The Art of Special Needs Planning

This session is most appropriate for parents, students, teachers, providers, and professionals working with and supporting persons with special needs and their families.

This highly energetic and interactive presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the planning considerations necessary to ensure the quality of life of a loved one with special needs from youth throughout their lifetime.  Attendees will explore the array of issues and considerations unique to assisting persons with special needs in sustaining a quality of life by design to include education, training, care, supports, and resources throughout their lifetime.  In addition, the presenter will provide an overview of special needs planning which includes reviewing the legal tools available to assist in planning for the “extras’ without jeopardizing the persons government benefits.

Spectrum of Life Considerations

• Education
• Medicaid-Katy Beckett
• Social Security—
  • Application for SSI/SSDI and Dependent Adult Child
• Informed Consent and Supported Decision Making—
  • Power of Attorney
  • Physician Ordered Scope of Treatment
  • Guardianship
  • Conservator

Special Needs Planning to Maintain Government Benefits

• Special and Supplemental Needs Trusts
• ABLE Act