At STARability, we’re a family bound together by having someone very special to us with a developmental or intellectual disability. Families started the organization more than 30 years ago to support one another and create opportunities for their loved ones. Continuing that tradition, we invite you to participate in our quarterly Family Forums, featuring engaging presentations, open discussion, networking sessions and valuable takeaways.

Guest Speakers

★ Marjorie Appleby
STARability Parent, Speaker, Brain Injury Advocate + Author

Marjorie is a national award-winning author, speaker and brain injury advocate. Her son David is a participant in STARability’s Trailblazer Academy.

★ Trish Childress
MSW, LCSW, Director of Supportive Services, Avow

Trish is a licensed clinical social worker and pursued an advanced certification in clinical supervision. She has extensive experience in case management within medical settings and joined Avow in 2019, directing supportive programming related to compassionate hospice, palliative care and grief support. Her expertise is in guiding services to meet caregivers where they are, and supporting caregivers in their relationship with those they love, whether in a short-term crisis or being well-prepared for a long-term caregiver role.

★ Madison McNally
STARability Staff + Personal Caregiver

Madison is Program Director of STARability's pioneering outreach program, the Trailblazer Academy. She earned her B.S. in Community Programs with American Disabilities, Adapted Physical Activity and her M.S. in Adapted Physical Activity. After moving to Naples nearly five years ago, she became a caregiver and job coach for one of the Trailblazer Academy participants, who has autism and epilepsy. Her experience has been life-changing and remarkable, and she continues to advocate for the rights, needs and meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the community.

★ Jason Blount
STARability Staff + Personal Caregiver

Jason has been a caregiver, and a lifelong friend, for a person with autism for 14 years. Through this experience, he found his passion to inspire those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become more confident and independent in their lives. This passion has lead him to STARability, where he is the Academy Program Specialist for the Trailblazer Academy and Program Director of the Junior Trailblazer Academy.

★ Susan J. Ryan
Speaker, Coach + Author – Our Journey of Love: 5 Steps to Navigate Your Caregiving Journey

Sue has been in a variety of caregiving roles for more than 30 years. Sue's book details lessons, tips and tricks she’s learned to help people positively navigate their roles of caregiving.

Each forum features a topic of interest involving different areas of community resources, information and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. These topics came about after an online survey of our participants, families and caregivers in 2018. Together, we’ll explore resources, issues and pathways to enhance the quality of life

The deadline to register for this free event is Tuesday, Dec. 1, at noon.

Virtual Family Forum (Dec. 2020)

By STARability Foundation

Virtual Family Forum (Dec. 2020)

Hosted by STARability Foundation | Free and open to the public