By Barbara Isenhour, Esq. Navigating the acronym-ridden maze of government benefits is tough and misconceptions abound. Families may be unaware of the full range of options available to individuals with I/DD, or they may be confused about eligibility, assuming that they have too much income to consider means-based programs. Most individuals with I/DD can benefit [...]
By Cindy Schaeffer, M.S., R.N., A.P.N., Travel Care & Logistics Inc. As a flight RN, I have assisted hundreds of seniors with air travel over the past 12 years, and I have come to recognize that many misconceptions prevail. While you can no longer "book a ticket and run," it's quite possible-with adequate planning-to arrange [...]
By Marty Ford, Senior Executive Officer, Public Policy, The Arc Aging parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) often worry about what the future will hold for their sons and daughters, and many families need support and guidance to plan for the future. Recognizing this growing need, The Arc decided to take action. [...]
When a Child Has Special Needs By Mary Schmitt T. Smith, Esq. As a special needs attorney and a Mom of two adult sons with disabilities, I bring an added dimension of experiencing reality "in the trenches" to my work with clients. Yes, I know how it feels to receive a diagnosis you never anticipated [...]
By Joanne Marcus, MSW, Executive Director, Commonwealth Community Trust The first months, or even years, after receiving the diagnosis are filled with unexpected questions and challenges when you have a loved one with special needs. “Here-and-now” needs like healthcare, therapy, education and other immediate needs can quickly take priority over future planning, which is understandable. [...]
In summer 2013, Brian L., who has learning differences, was interviewed about his recent graduation from high school and eagerly anticipated college experience. Here, he and his mom describe the last 12 months of his educational journey. Q: What was your first semester of college like? Brian: I loved the social aspect. The atmosphere was [...]
By Rebecca L. Berg, CELA Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program offering monthly cash payments and eventual Medicare coverage to individuals with long-term disabilities that prevent them from holding down a job. While it's a vital lifeline to many, it's often misunderstood. The Census Bureau reports that roughly one in 10 Americans [...]
By Michael C. Walther, President, Oak Wealth Advisors Serving as a trustee requires administrative and technical skills in addition to strong interpersonal communication skills. Identifying the appropriate trustee is difficult in general; a Special Needs Trust (SNT) presents additional challenges. While most families will name a relative to serve as the trustee of their family’s [...]
This file is part of the Documents Library.
This file is part of the Documents Library.
This file is part of the Documents Library.
This file is part of the Documents Library.
This file is part of the Documents Library.
This file is part of the Documents Library.