The Plan for Special Needs Trusts

Maura Sullivan, MPA is the new Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Massachusetts.  In a historic moment, Maura becomes the first parent of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities […] The post Maura Sullivan Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Massachusetts appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Jonathan Gardner is a dedicated advocate for disability rights at both the state and national levels. A homeschool graduate, cancer survivor, and individual who happens to have Autism, Jonathan serves […] The post Jonathan Gardner Self-Advocate & Motivational Speaker appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  Dr. Moses S. Dixon, PhD, is a leading practitioner in Global Health and Social Medicine with a comprehensive background in the non-profit and governmental sectors locally and nationally. He […] The post Dr. Moses Dixon President & CEO of Senior Connection appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Representative Sean Garballey is a champion of inclusion. PLAN of MA & RI partner, Special Olympics Massachusetts, recently awarded the Jack Brett award to Rep. Garballey for his work on […] The post Representative Sean Garballey appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Rob Wrubel has had an amazing journey to get to where he is. He talks about following his purpose and passion on his life's journey. He is the father of […] The post Rob Wrubel-Father and Financial Planner appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Senator O'Connor's legislative platform aligns with the mission of PLAN, as he has been consistently working throughout his time in the State Senate to serve those with disabilities in helping […] The post Senator Patrick O'Connor appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Before becoming involved with Best Buddies, Zach was not very socially active and did not participate in many extracurricular activities. After joining his high school Best Buddies chapter during freshman […] The post Zach Smith National Football League (NFL), New York City appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Before becoming involved with Best Buddies, Zach was not very socially active and did not participate in many extracurricular activities. After joining his high school Best Buddies chapter during freshman […] The post Zach Smith National Football League (NFL), New York City appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  Dr. White was named President and Chief Executive Officer for Road To Responsibility, Inc. (RTR) in September 2008. He has been active in the field of human services since […] The post President and CEO of Road To Responsibility, Inc. Christopher T. White, Ed.D. appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  Dr. White was named President and Chief Executive Officer for Road To Responsibility, Inc. (RTR) in September 2008. He has been active in the field of human services since […] The post President and CEO of Road To Responsibility, Inc. Christopher T. White, Ed.D. appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Dr. White was named President and Chief Executive Officer for Road To Responsibility, Inc. (RTR) in September 2008. He has been active in the field of human services since 1980. […] The post Christopher T. White, Ed.D. President and Chief Executive Officer for Road To Responsibility, Inc 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 […] The post Disability Advocate & New England Council CEO Jim Brett 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 […] The post Disability Advocate & New England Council CEO Jim Brett appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Cynthia Haddad is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and a Chartered Special Needs Consultant. She is a founding partner and wealth advisor at Affinia Financial Group in Burlington, MA. As […] The post Meet Cindy Haddad appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Cynthia Haddad is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and a Chartered Special Needs Consultant. She is a founding partner and wealth advisor at Affinia Financial Group in Burlington, MA. As […] The post Meet Cindy Haddad appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, we hear from Collette Divitto, the founder of the nationally recognized baking business Collettey's Cookies, as well as her mother Rosemary Alfredo.   Collette, who was born […] The post Collettey's Cookies: Special Cookies from a Special Girl appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, we hear from Collette Divitto, the founder of the nationally recognized baking business Collettey's Cookies, as well as her mother Rosemary Alfredo.   Collette, who was born […] The post Collettey's Cookies: Special Cookies from a Special Girl appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, we hear from Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts, as he discusses the history and present of the organization, as well as the state […] The post The Arc of Massachusetts: History and Dialogue in the Disability Advocacy Movement – with Leo Sarkissian appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, we hear from Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts, as he discusses the history and present of the organization, as well as the state […] The post The Arc of Massachusetts: History and Dialogue in the Disability Advocacy Movement – with Leo Sarkissian appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Craig Welton, Chief Development Officer at Northeast Arc, as he discusses how Northeast Arc fulfills their tagline: “Changing lives. Discovering abilities.” The supports offered by […] The post Northeast Arc: Individual Abilities and Community Connections – with Craig Welton appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Craig Welton, Chief Development Officer at Northeast Arc, as he discusses how Northeast Arc fulfills their tagline: “Changing lives. Discovering abilities.” The supports offered by […] The post Northeast Arc: Individual Abilities and Community Connections – with Craig Welton appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Elder Law Attorney, Elizabeth Phillips, as she discusses herself and her Rhode Island-based practice, Hackman & Phillips Elder Law Rhode Island LLC. Listen as she highlights Elder […] The post Elder Law in Rhode Island – with Attorney Elizabeth Phillips appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Elder Law Attorney, Elizabeth Phillips, as she discusses herself and her Rhode Island-based practice, Hackman & Phillips Elder Law Rhode Island LLC. Listen as she highlights Elder Law, Special Needs Trusts, her relationship with PLAN of MA & RI, and more. Learn more here: https://www.elderlawrillc.com/ The post Elder Law in Rhode Island – with Attorney Elizabeth Phillips appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic […] The post Becoming Best Buddies – with Anthony Kennedy Shriver appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the millions of people around the world with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Listen as he discusses his personal journey that led to the founding of this wonderful organization! https://www.bestbuddies.org/   The post Becoming Best Buddies – with Anthony Kennedy Shriver appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the millions of people around the world with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Listen as he discusses his personal journey that led to […] The post Becoming Best Buddies – with Anthony Kennedy Shriver appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Michelle Markowitz, President and CEO of Cardinal Cushing Centers, as she discusses how the organization's variety of programs embodies its vision of being a caring […] The post Finding Possibility, Opportunity, and Hope at Cardinal Cushing Centers appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Michelle Markowitz, President and CEO of Cardinal Cushing Centers, as she discusses how the organization's variety of programs embodies its vision of being a caring intergenerational community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full and meaningful lives at home, at work, at school, and at play. Find out more here: https://cushingcenters.org/ The post Finding Possibility, Opportunity, and Hope at Cardinal Cushing Centers appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Michelle Markowitz, President and CEO of Cardinal Cushing Centers, as she discusses how the organization's variety of programs embodies its vision of being a caring intergenerational community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full and meaningful lives at home, at work, at school, and at play. Find out […] The post Finding Possibility, Opportunity, and Hope at Cardinal Cushing Centers 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 […] 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 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. 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 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 […] 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 […] 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 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 […] 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 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. 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 […] 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 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 […] 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 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. 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 […] The post Special Olympics Massachusetts: The Power of Inclusive Sports 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. 

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 […] 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.

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 […] 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 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 […] 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/

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 […] 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 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 […] 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.

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 post Establishing a Special Needs Trust – with Michelle LaPointe 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. The post Establishing a Special Needs Trust – with Michelle LaPointe appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Kathy Vitello, the Director of Operations at PLAN of MA & RI and Licensed Social Worker. Tune in as she discusses the importance of the on-staff social workers, AKA service coordinators, and real-life stories of how special needs trusts have been utilized at PLAN. To learn more go to planofma-ri.org.