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Accessing Government Benefits and the “Golden Ticket”
If you are a parent of a special needs child, government benefits and legal options are often confusing - even to those who have worked with them before. You know that there are programs out there for your child, but you are not sure where to start. You may wonder what the government provides, what...
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Leaving School Behind – Next Stop, Adulthood
The prospect of adulthood is particularly complex for individuals affected by developmental disability, their families, and the people who care about them. Like their peers, they have accumulated two decades’ worth of experiences, their bodies have matured, and they are considered to be...
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Planning for the Future: Guardianships and Special Needs Trusts
As your autistic child transitions into adulthood, you will need to address two very important legal issues: guardianships and special needs trusts. Once your child reaches the age of majority, you must consider whether a guardianship is appropriate. Further, regardless of the age of your child, it...
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The Unique Legal Issues That Affect Children and Adults with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
Over the last several years in our Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Advocacy practices, we have seen a significant increase in clients having a family member with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Although not exhaustive, this article is intended to provide an overview of...
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An Autism Spectrum News Interview with New York State OPWDD Commissioner Courtney Burke
It has been six months since Courtney Burke was appointed Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Among the many things she has accomplished since that time, Ms. Burke has completed a statewide Listening Tour focused on issues concerning...
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A Brief Overview of the Special Needs Trust
You don’t have to look too far to find reports on how medical costs have skyrocketed - and this is just for the general population. For persons with disabilities, medical costs are typically greater by an order of magnitude. Also, a child with severe disabilities may be unable to live...
