Originally published in May 2021, the original version of this Voice® article was written by SNA member Sandra Smith, CELA. The article was updated in 2026 with appreciation and gratitude for the original author’s work, with revisions by Jenn Crane. Federal employees may be able to provide government survivor benefits for their children with special needs. Federal employees, non-elected, non-military people … Read More
ABLE Accounts: What Families Should Know
This article was written by SNA member Laura Silver Traiger, a partner at Starr Traiger LLP in Worcester, Massachusetts, who concentrates her practice on the legal issues facing older and disabled clients, including estate and Medicaid planning, public benefits protection, special needs trusts, guardianships/conservatorships, and estate administration. Saving money for a family member with a disability can feel like a balancing act: set … Read More
Sensational Summer – Sensory and Movement Activities to Reduce Stress and Improve Sensory Processing
Written by Maureen Bennie Summer is a great time to explore the outdoors, try new sensory activities and enjoy a more relaxed pace. Let’s explore some sensory activities that can help reduce stress while improving sensory processing and quality of life. Introduce Seasonal Foods Through Cooking and Gardening Activities There are two activities that we had our autistic son, Marc, do … Read More
Preparing Young Adults with Disabilities for College
This post was authored by SNA member Beth C. Manes, Esq., Co-Founder and Partner at Manes & Weinberg Special Needs Lawyers, LLC. in Westfield, NJ, and Denise Gackenheimer Verzella, a Senior Associate with her firm. An SNA member since 2022, Beth focuses her practice on the areas of Special Education Law, Special Needs Planning, Guardianships and Estate Planning. Every parent experiences some anxiety as … Read More
Frauds and Scams Are Increasing Against Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities
According to The Special Needs Alliance’s publication, The Voice, financial fraud is on the rise for those individuals with special needs or disabilities. Financial abuse can be devastating to anyone, but individuals with disabilities and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable. If you have a loved one, you should be aware of the following types of fraud or scams currently on … Read More