Special Focus

In an effort to better serve individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, the UCP Foundation is taking the lead in offering periodic seminars for parents and families on timely and important issues, as well as providing information that might be useful to families.

Please check back here for news of the next seminar or other interesting information! or you can contact Justin Stanley at (850) 432-1596.



PLANS FOR THE NEXT SEMINAR ARE IN THE WORKS, but in the meantime, you might be interested in the following article . . .

Article reprinted from the May 28, 2008 edition of UCPeople, a weekly journal for UCP affiliates.

When parents have a child (adult or underage) with disabilities, one of the most important questions they ask themselves is, "What is going to happen to my child when I am no longer here?" Children with disabilities are living longer, making it essential for parents to plan for their child's long term support and well being.

There are several different types of trusts that can be established—self-funded trusts, 1^st and 3^rd party trusts, pooled trusts, etc. It can be quite complicated and overwhelming. Furthermore, an improperly created trust could comprise the individual's eligibility for public benefits.

An attorney who specializes in estate planning for families with a child with special needs can help families establish a special needs trust and life plan. Insurance agents, financial planners, and other financial professionals who specialize in needs planning, guidance counselors and other parents of children with special needs also are good resources.

The following resources provide more information about life and financial planning for people with disabilities. Talk to families that receive services from your affiliate and make sure they are aware of this most important topic.

Resources:

• » MetDesk (Read the UCPeople Article about MetDesk)
• » Exceptional Parent Financial and Life Planning Information
• » With Open Arms: Embracing a Bright Financial Future for You and Your Child with Disabilities
• » Life Planning and Down Syndrome
• » Academy of Special Needs Planners
• » Special Needs Alliance

For more items from UCPeople (and other National UCP newsletters), click on this link -- UCP Newsletters.

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