This article was written by Special Needs Alliance member Tara Pleat. Tara is a founding partner of the law firm of Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC in Clifton Park, New York. She practices in the areas of Special Needs Planning, Elder … [Read more...]
Print This PageOn Pins and Needles: Caring for Those with Mental Illness
March 1, 2016 by
As many as 8.4 million Americans are providing care to an adult with an emotional or mental health issue. Often, these family caregivers feel the impact of the disease as they struggle to care for their loved ones and to bridge … [Read more...]
Print This PageDebunking the Myths About Autism
October 15, 2015 by
Image from Pathfindersforautism.orgQ. We recently found out that my son, Freddy, has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After accepting the fact that things will be more challenging for him socially and academically … [Read more...]
Print This PageLiving with Fewer Rights than a Convicted Felon
September 25, 2015 by
Q. My 30-year-old cousin, Donnie, is intellectually disabled. He works at the Wendy's near my house, serving burgers and greeting customers with a smile. He has a bank account, saves most of the money he earns, makes a mean chili, … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: How Can The ABLE Act Help My Special Needs Daughter?
September 16, 2015 by
Dear Baxter,My daughter has intellectual disabilities. I read in one of your newsletters that Virginia was the first state to enact the ABLE Act. I don't know much about it, but it may be something that can help my daughter … [Read more...]
Print This PageVirginia Becomes First State to Approve ABLE Act
July 31, 2015 by
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe Signs ABLE Act into Law (Source: NBC 29)Q. Our son, Jeff, has autism spectrum disorder and will likely need assistance throughout his lifetime. We are looking for ways to save for his … [Read more...]
Print This PageHave a Piece of Cake. . .
May 29, 2015 by
It's Medicaid's 50th Birthday!Q. My son, Sam, turns 50 this year. Besides his birth, I know that something else significant happened in 1965 -- President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicaid into law. I know you help people apply … [Read more...]
Print This PageHow to Choose Trustees for a Special Needs Trust
May 5, 2015 by
Mark is an autistic adult who resides in a Medicaid-funded residential program in upstate New York. Before his parents passed away, his mother established a Special Needs Trust for him, which held in excess of $2 million, with the … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Apps for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
April 3, 2015 by
Dear Saki and Alley,My daughter with ASD often gets frustrated when playing on the iPad, because some of the apps are too fast paced, or she doesn't understand them. Do you know of any apps that someone with ASD could … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Pooled Special Needs Trusts
March 6, 2015 by
Dear Commander Bun Bun,I am considering a pooled special needs trust (managed by a non-profit organization) for my daughter, Shannon, who is intellectually disabled. What are some of the benefits and … [Read more...]
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