"A happy, smiling mother and father embrace their adult son with Down syndrome outdoors."

Is 17A Guardianship Right for Your Special Needs Child?

Posted on
What happens to parents’ rights when their special needs child turns 18? Reaching the age of majority—eighteen-- is a milestone in New York. That means that all children – – including all those with intellectual or developmental disabilities – – are considered adults with the legal authority to make their own medical, financial and other...
Is 17A Guardianship Right for Your Special Needs Child? Continue reading…
"A loving mother smiles while leaning her forehead against her happy teenage daughter with Down syndrome outdoors."

If You Have a Special Needs Child, You Must Learn About OPWDD

Posted on
Accessing New York State OPWDD Services and Supports What is OPWDD? If you are the parent or legal guardian of a person with developmental disabilities in New York State – – or have a developmental disability yourself – – there are multiple supports and services available to you through the New York State Office of Persons...
If You Have a Special Needs Child, You Must Learn About OPWDD Continue reading…

What is an Individualized Education Plan?

Posted on
What is an Individualized Education Plan? An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a document specially developed for children with disabilities or special needs. IEPs are designed to create a learning environment where a child with special needs can flourish without being removed from the company of non-disabled peers. IEPs strive to keep children in the least restrictive environment...
What is an Individualized Education Plan? Continue reading…

You can now have a savings account for a disabled child! ABLE Accounts are a new savings vehicle that everyone with a disabled relative should know about.

Posted on
What are the ABLE Accounts? Not many people are aware of it, but if you have a disabled relative, you can save money for their benefit, WITHOUT jeopardizing their receipt of Medicaid or SSI. In the past, a Supplemental Needs Trust was the only option.  Under the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act,...
You can now have a savings account for a disabled child! ABLE Accounts are a new savings vehicle that everyone with a disabled relative should know about. Continue reading…