Taxation of Special Needs Trusts

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...]

On Pins and Needles: Caring for Those with Mental Illness

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...]

Debunking the Myths About Autism

Image from Pathfindersforautism.org Q. 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...]

Living with Fewer Rights than a Convicted Felon

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...]

Critter Corner: How Can The ABLE Act Help My Special Needs Daughter?

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...]

Virginia Becomes First State to Approve ABLE Act

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...]

Have a Piece of Cake. . .

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...]

How to Choose Trustees for a Special Needs Trust

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...]

Critter Corner: Apps for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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...]

Critter Corner: Pooled Special Needs Trusts

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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