Autism Friendly Austin and The Hormel Historic Home are hosting a free autism spectrum disorder networking event for parents and caregivers on Monday, June 4.

Included in the event will be a presentation assisting people with disabilities and their families in identifying and resolving life and estate planning issues. Professionals and families will also have the opportunities to hear about the process from the first to the last planning step.

Topics include protecting government benefits, establishing guardianship, preparing appropriate wills, supplemental needs trusts, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, avoiding family conflict and reducing professional expenses.

There will be a light meal served and networking opportunities starting at 6 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will run until 8:30 p.m. in two sections: guardianship and conservatorship and special needs planning. Presenters are recommended by the PACER Center in Minneapolis.

Roger Strege, president of Special Needs Planners, is a financial planner and a certified estate and trust specialist. Strege is an active volunteer in the community and is the founder of Autism Allies, which is a nonprofit dedicated to serving children and families with autism. Strege and his wife, Suzanne, live in Buffalo and have two adult children; their youngest daughter identifies on the autism spectrum.

Joe Kukla is a partner at Thiel Anderson and Kukla in Edina, and has been practicing since 2013. His legal practice is in estate planning, real estate and business law, with an emphasis on serving clients with disabilities. Kukla works every day with guardianships, conservatorships and the special needs trusts, and is an expert on Medical Assistance and Social Security. Kukla’s youngest brother, Jake, is developmentally disabled and inspired Kukla to help individuals and families in similar circumstances.

Child care is available upon request when registering. To register, or for more information, contact autism@hormelhistorichome.org or call 507-433-4243.