On March  14, 2026, The LIFE Center For Independent Living hosted the First Annual Parkland Disability & Planning Expo. The event was sponsored by Mrs. Janet Renshaw, Chartered Special Needs Consultant. Mrs. Renshaw, ChSNC., is specifically qualified to help individuals and families of children or adults with developmental or physical disabilities to create long-term financial planning and setting up continuing care options for the future.

There were over 5o participants that registered for our event which was held in the Cardinal Room of the New Industrial and Technology Center at Mineral Area college.

There were 35 vendors hosting tables with information regarding their services. Throughout the day, vendors were available to discuss the resources they can provide to their booth visitors.

Mrs. Renshaw, ChSNC., was our Keynote speaker and provided a brief overview of how important advanced financial planning is for the parents, or caregiver, of a child or adult with disabilities. She gave the example of a non-verbal child turning 18 and the parent not having Guardianship or a Power of Attorney. If their child then needed to go to the doctor, the parent could not go in with them and the child may have no way to give permission to the doctors office.  So very important information was provided during our Expo.

This event also gave participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions of local subject matter experts during panel discussions. Our first panel discussed the basics of making contact with the proper resources necessary to create a case for their child or family member to receive assistance. The panel answered questions provided by the audience regarding steps to take to secure this assistance. The discussions were interesting as every case is different. There are a myriad of state departments that may need to be contacted, including, but not limited to: the Social Security Administration, the Division of Family Services, and the Department of Mental Health.

Lunch was boxed Subway Sandwiches. Provided by LIFE, Inc.

After lunch, Scout Merry presented a demonstration of products and services available from Missouri Assistive Technology. They assists people with special needs to complete activities of normal daily living by providing specialized products. These products included electronic and mechanical as well as 3D Printed devices. Lots of people stopped by his booth to see close up demonstrations during the day.

Our next presentation included a panel to discuss and answer questions regarding a review the prospect of post secondary education or acquiring employment after high school. The panel pointed out there are many things to consider, such as transportation to and from work or the possibility of their child moving out to live on their own if they are capable.

The day completed with a panel discussion regarding day-habilitation options for individuals without the ability to continue into post secondary education or obtaining employment. Several day-habilitation providers sat on the panel to give insights on how to accomplish enrollment into such a facility.

The post Expo surveys were very positive and a few great suggestions were made. Overall, the Expo was a great success and we are current planning for this event next year.