Have you ever wondered how Social Security impacts those who are disabled or retired? I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for providing financial stability.

Earlier this month we spoke about Social Security and Work. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I want to delve deeper into the basics of the critical topic of social security, public benefits, and financial planning for individuals with disabilities. Did you know that ABLE accounts are revolutionary, allowing you to save money without jeopardizing benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Proper financial planning is crucial, as one misstep in managing assets can lead to the loss of these vital benefits. For SSI recipients and those on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), understanding the nuances of your programs can make a big difference. Navigating social security benefits and work income can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and understanding, you can make informed decisions that benefit your financial stability.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• How work income affects SSI benefits

• How ABLE accounts can help manage assets without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility

• Why planning for Medicaid coverage is important

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: Annette Hines

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

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Imagine navigating a system where your needs are ignored due to your age. This is the reality for many adults with autism facing age discrimination. The fight against this injustice hinges on advocacy, personalization, and accessibility. Advocating for legislative changes ensures equality and fairness.

In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Christina Gravina CEO & Founder of BILT (Bridging Independent Living Together, Inc.). Annette and Christina address age discrimination in autism services, highlighting the challenges adults face when denied support due to age. Christina advocates for legal changes and emphasizes personalized, goal-oriented services over the one-size-fits-all model. Her organization, BILT, offers one-on-one support, therapeutic mentoring, skill-building, and community integration, with options for private pay and insurance. They’ve also opened a center with small group classes and a high staff-to-client ratio, allowing clients to choose activities they enjoy. Christina stresses starting small, gathering feedback, and overcoming funding challenges to create effective programs for people with disabilities.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why you should advocate for legislative changes to address age discrimination in autism services.

• How to provide individualized services tailored to the unique goals and interests of disabled individuals.

• What payment options, such as private pay, school district funding, DDS payments, and insurance, can make services more accessible.

• Ways to create meaningful programs for individuals with disabilities.
  
  

Resources from this Episode:

Website: www.biltne.org

Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn: biltinc

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Talking about the challenges of disability can be tough and delicate. For those living with disabilities and their caregivers, every day brings unique hurdles that demand patience, creativity, and resilience. It’s crucial to focus on person-centered planning and get creative to make sure disabled individuals have the support they need to thrive.

In this episode, I get into the real challenges of disability and how crucial informed decision-making and proactive planning are for parents and caregivers. From my own experiences, I think it’s important to recognize our mistakes, stay resilient, and come up with creative solutions ourselves. I also share why having a solid disability or life plan matters, covering things like agency meetings, housing, financial support, and transitioning to adulthood. Effective communication, adaptability, and a supportive community are key to advocating for your loved ones. Let's keep supporting each other, staying resilient, and making informed decisions to ensure a brighter future for our kids and those we care for.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why it is important to create a disability or life plan for loved ones with disabilities.

• How being creative can help navigate challenges for parents and caregivers of disabled individuals.

• Why it is crucial to recognize mistakes and adjust plans when supporting individuals with disabilities.

• What role effective communication plays in advocating for individuals with disabilities.

• Why it is important to prioritize person-centered planning for individuals with disabilities.
  
  

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.