The Southeastern Massachusetts Education Collaborative will host a presentation on how changing federal and state benefit systems affect people with special needs on January 11, 6-8 p.m. at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational High School.

This presentation will cover what is happening in Washington and how the changes in the federal budget will affect the numerous benefit programs on which persons with special needs rely.

Topics discussed include social security disability income, Medicare, supplemental security income, MassHealth, and other needs-based and sliding-scale fee benefits.

Transitional planning, special needs trusts, and Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts will also be discussed as ways to provide a higher quality of care for persons with disabilities.

The talk will be hosted by Theresa M. Varnet, a special needs attorney with Fletcher Tilton, P.C. She has more than 40 years of experiencing advocating for those with disabilities and special needs. She is a certified teacher, licensed social worker and the parent of a disabled adult daughter.

The presentation is free to attend and is open to the public. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. before the presentation. Call (508) 998-5599 ext. 130 to RSVP.