Advocacy

Politics not withstanding, I don't believe Sarah Palin knows a whole lot yet about parenting special needs children.  Lucky for us, though, there are a number of people and organizations that do.  

Over the past decade, our family has identified some wonderful non-profit groups dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, from a number of different perspectives.  Starting at birth, there's the March of Dimes.  They are committed to reducing premature births in the US and worldwide as quickly as possible.  Easter Seals is another group with a long history of services, programs and lobbying for the rights of people with disabilities. Sign up to get on these organizations' email alerts and you'll be amazed at what you'll learn. Plus, they make it easy for you to stay active and advocate for your children via the worldwide web.  

There are so many places that fight on our behalf at the state and federal level.  And others who raise money for important grants to create local programs that improve the lives of our families and loved ones in our very own communities.  Spend some time on the internet to learn more about what's available in your area and how you can help.  It's really time well spent.

Financials

With our global economy crumbling more each day, it's more important than ever to have family financial plans in good order.  This is particularly true for a family with special needs.  Thankfully, we got our ducks in a row years ago and established a Supplemental Needs Trust for our son, Andrew.  We did other financial planning for our "typical" children; however, planning for Andrew's disability required special legal advice, documents and investment in order to preserve his options as an adult and ensure he is protected long-term.  

We found expertise at the law firm of Day Pitney LLC and attorney Dane Dudley (bddudley@daypitney.com).  They have offices in CT, MA, NY, NJ and Washington, DC.  Dane explained all sorts of scenarios and helped us prepare for each of them.  While we hope we never have to call upon these crisis plans, we feel confident that our family will be provided for no matter what happens and that Andrew especially will have what he needs to enjoy a long and happy life.  

If only fixing the global economy were so easy.