What does inclusive higher education really look like in action? In this episode of Secured Steps, we shine a spotlight on Georgian Court University’s Transition and Career Studies (TCS) Program—an empowering path for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience college life, build independence, and prepare for meaningful careers.

Joining us are two of the program’s key leaders: Dr. Sharlene Smith, Operational Director of the TCS Program, whose expertise spans adult education, autism, and applied behavior analysis, and Tammy Laverty, the program’s Campus Life Coordinator and Admissions Counselor, who brings a rich background in education and technology to her working creating a vibrant, inclusive student experience.

Together, they share how the TCS Program supports not only academic growth but social and emotional development—giving students the tools they need to thrive in college and beyond.

To learn more about inclusive postsecondary programs, visit thinkcollege.net. For details about Georgian Court University’s TCS Program, visit georgian.edu/tcs.

In this episode of Secured Steps, we dive into one of the most overlooked but powerful Social Security benefits available to families supporting a loved one with a disability—the Disabled Adult Child benefit, or DAC. Host Jeff Llewellyn from Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down what DAC is, who qualifies, and why traditional retirement planning strategies often miss the mark when a disabled loved one is involved. You’ll also learn how to apply for DAC, what common pitfalls to avoid, and how this benefit can dramatically impact long-term financial security. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episode is a must-listen.

Government benefits are some of the most important—and confusing—resources available to families supporting a loved one with disabilities. In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down the alphabet soup of programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Community Waivers in plain English.

You'll learn:

• Who qualifies for SSI and how it's calculated
• How earned and unearned income affects monthly benefits
• The ins and outs of the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit under SSDI
• Why Medicaid waivers matter and how to avoid losing eligibility
• Common pitfalls to watch out for—and how to avoid them

Whether your child is nearing age 18 or already navigating adult services, this episode will help you take clearer, more confident steps forward.

📍 For more resources and guidance, visit rockwoodwealth.com/snfp.