The Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is excited to announce our 2026 Lunch and Learn Series!
There will be 1-3 Webinars per month on various disability related topics!
Registration is only required for each series to receive materials and a link for virtual attendance. Attendance is FREE and open to anyone, but content is specifically tailored to self-advocates, family members, and professionals from the disability community.
We encourage anyone who would like to learn about these topics to attend and share the information!
Sessions are from 12 – 1 PM PST on zoom! You may join by computer or mobile app, or you may call in and listen to the information provided.
Once registered an email with the zoom link and calendar invite will be sent at least 3 business days prior to the event.
Schedule of Sessions and Links to Register:
February 25, 2026
Topic: “Federal Updates & the Future of I/DD: A Policy Briefing with Erin Prangley”
Presenter: Erin Prangley -Director, Policy for NACDD
Registration Link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2Tt0w6qX2CMoy263yM_axOusrtGkiMyX-sF0AnD5Nia_rJw/viewform?usp=header
December 3, 2025
Topic: “Relationships and the Different Types”
Presenter: Presenter: Ellen Marquez -Outreach and Fiscal Manager for the Nevada Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9b31bYQGXrTkEpEmeDgTogFRwmMI_lvk9Fb38-dDyevigBQ/viewform?usp=header
November 12, 2025–*Note this Lunch and Learn will run 1 hour and 30 minutes*
Topic: ““How Work Effects Benefits”
Presenter: Melanie Honsbruch and Tiffany Cron of the Colorado Office of Employment First
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeygBSijSuyfjByZfFuAXC5cxdhKICUlvep37o8XNE1GE891g/viewform?usp=header
*CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*– We will be posting a re-schedule date once we have one.
October 22, 2025
Topic: ““Know Your Rights-ADA Law”
Presenter: Ednin D. Martinez- Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Rights) Civil Division- United States Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewdYQShcpR9DGUDny8sm89mJ8a1uYGjSuz2ie9U1p0FIu-fA/viewform?usp=header
September 17, 2025- *Note this Lunch and Learn will run 1 hour and 30 minutes*
Topic: ““How Work Effects Benefits”
Presenter: Melanie Honsbruch and Tiffany Cron of the Colorado Office of Employment First
Registration Link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB7T7ZckoSOL5-5zV-pjQ8JZmeCAQFOizsusNcNKYU4ThdoQ/viewform?usp=header
August 29, 2025
Topic: “ABLE and it’s friend “Special Needs Trusts”
Presenter: Jenny Casselman
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedf2HKs_uWe9d1WanMWaiWZcWd264AeU80LBU1F8UymZEtSQ/viewform?usp=header
July 30, 2025- *Note this Lunch and Learn will run 1 hour and 30 minutes*
Topic: “How a Bill Becomes a Law in Easy Steps.”
Presenter: Sondra Cosgrove and Steven Cohen
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQ2i3n8P4TjJbzS42wTpjTUPbu2QzlVwPhFJx0nugotCa-1w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107236201525027236821
June 25, 2025– *Note this Lunch and Learn will run 1 hour and 30 minutes*
Topic: “Navigating Benefits”
Presenter: Melanie Honsbruch and Tiffany Cron – Colorado Office of Employment First
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb584TkMCZo8WllVG9HywKz-0phvt05YSaCU2Yl_xwWO43Rg/viewform?usp=header
May 28, 2025
Topic: “How to Start a Nonprofit”
Presenter: Amy Dewitt-Smith, MPA, CNP, Executieve Director for Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada (N4)
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTYwlXBNpbXGPMU1vhjJSBvy2S63yJfmZIP33xt_v2qSIxnA/viewform?usp=header
April 9, 2025
Topic: Transition Options and Resources
Presenter: Lora Lee Turner
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetSgOHtSAdhalAD729Qsu1DWMq3z9KeUGfVgvjkVEYlueJ4Q/viewform?usp=header
Past Lunch and Learn Sessions:
March 19, 2025
Topic: “Benefit Basics”
Presenter: Melanie Honsbruch, CPWIC- Colorado Office of Employment First.
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXEhrJWlqv6ch4jYMRkuKSLR-CFtkL1vN9pwby68Lc4yXtcA/viewform?usp=header
February 12, 2025
Topic: Legislative Breakdown and Tips to be Successful at the Legislature
Presenter: Destini Cooper, Senior Policy Analyst- Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/FBdw7569obSPsA1XA
December 11, 2024
Topic: Supporting Mental Health
Presenter: Cherylyn Rahr-Wood
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/CmCoxpFr2EnUirDM6
Information from past sessions is available upon request. Please email Rebecca Ortiz at rortiz@dhhs.nv.gov for more information.