Workshops

See the catalogue below for a list of workshops we offer to community groups, parent groups, organizations, and qualified schools. Contact us to learn more and schedule an event.

As a caregiver of a dependent with special needs the single most important issue on your mind, regardless of the age of the dependent, is what will happen to my dependent after I’m gone. Who’s going to look after my dependent’s best interests? Who’s going to step into my shoes? Will my dependent be happy, healthy and secure?

This workshop will discuss a ten-step guide to help you prepare for the financial future of your dependent with special needs.

Not planning at all for the future is the biggest mistake a family can make, especially when it can impact a loved one with special needs. But there are also some common mistakes that can be avoided. We’ll review some common planning situations with the understanding that the actual plan created for an individual with special needs will be unique to their needs and lifestyle. Avoiding these common situations can provide a significant impact on the life of a loved one with special needs today and well into their future.

Special Needs Trusts may provide supplemental resources for an individual with special needs. Under various circumstances, not having a special needs trust may adversely affect an individual’s eligibility for government benefits. This workshop will provide an overview of different types of trusts, important considerations in naming a Trustee, expenses that can be paid through the trust, funding options, and how to get started in creating a properly drafted special needs trust.

Families of persons with special needs are often unaware of the various housing options and in-home supports which enable their loved one to live independently. This workshop will discuss how to use your private resources to partner with government benefits and agencies to enable families to best plan for their dependent’s future. We’ll explore alternatives to the traditional ‘provider based’ group homes and congregate care settings that were, up until recent years, the only options available. Changes in Federal Home and Community Based Services (HC) housing policies have made it possible for persons with special needs to have housing options similar to those persons without disabilities.

Creating a future that provides for both your own financial needs and those of a dependent with special needs can feel overwhelming. This workshop will discuss four focus areas that should be considered with integrated planning, and a recommended timeline to avoid any disruption in the care of a loved one with special needs.

In most states the law presumes that individuals over the age of 18 are able to make their own decisions about what is best for them in their daily lives. Each family is unique, and some families may feel it is necessary to apply for guardianship or limited guardianship to protect the personal and financial decisions for their loved one with special needs. In this workshop we will review the different types of guardianship and some alternatives to guardianship, such as powers of attorney, supportive decision-making, etc.

Special Needs Trusts allow caregivers a way to provide for their dependent with special need’s care and quality of life, without disqualifying them for federal assistance. The money in the trust can help to supplement standard services and benefits provided by government agencies. We’ll discuss different types of special needs trusts, considerations of when to fund, and various funding options.

Caregivers of dependents with special needs are often forced to absorb more of the costs for medical care and related services for their dependent with special needs. And many are not aware of the potential tax benefits that may be available to them. This workshop will discuss potential tax deductions and credits that are commonly overlooked by caregivers.

This workshop provides an overview of various government programs that may be available to dependents with special needs. We’ll review Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Medicaid/Medicaid Waivers, and State Specific Programs. You will learn about the requirements to qualify for these programs and the types of expenses they cover for qualified candidates.

This workshop will discuss what a Life Care Plan is, and the steps recommended to create one for a loved one with special needs. As a caregiver of a dependent with special needs the single most important issue on your mind, regardless of the age of the dependent, is what will happen to my dependent after I’m gone. There are some needs that will always be present, and they must be carefully considered and planned for appropriately.

ABLE accounts are an important tool for qualified individuals with disabilities, offering additional independence and financial security. This workshop provides essential information on ABLE accounts which grow tax-free and can be invested while still preserving valuable needs-based government benefits for the account owner. We will dive into how individuals working can make additional contributions from wages to their ABLE account. Learn how funds in an ABLE account can cover an expanding wide range of qualified expenses and ways it can work with special needs trusts as part of a comprehensive planning strategy. The ease, access, and low cost of ABLE accounts make them a great choice for individuals with disabilities.

For many people, buying a life insurance policy is a smart move that will ensure financial coverage for family and loved ones. Additional amounts and consideration should be given to special needs and disability related expenses. The financial safety net for a loved one with special needs can be easily disrupted if their caregiver(s) predeceases the dependent. This workshop will discuss different types of life insurance and how it may play a role in preparing for the financial security of a loved one with special needs.

Families with children and other dependents with special needs, no matter what the age or disability, face many serious questions about how to best prepare for their dependent’s future well-being. This workshop addresses such critical issues as protecting government benefit eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, and the importance of a Will.