennifer, Parent Professional

“The information is always different, but always relevant and timely.”

Parent Professional

Over a Decade of Looking Ahead

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ABOUT A LOOK AHEAD

Rooted in Advocacy and Connection

The A Look Ahead (ALA) Conference, founded in 2015, supports individuals with disabilities and those who care for them. Through expert-led sessions and community connection, ALA empowers families, caregivers, and professionals to plan confidently for every stage of life.