258: A Guide to Trustee Selection & Protectors
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Release Date: 11/21/2024
273: A Mother’s Day Reflection: Making Space for Joy After Loss
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
As many of you know, this time of year is always layered for me. Mother’s Day brings both sweet memories and aching absences. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I open up about my own motherhood journey. I’ve lived through the joy of raising two incredible daughters, and I’ve lived through the unimaginable grief of losing one of them. I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned along the way—things I wish I’d known when I was in the thick of it. To those of you parenting children with disabilities, caring for aging parents, or simply doing your best to hold it all together: I...
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272: Pooled Trusts 101: What Every Special Needs Family Should Know
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
When it comes to protecting a loved one with disabilities, few decisions are as overwhelming as choosing the right trustee. But in a world of nonprofit pooled trusts, legal jargon, and alarming headlines about financial misconduct, how do you separate peace of mind from potential pitfalls? In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down everything you need to know about Pooled Special Needs Trusts, from how they work to when they make sense. I share hard-earned wisdom as both a lawyer and a special needs parent, guiding you through what questions to ask, how to vet your options, and why...
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271: More Than A Babysitter: Redefining Support for Families with Special Needs | Susan Asay, CEO & Founder of Apex Social Global Exchange Foundation
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Caring for a child with disabilities isn’t just a full-time job, it’s a deeply personal, emotional, and often isolating journey. What if the support parents need wasn’t just about filling a shift, but about building a relationship? In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Susan Asay, founder of Apex Social Exchange Foundation, to talk about what it really means to find care you can trust. Susan shares her own story of juggling a demanding career, raising young kids, and desperately trying to find someone who could not only help, but understand. That search...
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270: Play-Based Learning: How to Nurture Your Child's Unique Abilities with Jenny Nechvatal, Early Childhood Teacher, Author, Disability Advocate, & Support Coordinator
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Workshops that equip educators to support children with disabilities and engage parents are essential in bridging knowledge gaps for better care. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with Jenny Nechvatal, an Early Childhood Teacher, Author, and devoted parent, who shares her journey raising three children, including twin boys diagnosed with level three autism. Their conversation explores the importance of accepting children's abilities and highlights the diverse support systems available in both Australia and the U.S. Embracing and celebrating a child's unique...
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269: Embracing Imperfection: Parenting Through Chaos with Cynthia Di Filippo Elomaa, Author of Nicky’s Very Messy Room
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Parenting can be a whirlwind of chaos and imperfections, but sometimes, it's in those messy moments that growth and learning truly happens. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with children's author, Cynthia Di Filippo Elomaa. Cynthia embraces imperfection and chaos in parenting, emphasizing that seeking support and tailored assistance is essential while recognizing that each child learns at their own unique pace. Her inclusive educational book series, "Nikki's Very Messy Room," centers on planning, collaboration, and involving children in chores to foster...
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268: How Embracing Culture Transforms Inclusion with Christa Preston, Founder & Executive Director of Embrace Kulture
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Embracing culture is more than just a statement; it's a way of life. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sat down with Christa Preston, founder of Embrace Kulture, to share her journey of fostering inclusion for children with developmental and cognitive disabilities in Uganda and East Africa. Inspired by her brother, Nick, and local Ugandan child, Olivia, Christa grew the organization into a fully Ugandan-led movement that has reached over a million people, influenced national policies, and transformed inclusive education. She also highlighted #NoMoreHiddenChildren, a...
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267: Proactive Caregiving: A Practical Guide to Fiduciary Responsibilities
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Being a fiduciary is like being a financial superhero with great power and great responsibility. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down the critical role of fiduciary responsibilities and how to navigate them effectively. Acting as a fiduciary goes beyond managing finances; it requires transparency, organized documentation, and a deep understanding of beneficiaries' needs to make informed decisions. Fiduciaries wield the power to make decisions that significantly impact others' lives. It’s a role that demands not only expertise but also a strong sense of duty and ethics. By...
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266: Passion vs. Purpose: Driving Change for Individuals with Disabilities
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Supporting the special needs community is crucial for creating an inclusive and welcoming world for individuals with disabilities. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I talk about the importance of intentional planning to support the special needs community and ease the anxiety that often weighs on individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. I share my experiences and how thoughtful accommodations can make all the difference as a parent. Passion is important, but real change comes from purposeful actions and planning. It’s about creating a world where everyone feels...
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265: The Ultimate Checklist for Updating Your Estate Plan
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal and financial circumstances, regularly updating your estate plan cannot be overstated. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I talk about why it’s so important to keep your estate plan up to date. Life happens—families change, finances shift, and you might buy a new property or start a business in another state. That’s why I recommend reviewing your plan every year and doing a deeper dive every three years, or whenever a big life event happens. From my own experience, I’ve seen how essential it is to adapt your plan so it truly reflects...
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264: Avoid the Scarcity Trap: How the Disability Community Can Thrive Together
Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Individuals with disabilities often encounter significant hurdles in accessing quality healthcare due to limited accessibility options and a scarcity of available services. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I address the challenges individuals with disabilities face in accessing quality healthcare, including limited services and barriers like Medicaid restrictions. I advocate for policy changes to enhance resources and emphasize the importance of building community to share experiences and solutions. By shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, focusing on strengths, and...
info_outlineSpecial needs trusts are an essential tool for families who want to ensure the long-term financial security of their loved ones with disabilities. However, I know firsthand how overwhelming and confusing navigating the world of trusts can be.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down the essentials of special needs trusts in an accessible way. I share practical tips for choosing the right trustee and explain their responsibilities. Trustee’s are important—not just in managing the trust, but in making sure the beneficiary continues to receive the care and services they need. My goal is to simplify what often feels like a daunting process, stressing that choosing the right trustee, maintaining open communication, and making informed decisions are key to supporting the well-being and future of those we love.
In this episode, you will hear:
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An overview of the responsibilities of a trustee.
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How special needs trustees differ from regular trustees.
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What factors should be considered when selecting a trustee.
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How trust distributions affect public benefits eligibility.
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