Special Needs Planning

April 28, 2020

Special Needs Planning During the COVID Era

These are strange times. We all feel it. We’re in our homes, venturing out cautiously, masks have become a part of daily life. I constantly have the eerie feeling I’m in a dystopian movie. All families are finding new ways to be together and take care of each other. In families already dealing with underlying disabilities these new stressors can be terrifying.

Families with members who have disabilities have always had to learn to zig and zag since society isn’t always easy to navigate, so adaptability is a skill that has been developed by necessity. Now more than ever that adaptability is being tested. It’s no news to you that advocacy and determination are now, more than ever needed.

February 6, 2020

5 Ways to Plan for Your Child with Special Needs

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

Your child with special needs is getting older – and so are you. Perhaps your child has always had special needs, or maybe he had a life-altering event such as an accident or the onset of mental illness. Whatever the reason, he will need help long after you’re gone.

We imagine your goals are two-fold:

1. Your deepest desire is to help your special needs child maintain his quality of life when you’re no longer here.

2. You also want to protect your child’s eligibility for government programs designed to support people with disabilities.

What is the best way to achieve these goals? Continue reading

December 1, 2019

Create Your Last Will and Testament: Your Child with Special Needs Deserves It

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

Are you a Connecticut resident without a Last Will and Testament? More specifically, are you a parent of a child with special needs and you don’t have a Will?

There are some facts you need to know…and they may surprise you.

For starters, take a look at The Shocking Truth About Not Having a Will, a blog we posted about why a Will is important and the consequences of not having one. Continue reading

July 17, 2019

Compassionate Allowances: Fast Track to Social Security Disability Benefits

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

You may be able to get financial help sooner than you think.

If you become permanently disabled before your retirement age and are no longer able to work, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that allows you to apply for your full Social Security benefits now.

Don’t be discouraged by the stories you hear about the application and determination process taking months, or even years. If you have one of the conditions included on the “Compassionate Allowances” list, your application may be approved in a matter of weeks.

How great that would be! Continue reading

July 12, 2019

Good Business: Companies Hiring People with Disabilities Are Thriving

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

Seeking competitive advantages is a key part of any business’ survival strategy. Whether you are running an auto parts store, advertising agency, or global tech firm, your venture has a better chance at long-term success if you are able to uncover unique ways to gain an edge over your competitors. Today, some of the savviest corporations and small businesses are doing just that by hiring people with disabilities.

There are a great many misconceptions about how employees with disabilities affect the efficiency and profitability of the companies that hire them. Far too many people still believe long-outdated ideas about the capabilities of individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Recent research, however, is breaking down these archaic notions to reveal the huge potential in an inclusive and diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities.

Take for instance the findings of the U.S. Department of Labor, which reported that employers who embrace disability as a core part of their staffing plan typically see:

June 18, 2019

10 Signs of Alzheimer’s

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

When we get to a certain age, we sometimes experience what is jokingly referred to as a “senior moment.” We forget a name, miss an appointment or overlook a bill.

But if forgetfulness or confusion starts to seriously interfere with daily life, it’s time seek medical help. The symptoms could point to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

What are the warning signs?

How can you tell if someone in your life is more than just a little forgetful and needs a medical evaluation? The Alzheimer’s Association lists these 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s: Continue reading

April 25, 2019

5 “Smart” Devices That Can Be Life Changing

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

We may not have flying cars or robot butlers yet, but technology is constantly edging us closer and closer to the world of the future that used to exist only in cartoons like The Jetsons. While many of the latest technology products are marketed primarily as nice-to-have devices that offer entertainment or convenience, there is a whole other application for these items. Wearables and text-to-speech programs and voice-activated devices can be very helpful, but they can be life-changing to someone who is disabled or elderly.

For people with mobility issues, impaired vision, speech disorders, and other challenges, assistive technologies can make all kinds of tasks easier. The ever-growing range of “smart home” devices is an area of particular interest. These primarily voice-activated products offer a novel solution for busy people who feel the need to multitask, but for others they can be a powerful new tool for handling the day-to-day tasks needed to remain independent.

So-called “smart home” technology refers to devices that connect to, monitor, and control physical objects such as thermostats, blinds, security cameras, lighting, music, computers, and so forth. These smart devices are used to manage a broad range of elements including a home’s environment and energy use, ambiance or atmosphere (lighting, music, etc.), entertainment, and security.

February 25, 2019

13 Things You Must Know About Divorce and Children with Disabilities

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

When a marriage breaks up and there are children involved, the ideal situation is when both parents cooperate for the benefit of their children.

This is especially true for parents of a special needs child.

The very best time to start planning for a child with special needs
is at the beginning of the divorce process.

Two Heads Are Better Than One

In best-case scenarios, the divorce attorney collaborates with an experienced special needs planning attorney to map out a plan that will provide maximum resources for the child. Otherwise, parents could unintentionally cause their child to forfeit valuable benefits they are entitled to. Continue reading

November 25, 2018

Younger Onset Alzheimer’s – What You Need to Know

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

Alzheimer’s Disease is just for old people, right? Wrong.

About 200,000 Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are less than 65 years old. Some are in their 40’s and 50’s with children still living at home or in college. The financial implications are frightening. What happens if the breadwinner gets Alzheimer’s?

Over the past few years there have been several high profile stories in the news that highlight the reality of younger onset Alzheimer’s.

Here’s one of them – Continue reading

September 23, 2018

Guardianship and Protecting Your Loved One with an Intellectual Disability

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

Family members of individuals with intellectual disabilities go to extraordinary lengths to provide their loved ones with proper supports, services, and care. Establishing guardianship is often a necessary part of protecting the health and safety of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Yet, while many people are generally familiar with the concept of guardianship, few know what guardianship of an individual with an intellectual disability actually entails. Continue reading