Vermont Act 158 requires private insurance and Medicaid to cover medically necessary treatments for the condition of autism and early childhood developmental disorders. One of the key therapies that is now covered is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): a therapy that…
Special Needs Trusts 101
What is a Special Needs Trust? A Special Needs Trust is a legally binding document which enables a beneficiary with a disability to have a good quality of life, yet still qualify for important government benefits. Why is a Special…
Documenting Key Information About Your Disabled Child
As parents, we forget that so much of the information about our children rests in our heads and not on paper. It is very important to document information about your disabled child. This can be done with a special needs…
Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities
Disability benefits are available to qualified recipients under two programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). SSI is a means-tested program for people with disabilities who have very limited means, but SSDI is an insurance program that…
Throwing a Life Saver without Going Overboard: Considering Alternatives to Guardianship
The question I am asked most often by parents of individuals with special needs is: “What will happen to my child when I can no longer take care of her?” It is a question of uncertain direction most certainly followed…
Steps to Take in Advance of Death or Disability
No one wants to face the fact that our loved ones will not be with us forever. Facing our own mortality is frightening as well. Although none of us wants to contemplate a time when we or a loved one…
5 Planning Pointers for Parents of Disabled Children
Buy enough life insurance. A parent is irreplaceable, but someone will have to fill in if the worst happens. It may be siblings or other relatives. In all likelihood, that family will have to pay for at least some services…