What Is Supported Decision-Making? Almost all adults ask friends, family members, or coworkers for ideas and advice on a regular basis. Any time you need to make a decision, and you want help to better understand your … [Read more...]
Print This PageSupported Decision-Making for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
December 19, 2023 by
Does My Infant Grandson Have an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
January 14, 2022 by
Q. My daughter and son-in-law both work full-time, and I watch my 9-month old grandson, Caden, every day during the week. My daughter takes me with her to his doctor’s appointments, where they provide us with CDC guidelines for … [Read more...]
Print This PageWhy Special Needs Planning Is Even More Important During a Pandemic (Part 4 of a 4-part Series)
April 14, 2020 by
In what was originally a three-part series, I have decided to add one more essential part about special needs planning and why it’s especially important during a pandemic. In part one of this series, I discussed why estate … [Read more...]
Print This PageTaxation of Special Needs Trusts
February 28, 2018 by
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 PageSupreme Court Rules that the Bare Minimum Isn’t Enough/Planning for an Uncertain Future
August 11, 2017 by
Q. My daughter, Hailey, has high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is severely learning disabled, and has a difficult time paying attention in school. We have attended Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, and … [Read more...]
Print This PageABLEnow is Open for Enrollment in Virginia
January 18, 2017 by
Millions of individuals with disabilities and their families depend on a wide variety of public benefits for income, health care, food, and housing assistance. Many of these benefits require meeting a means or resource test that … [Read more...]
Print This PageSpecial Needs Trust Fairness Act Becomes Law
December 21, 2016 by
Carolyn is physically disabled, but has full mental capacity. Her parents and grandparents are no longer around. She would like to set up a Special Needs Trust for herself, to ensure that she is protected against the risk of … [Read more...]
Print This PageSetting up an ABLE Account and New Legislation
October 7, 2016 by
Q. Our son, Isaiah, has high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, and we are thrilled to say that he was recently accepted into trade school. I heard from a friend at work about the ABLE Act. I don’t know much about it, but I've … [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 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...]
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