The Plan for Special Needs Trusts

PLAN is so proud to be a partner and support the incredible work being done on behalf of individuals with ID & IDD and we’re committed to the mission of inclusion for individuals with different abilities. Thank you to Patrick Shaughnessy for sharing more about the Hyannis Port Challenge that raises awareness and resources to help fund the many other initiatives that support individuals with disabilities and their families at all stages of their journey. The post Patrick Shaughnessy-Best Buddies Hyannis Port Challenge appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Anthony Shriver founded Best Buddies International to create friendships and employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He launched the new initiative Eunie’s Buddies to support families who are raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, honoring his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Eunie’s Buddies provides families with support, encouragement, and resources, while Best Buddies continues to focus on its mission of inclusion and opportunity through its various programs. The post Anthony Shriver Founder of Best Buddies and Eunie’s Buddies appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Mr. Brett has been a lifelong champion for people with disabilities. In May 2022, President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as the Chair of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) and reappointed him as Chairman in 2023. He previously served on PCPID under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, including a term as Chairman from 2011–2013. In 2016, Congress appointed him to the National Council on Disability. He is also currently the Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disability, and the Chair of the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission. In 2013, the University of Massachusetts Boston established the James T. Brett Chair in Disability and Workforce Development, the nation’s only endowed chair in disability and workforce development. In 1996, Bay Cove Human Services of Boston named a new community home for disabled adults “Brett House” in his honor. The post Disability Advocate & New England Council CEO Jim Brett appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Brenda Dater, Executive Director at Asperger/Autism Network (also known as AANE). Listen as she discusses how this nonprofit organization helps people with Asperger’s or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles to build meaningful, connected lives through their variety of inclusive programs. She also touches on the importance of the relationship with their partner, PLAN of MA & RI. Read the transcript of this episode.  The post Empowering Individuals and Building Community at Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) – with Brenda Dater appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson, founders of the ARIES Foundation for Financial Education. Hear how this nonprofit organization helps to educate people on how to have a better relationship with their money. They also highlight their relationship with PLAN of MA & RI along with their insights on ways to fund a special needs trust. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Building a Better Relationship with Money – with Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson of the ARIES Foundation appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Greg Donnelly, President and CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind, as he discusses how the organization achieves its mission of empowering those who are blind and visually impaired to achieve independence and lead a fulfilling life. He also highlights how their mission and goals align with those of their community partner, PLAN of MA & RI. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Overcoming Obstacles at the Carroll Center for the Blind– with Greg Donnelly appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Mary Beth McMahon, President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, as she highlights just how special this organization is. Special Olympics Massachusetts strives to spread inclusion through year-round sports training and competition while changing the way the world views individuals with intellectual disabilities. She also highlights the importance of their partnership with PLAN of MA & RI.  Read the transcript of this episode. The post Special Olympics Massachusetts: The Power of Inclusive Sports appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Patrick Shaughnessy, State Director of Best Buddies of MA & RI, as he discusses the mission of this 501(c)3 organization: to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for friendship, jobs, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He also highlights the importance of the relationship with their Inclusion Partner, PLAN of MA & RI. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Inclusion Lives at Best Buddies of MA & RI – with Patrick Shaughnessy appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Jo Ann Simons, President and CEO of Northeast Arc, as she discusses the organization and how it reflects its mission of helping individuals with disabilities to achieve their most independent lives. Tune in as she highlights how the organization is benefiting their community, the major milestones it has accomplished, the significance of establishing the partnership with PLAN of MA & RI, and much more. Be sure to check out their innovative store, parcels, that sells products made by, or sold through companies owned by, individuals with disabilities and staffed by individuals served by the Northeast Arc. https://ne-arc.org/parcels/ Read the transcript of this episode.  The post Northeast Arc’s Innovative Approach to Disability Services — with Jo Ann Simons appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Elder-Law Attorney, Michelle Lapointe, as she discusses special needs trusts and her relationship with PLAN. She highlights how to set up a special needs trust, the different types of special needs trusts, the importance of the POMS guidelines, and more. To learn more go to planofma-ri.org. Read the transcript of this episode. The post Establishing a Special Needs Trust – with Michelle LaPointe appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Joan McGrath, the Executive Director at PLAN of MA & RI. Listen as she discusses PLAN and its history, what PLAN does as a Professional Trustee, and why someone would benefit from establishing a special needs trust with PLAN. To learn more go to planofma-ri.org. Read the transcript of the episode here.  The post Who is PLAN of MA & RI? – with Joan McGrath appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.