STARability Foundation to host emergency preparedness webinar for families and caregivers on May 27

STARability Foundation invites families and caregivers to its upcoming “Support. Learn. Connect.” webinar focused on emergency preparedness. The free virtual session, “Ready Together: Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Special Needs,” will take place at noon on Wednesday, May 27.

Part of STARability’s monthly webinar series offered through the support services department, this session is designed to equip participants with practical tools and strategies to confidently prepare for hurricanes and other natural emergencies, particularly when caring for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

During the webinar, attendees will learn how to create a personalized emergency plan, assemble essential supplies and better understand local resources such as the Special Needs Registry. The session will also cover evacuation planning, sheltering options, and key considerations for maintaining safety and continuity of care before, during and after a disaster.

“Preparedness is critical for every family, but especially for those supporting loved ones with special needs,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “This webinar is designed to provide peace of mind by offering clear, actionable guidance and connecting families with trusted local expertise.”

The session will be led by Amy Howard, an emergency management coordinator with Collier County. As a Florida professional emergency manager with more than 20 years of experience, Howard has played a key role in emergency planning, response and recovery efforts for major disasters. She brings deep expertise in community resilience and multi-agency coordination.

STARability’s “Support. Learn. Connect.” series is held on the last Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m., offering accessible, expert-led discussions on topics that matter most to families and caregivers. Past sessions have included financial planning tools such as special needs trusts, estate planning and ABLE accounts, and safety practices for individuals with autism.

The webinar is free and open to the public. To register or receive additional information, visit STARability.org/upcoming-events or email supportservices@starability.org.

STARability Foundation is a regional leader in providing innovative, results-driven programs designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities throughout Southwest Florida. Through its comprehensive programming, STARability serves hundreds of participants each year, helping them build skills, foster relationships and engage meaningfully in their communities.

To learn more about STARability Foundation’s programs and resources, visit STARability.org.

About STARability Foundation

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.