The Plan for Special Needs Trusts

PLAN of MA & RI is proud to partner with Best Buddies in Massachusetts & Rhode Island. Our work together promotes inclusion and offers support for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). PLAN of MA & RI is thrilled to celebrate Eleanor Jones who joined our team, from the Best Buddies Jobs Program, nearly three years ago! The Best Buddies Jobs Program helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure jobs which allow them to earn an income and independently support themselves. We worked with our partners at Best Buddies in Massachusetts & Rhode Island to match job qualifications with the interests of job applicants. We are so thankful that Eleanor chose PLAN of MA & RI as her new employer! “Working at PLAN has made me more confident.” “This job has meant a lot to me.” Eleanor Jones. “Eleanor comes with a positive attitude and she is professional. She wants to learn!” Joan McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, PLAN of MA & RI. The post Kara Falcone, State Director, Best Buddies MA & RI Featuring Eleanor Jones From PLAN of MA & RI appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Elizabeth (Liz) Sandblom is the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the South Shore. With a career spanning more than three decades, Elizabeth brings extensive experience and passion to her role, where she leads the organization’s strategic direction and operations. Before joining The Arc, Elizabeth spent 30 years at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, most recently serving as Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). In her tenure at DDS, she worked across various capacities, including service coordination, and gained a deep understanding of state-funded programs that benefit individuals with disabilities. Elizabeth is a strong advocate for person- and family-centered practices and is a recognized Ambassador for LifeCourse Initiatives, championing meaningful change within organizations and communities. Proficient in American Sign Language, she’s committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive in their communities and achieve their fullest potential. The post Elizabeth Sandblom Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the South Shore 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.

Margaret (Meg) Hogan currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at Boston Senior Home Care. Before joining the agency in 2017, Meg was Vice President of External Relations for Home Health Foundation, which included Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice, and Home Care, Inc., one of the largest home care agencies in Massachusetts. In that role, Meg oversaw the development and implementation of strategic, agency-wide programs and initiatives that advanced and promoted patient care services. Before joining Home Health Foundation, Meg served as Chief Operations Officer for the National Patient Safety Foundation, Executive Director for the New England Healthcare Assembly, and Director of Education and Marketing for the Massachusetts Hospital Association. Meg has served on the MA Health Policy Commission Advisory Council and as Board President and Board Treasurer for Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. The post Margaret Hogan, Chief Executive Officer at Boston Senior Home Care appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

James Day Keith is a multi-sport Special Olympics athlete, actor, and passionate advocate for inclusion who starred in the movie Champions.  He promotes friendship, acceptance, and belonging for people of all abilities, shares his story with schools and organizations, and serves as an ambassador for Special Olympics Massachusetts and Best Buddies. He is recognized for his leadership, fitness, and dedication to inspiring others to reach their full potential. He also works as a swim instructor, teaching confidence and a love for fitness to the next generation.    The post James Day Keith-Advocate for Inclusion appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Bob Scannell has been the leader of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD) for the past 38 years.  BGCD serves over 4,000 youth each year and have over 202 programs and activities. Their mission is to always welcome and connect young people and families to opportunities that embrace diversity, nurture growth, and inspire success.  As part of the Boston Inclusion Network for Disabilities (BIND), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester believes that inclusion is more than placement, it’s being part of what everyone else is doing, being welcomed and embraced as a person – and a Club member – who belongs. On any given day, you will find children of all abilities participating in various activities at BGCD; whether it is learning to shoot a basketball, getting homework help or participating in early education. BGCD encourages parents of children with unique needs to set up a meeting and tour with their Inclusion Coordinator to discuss program opportunities for their child. The post Bob Scannell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (with Mary Kinsella Scannell and Erin Ferrara) appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 (IDD) to lead The Arc since its first Director, Pearl Birnbaum Hurwitz, in 1954. Maura Sullivan has been a dynamic force within The Arc of Massachusetts for over a decade, leading Government Affairs and serving as the Director of Operation House Call, the nationally recognized training program that equips students in medical, nursing, and allied health professions across Massachusetts with the skills and understanding needed to care for individuals with IDD and autism. Maura is a well-respected advocate, whose work has led to significant legislative achievements, including the passage of Nicky’s Law, Police Training in Autism, and the continued success of Operation House Call. At the State House, Maura has been instrumental in securing increased funding for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) budget, the direct support workforce, and MassHealth. Beyond her legislative successes, Maura actively contributes to numerous state and national advisory boards and commissions focused on transition age youth with IDD and autism. She collaborates with prestigious institutions such as Drexel University, the Institute for Exceptional Care, and Harvard Medical School. Her involvement extends to the Massachusetts Governor’s Autism Commission for Healthcare and the Massachusetts Initiative to Improve Healthcare Transitions. In addition, Maura directs the policy and advocacy of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts. 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 as an Official Ambassador for Operation House Call through the Arc of Massachusetts, a Flutie Fellow for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Supported Decision-Making Coalition, a board member of Massachusetts Advocates for Children, and a Council Member of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Jonathan shares his personal journey, including overcoming early challenges, his autism diagnosis, educational struggles, and his battle with cancer. He explains supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship and emphasizes its importance for individuals with disabilities in maintaining autonomy. His advocacy work includes passing the Massachusetts Restraints and Seclusion Law, advocating for such bills as Operation House Call, Hospital Training, Health Care Discrimination, Police Training and more. He has also spoken on Capitol Hill about the Autism Care Act and the Education Bill. Drawing on his experiences with early intervention services, specialized clinics, and homeschooling, Jonathan highlights the significance of personalized education and healthcare. His story of resilience offers valuable insights into effective advocacy, engaging with legislative bodies, and the power of personal stories in creating change. Jonathan encourages building supportive networks and engaging in community efforts to improve educational, healthcare, and legal supports for individuals with disabilities. Jonathan believes, “As Human Beings, our differences enrich each other. Our voices together can be powerful and significant. We should all strive to create a world where everyone’s voice is heard, and every life is valued.” 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 has served as the President & CEO of Senior Connection, formerly the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc. (CMAA), since 2019. Dr. Dixon earned a doctorate in Community and Public Affairs from The State University of New York at Binghamton, a Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from the Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, a Master’s in Community Development and Planning from Clark University in Worcester, MA, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Howard University in Washington, DC. Dr. Dixon’s expertise in global health delivery, particularly in culturally appropriate care for black and brown older adults and caregivers, has been recognized by the Harvard Medical School. He focuses on grandparents raising their grandchildren, known as ‘Grandfamilies’. Prior to this, he served as a legislative fellow staffer to former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nevada) and a legislative aide on Beacon Hill to Massachusetts State Representative Mary S. Keefe from the 15th Worcester District. Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey appointed him to serve on the Governor’s Council on Black Empowerment for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to advise Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll on issues related to the economic prosperity and well-being of Massachusetts’ Black community, including education, health care, housing, and workforce development. Governor Healey appointed him to serve on the Public Education Nominating Council. In this role, Dr. Dixon advises the governor concerning appointments to the Board of Education, the Board of Higher Education, and all board trustees of community colleges, state colleges, and the University of Massachusetts. In January 2024, Dr. Moses S. Dixon was named one of 60 Scholars who formed the ninth Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) class. The PLS initiative has brought together a diverse network of leaders, encouraging them to collaborate and create meaningful change in the United States and around the world while learning about leadership through the experiences of the presidential administrations of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.       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 behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Special Olympics is very very important to me. I’ve been volunteering with Special Olympics for a pretty long time; and last year I was able to get money from the state budget dedicated to supporting Special Olympics across the commonwealth of Massachusetts.” 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 a special needs daughter. Rob uses his knowledge to help special needs families by serving as their financial advisor and by speaking to families and professional groups throughout the country. “Special needs families face financial challenges not faced by other parents, such as protecting governmental benefits by good planning and balancing savings for retirement while having funds available to pay for disability-related expenses. People often come to my office in a state of fear and anxiety. They are overwhelmed with the decisions they need to make about their financial life and future planning. I understand their concerns because I am in their shoes. I look at this as a personal and professional mission”. 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 to preserve assets, protect benefits, and to live well. Providing resources not just to those who are living with disabilities, but also ensuring that their family is taken care of, are aligning priorities that both PLAN and the Senator share. Since being sworn in, Senator O’Connor has been advocating for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In 2016, the Joyce family made him aware of the abuse their son Dana was experiencing in his group home, which ignited the legislation that would be signed into law in March 2020, “Dana’s Law.” This law establishes a registry of individuals found to have committed abuse against those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Group homes serving these populations would now be required to check the registry during the application process, and any individual on the registry would be barred from employment. In 2019, Senator O’Connor co-hosted a panel with the MDDC to discuss the challenges and achievements regarding employment and accessibility for those living with disabilities, discussing strategies that will allow the Commonwealth to increase employment opportunities for those living with disabilities. Some recent relevant active legislation that benefits the disabled community primarily sponsored by Senator O’Connor includes An Act to increase the safety of individuals with disabilities relying on life-support equipment, An Act relative to accommodating special needs students taking the MCAS examination, An Act creating a scholarship fund to increase the number of medical providers who are knowledgeable in autism, and An Act establishing tax credit for families caring for elderly relatives and victims of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Senator O’Connor has secured money in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the ARC of the South Shore Autism Resource Center, Raising Harts (an organization dedicated to supporting families with autistic and neurodiverse children), the SAIL Program (Supported Access to Independent Living, a new initiative based out of Scituate to create housing solutions for those who have IDD and/or autism and their families). The local organizations that Senator O’Connor has provided support for are of the utmost priority to him. Aiding those throughout the district he represents, beyond into the state of Massachusetts who have disabilities, and their families is what he is proudest of and will continue to make a top legislative priority. 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 year, that all changed. Zach made tons of friends, went to parties, and even was named the Best Buddies Buddy Director at his school. This led Zach to have the chance to catch a touchdown pass from Tom Brady at the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port event in Boston, which Zach says was one of the best moments of his life. From there, Zach went on to join his college Best Buddies chapter and to live and work in New York City. Zach is currently part of the Jobs program and is also matched in a one-to-one friendship in the Citizens program. One of the biggest challenges Zach faced in 2021 was trying to find a Job. After graduating college in May 2020, he did not have much luck getting responses or invitations to interview. That’s when the Best Buddies Jobs team came in. The New York City Jobs team supported Zach in finding employment as a GSIS Statistician at the National Football League (NFL) headquarters, which has been a perfect fit and huge growth opportunity. “My life has improved in so many aspects since securing my job at the NFL,” says Zach. “Not only have I developed amazing social relationships with my co-workers, but I’m now living on my own for the first time in my life. I’m responsible for paying my own rent, cleaning, buying groceries, and figuring out transportation around the city. Not only has my position at the NFL brought me the tasks that a job provides, but has made it so that I have more responsibilities to succeed now that I’m living on my own in the largest city in the U.S.” In this role, Zach is responsible for the support, audit, and process of all NFL and NCAA game statistics for the 2021 season. The skills he has learned have been predominantly technical, but what he loves the most is getting to watch football on Sundays with his co-workers. When describing his experience, Zach says, “Being in an NFL-related job is one thing, but when you add amazing people to work with in that environment, it doesn’t get better than that. Best Buddies has helped me improve my social communication skills, establish close friendships, attend many fun events, and find a job I love. I am very thankful for the opportunities and support Best Buddies has given me since joining.” 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 1980. Under his experienced leadership, RTR has grown more than 30% between 2008 and 2015 and continues to be recognized as one of the top provider organizations in the state. Dr. White also serves on the Board of Directors for the MA Council of Human Service Providers (The Provider’s Council) and is on the Executive Board for the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP). As one of the original members of the President’s National Task Group on Dementia, Dr. White is regularly invited to speak at national and regional conferences. In 1982, Dr. White received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bridgewater State College (now University). He went on to Harvard University and earned his Master’s degree in Counseling and Consulting Psychology in 1984. Dr. White received his Doctorate in Leadership: Counseling Psychology in 1992 from Northeastern University and is a licensed Psychologist and Health Services Provider in Massachusetts. Dr. White served as an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Program of Counseling and Applied Psychology at Northeastern University from September 1994 until September 2014. There, he taught a variety of clinical courses, including two courses which he developed for the department for Core Clinical Skills and Brief Therapies. The post President and CEO of Road To Responsibility, Inc. Christopher T. White, Ed.D. 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.

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 a financial professional and sister and advocate for her brother Ron, who has developmental disabilities, Cindy has dedicated her career to serving families like her own. She is a nationally sought-after speaker on planning for families of individuals with disabilities and co-author of the groundbreaking book, The Special Needs Planning Guide, now in its 2nd edition. 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 in 1990 with Down syndrome, developed her passion for baking while taking classes in high school in her hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut. She graduated from a three-year LIFE program at Clemson University in just two years. Despite going on many interviews, she encountered significant barriers to employment after moving to Boston. However, she never let this dissuade her and began turning her passion for baking into both a successful business and a platform from which to advocate for people with disabilities and improving their employment opportunities.   Please enjoy this fascinating and inspiring conversation between our host Jordan Rich, Collette and Rosemary. 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 of advocacy and care for people living with intellectual and physical disabilities in the Commonwealth. PLAN actually grew out of the original members and families of the Arc, with the original Trust incorporated in 1971 as a non-profit under the IRS Section 501©3 tax code. The discussion also touched on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacted a large portion of the people in the disabled community and their families. You can find out more about the work and mission of Leo and the Arc of Massachusetts here: https://thearcofmass.org/about/ 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 Northeast Arc, from independent living skills to job programs, seek to meet each individual’s needs and goals. Listen as he highlights how connections within the community and a partnership with PLAN support their work. To find out more: https://ne-arc.org/. 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 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.