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Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Annette Hines

Welcome to Parenting Impossible, the podcast dedicated to empowering and supporting the disability community. Hosted by Annette Hines, this podcast was born out of a mission to combat the scattered and sometimes inaccurate information that parents and caregivers of disabled adult children often face.In each episode, we delve into the pressing questions and concerns that weigh on the minds of the entire special needs community including those with autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues and more. From navigating the complexities of special needs trusts and planning for the future to addressing the fundamental question of "How will my child be okay when I cannot do this anymore?"—we leave no stone unturned.Attorney Annette Hines is a special needs mom, author of the best-selling book Butterflies and Second Chances, national expert speaker, writer and contributor to publications, and founder of the Special Needs Law Group based In Massachusetts. She shares personal insights and her guests (parents, siblings, and experts and sometimes parents who are experts!) discuss many issues facing the special needs community including raising children with different abilities, transitioning into adulthood, sibling challenges and how to effectively navigate the complex systems in our world. We're not just here to talk; we're here to make a difference.In a society where the disabled and their caregivers are often devalued, Parenting Impossible stands as a beacon of advocacy and support dedicated to giving compassionate advice for all stages of life. Join us as we tackle the challenges, break down barriers, and strive to create a more informed and compassionate world for the disability community. Because when it comes to parenting in the face of impossibility, you're not alone—we're here with you.
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Top 10 Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast - 241: Estate Planning in 3 Not So Easy Steps: Social Security Basics

241: Estate Planning in 3 Not So Easy Steps: Social Security Basics

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

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07/31/24 • 56 min

Have you ever wondered how Social Security impacts those who are disabled or retired? I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for providing financial stability.

Earlier this month we spoke about Social Security and Work. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I want to delve deeper into the basics of the critical topic of social security, public benefits, and financial planning for individuals with disabilities. Did you know that ABLE accounts are revolutionary, allowing you to save money without jeopardizing benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Proper financial planning is crucial, as one misstep in managing assets can lead to the loss of these vital benefits. For SSI recipients and those on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), understanding the nuances of your programs can make a big difference. Navigating social security benefits and work income can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and understanding, you can make informed decisions that benefit your financial stability.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • How work income affects SSI benefits
  • How ABLE accounts can help manage assets without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility
  • Why planning for Medicaid coverage is important

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: Annette Hines

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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Being a caregiver can be tough and sometimes lonely. For caregiving moms, having a sense of community and connection is essential. Whether it's sharing tips on managing hectic schedules or simply lending an empathetic ear, having a supportive network of fellow moms can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of motherhood.

In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together. Inspired by her journey as a special needs mom, Jessica established the nonprofit in 2017 to create a safe, judgment-free space where caregiving moms can connect and support one another, addressing the exhaustion and isolation they often face. In this conversation, Jessica discusses the power of building supportive communities for those navigating the unique challenges of raising children with special needs, as explored in her anthology, Becoming Brave Together. Jessica reminds us that no mother should face their caregiving journey alone.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • How caregivers can prioritize their mental health effectively.
  • Why community is essential for supporting caregiving moms.
  • What makes building connections so vital in the world of caregiving.
  • How advocacy for caregivers and raising awareness about their struggles help combat stigma.

Resources from this Episode:

Website: https://www.wearebravetogether.org/

Listen to the Brave Together Parenting Podcast

Read Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight

LinkedIn: @jessica-patay

Instagram, Facebook, & YouTube: @wearebravetogether

Twitter/X: @wearebravemoms

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast - The Benefits of Virtual Reality and Other Technologies for Children with Neurodiversity

The Benefits of Virtual Reality and Other Technologies for Children with Neurodiversity

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

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11/23/22 • 41 min

Host Annette Hines opens the podcast reflecting on the many ways that technology can improve the livelihood of people with disabilities through the creation of assistive tools. Her guest, Ange Anderson M.Ed discusses the benefits of technological interventions to support students with learning differences that she has employed in the UK. She asked the question, how can we use the technology neurodivergent students enjoy and are comfortable with to gain control and make life easier for teachers, staff, and students? Computer programs are logical, predictable, and can provide a reliable outcome, unlike real life situations. VR (virtual reality) activates the motor cortex in our sensory system in a way that is similar to real life situations and gives students the feeling of being in a virtual environment. During her work as an educator, she has found that VR helps students practice scenarios that appear like real life situations so that they can prepare to better encounter the actual situation in life. The VR room at her school provides the ability for students to develop a familiarity with a new situation such as a dentist office or store in the safety of the school so that they can be successful once encountering these spaces in the real world.

We would love to hear what you think about this episode. Please leave a comment! specialneedscompanies.com/podcasts

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

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Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast - Charitable Giving: How to Make Planned Gifts to Your Beloved Charity

Charitable Giving: How to Make Planned Gifts to Your Beloved Charity

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

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12/21/22 • 51 min

Ever wondered how to give back to a charity or organization that has truly made a meaningful impact on your family? Host Annette Hines shines a spotlight on one of her beloved organizations, Perkins School for the Blind, where her daughter, Elizabeth attended school, to show how easy it is to make planned gifts. Charitable giving is one of the most frequent discussions Annette has with her clients in planning their estate. Planned giving is accessible to almost everyone, and it is a meaningful way to make an impact at your favorite organization. Two guests join Hines for this discussion on charitable giving. Jennifer Volpe works with donors on planned giving to Perkins, and she shares the perspective of what planned giving looks like from the organization. Brooke Carter Sukhavasi serves at Colby College as the Senior Associate Director of Gift Planning and is working with Perkins on planned giving through her consulting organization, B&P Consulting LLC, also joins the discussion. Annette encourages you to review your year, learn about what went well and didn't go well, and celebrate wins and move forward with a plan for 2023.

Let us know what you think of this episode and what questions you have about planned giving on our website: specialneedscompanies.com/podcast Also, we would love it if you would leave us a review. It really helps us increase our podcast's visiblity and ability to share great content for the disability community.

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

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Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast - Update: Tax Time - Special Needs Edition

Update: Tax Time - Special Needs Edition

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

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03/15/23 • 59 min

It is tax time and we want to revisit a popular episode!

Learn from Host Annette Hines and her favorite guest, law partner, and husband, Mark Worthington about answers to four top questions people ask about tax preparation and tax reporting:

  1. Can I claim my adult child as a dependent?
  2. If I charge my adult child room and board when they are living with me, is that taxable income to me? And how does this impact their Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
  3. Taxation of special needs trusts and SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act of 2019 updates.
  4. How are caregiver payments such as Adult Family Care (AFC) and Personal Care Attendant (PCA) taxed to the recipient?

In relation to #3 on taxation of special needs trusts and the SECURE Act, Mark and Annette discuss the proposed regulations that were released in February 2022. The SECURE Act shifted how distributions could be taken from retirement accounts after the account owner dies. If you are considering including a retirement account in a special needs trust for a disabled beneficiary or if you are a trustee managing a trust that has an inherited retirement account, you must be talking with a special needs estate planner like Annette or Mark or a tax advisor. If you or are working with an individual who lives in Massachusetts and need guidance on special needs trusts, you can contact their firm, Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, PA on their website: https://specialneeds-law.com/contact/

Since the recording of this episode, Congress signed into law SECURE 2.0 Act in late 2022, and updated how people save money for retirement and withdraw funds from retirement accounts. SECURE 2.0 completely revised the rules for the age at which retirees must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement plans. If your trust has an inherited retirement account or if you are the beneficiary of one directly, you will have to pay attention to the new required minimum distribution (RMD) rules.

Finally, an important point that Annette and Mark make is that distribution decisions for a special needs trust to a beneficiary cannot be made based on taxes. Rather these decisions should be made best on what is in the best interest of the beneficiary, how much needs to be saved, the size of the trust, form of the distribution.

What types of tax questions do you have? What can Annette or Mark answer for you in future episodes? Leave us a comment or question here: https://specialneedscompanies.com/podcasts

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

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Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast - Designing a Disability Support Plan for Independent Living

Designing a Disability Support Plan for Independent Living

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

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07/05/23 • 41 min

Are you ready to untangle the complexities of transition planning and become an effective advocate for your disabled person? Host Annette Hines, founder of Special Needs Law Group and Special Needs Family Services brings you an episode that can be a beacon to guide you through the maze of supports and resource systems. Whether you're a young disabled person stepping into adulthood, a caregiver stepping in for a sibling, or a professional wanting to offer the best for your clients, this episode promises to be a haven of insights. Let's begin by exploring person-centered planning. Identifying key questions, making sure the disabled person's voice is at the center of the life plan, and putting together an appropriate support team are all vital. But that's not all! We move forward into the unknown terrain of flexibility in planning and the pivotal role of evaluations and assessments in making transition as smooth as possible. There's also a discussion about how to navigate public benefits, housing, and state agencies, and even the legal decision-making process including understanding guardianship, supported decision-making agreements, power of attorney, and healthcare. Lastly, we invite you to check out and enroll in our exciting online transition planning course, the Special Needs Advocacy & Planning Masterclass (SNAP). Designed for parents, caregivers, professionals, or disabled adults, this on-demand course offers the ability to design a personalized disability support and life plan through video modules, a course and workbook. With the optional group coaching sessions, participants receive an individualized support network and a platform to discuss and learn from others embarking on the same transition journey. We look forward to welcoming you on this journey to become an empowered advocate! You can check out the course online and even get a free Disability Support Plan Worksheet: enroll.specialneedsfamilyservices.com/p/advocacy-planning-masterclass If you have questions about the course or coaching programs, we invite you to schedule a call with our team here: calendly.com/imartinez-31/specialneedsacademy

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

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Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast - Raja Marhaba: A Mother's Fight for Special Education Justice

Raja Marhaba: A Mother's Fight for Special Education Justice

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

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08/02/23 • 63 min

Hold your breath as you plunge into an awe-inspiring journey with Raja Marhaba, Special Education Advocate, Author (UNSTOPPABLE), and Founder of The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities. Embark on a monumental David and Goliath journey that showcases a mother's determination in the face of adversity. Raja's struggles with a broken special education system and her relentless pursuit of justice for her children are nothing short of extraordinary. Hear her riveting story as she fearlessly battled her way to the Ninth Circuit Federal Court and bear witness to the sacrifices she made for her children's rights. She documents her experience and what she learned in her book, Unstoppable: A Parents' Survival Guide for Special Education Services with an IEP or 504 Plan. Travel further down Marhaba's 26-year journey as she highlights the pitfalls and power dynamics of a faulty special education system. Feel the weight of the financial costs and the resilience required for navigating these murky waters. This episode unfolds the strength of a parent's love, shedding light on the lengths one will go to ensure their child's right to a free and appropriate education. Marhaba's compelling narrative serves as a beacon of hope for those embarking on a similar path. Her tireless community service has been recognized through awards including The 2021 The Diane Lipton Award, The Daily Point of Light Award, and the Prestigious Marquis Who's Who Biographical Registry. Finally, you'll be privy to her transformative journey from middle-class living to becoming a relentless advocate for education. Learn about the faith that kept her going, her pro bono work, and involvement in the fight against child trafficking. Join us to revel in the power of advocacy and resilience. This is an episode that is bound to leave you inspired and educated. Connect with Raja Marhaba: Website: https://thejonathanfoundation.org and https://unstoppableadvocacy.com/About Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJonathanFoundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonathanfoundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raja-marhaba-5a985b14

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

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Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast - Episode 127: A Family Approach to Special Needs Financial Planning with James Grace

Episode 127: A Family Approach to Special Needs Financial Planning with James Grace

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

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11/04/21 • 61 min

The end of a year tends to have people thinking about what they should do to plan for the new year and what changes they may need or want to make. While fitness and health goals are generally always on that list, so is financial planning for the future. Financial planning in general can seem to be a daunting task but it becomes a bit more challenging for special needs families and planning for your disabled child’s future.

On this week’s podcast episode, Annette speaks with James “Jim” Grace, the Director of Wealth Management with Silver Pine Capital. Jim, who has been a financial advisor for over 12 years, has taken on a more “person centered” approach to financial planning and working with special needs families with complex issues. Jim also has a podcast called The Financially Mindful Podcast, which offers insight into various aspects of financial planning.

The financial planning approach Jim takes with his clients is not the traditional sit with an advisor, pay an upfront fee, send over your financial information, and then wait a short time for your financial plan to be created and the report sent to you. Jim feels this approach does not allow for changes and updates that may need to happen over the next few months/years as your financial situation and goals change.

A More Personalized Family Approach

At Silver Pine Capital, their approach is to sit with a client to determine what they are looking to accomplish, determine how much time they will need to spend with the client over the next few months, generate the fee and then divide that by 12 and bill monthly. This allows them to start with the client’s current financial position, meet on a regular basis at least once a month and build their financial plan over time. Sometimes this is referred to as “financial coaching,” where someone spends more time with you to assist you in your financial plan.

With this more personalized approach, they are able to develop a relationship with a special needs family, find out what is important to them, assist them in getting organized and then offering recommendations as they move along according to where the family is currently and what they hope to get to. They become part of your family’s “team” for financial planning.

3 Steps to Begin Your Financial Planning

Jim says there are roughly 3 steps you can work on to get your financial planning started. First, take a breath then get yourself organized. Pull

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

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Please join us for the second episode of our Spotlight Series: A Focus on Education. We are excited to bring you Alexandra Ullrich, the Program Manager and Co-Creator of the Easter Seals program, College Navigator. Alexandra helped start this program in 2018, and now it has over one hundred clients. The College Navigator provides individualized services in person and virtually to college students with disabilities supporting their goals, strengths, and needs and not necessarily in their subject of study. The most common area of support is executive functioning, students learn to avoid cramming a 20-page paper the night before it is due. Other areas of support include teaching self-advocacy in authoring emails, working on group projects, and speaking with teachers, as well as learning to access numerous services that colleges provide like career services and resources in the local community.

The transition to college is a momentous time in a young person’s life as they head out on their own for the first time without consistent parental support. We hope you will join us to learn more about the Easter Seal’s College Navigator and how they help prepare and support college students for employment and independent living.

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

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Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast - 229: What My Daughter Taught Me About Life

229: What My Daughter Taught Me About Life

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

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06/19/24 • 28 min

In the quiet moments of caregiving, my daughter Elizabeth showed me that the essence of success is far deeper than material achievements.

In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I share the journey of raising my daughter Elizabeth, who taught me the true meaning of success. From navigating her rare mitochondrial disease to founding Special Needs Family Services, this podcast is about finding resilience and building a thriving community for special needs families.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • My reflections on what it means to be a successful and happy person, as inspired by my daughter Elizabeth.
  • Insights into the challenges and lessons I learned from raising a child with special needs.
  • The evolution of my advocacy work and the creation of support systems for special needs families.
  • The launch and purpose of our membership community on Mighty Networks for real-time collaboration and support.

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com/

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

bookmark
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FAQ

How many episodes does Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast have?

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast currently has 266 episodes available.

What topics does Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Parenting, Kids & Family, Mentalhealth, Podcasts, Adhd, Disability and Autism.

What is the most popular episode on Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast?

The episode title '224: Embracing the New Year with Advocacy, Empowerment, and Support' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast?

The average episode length on Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast is 45 minutes.

How often are episodes of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast released?

Episodes of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast are typically released every 6 days, 22 hours.

When was the first episode of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast?

The first episode of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast was released on Sep 9, 2019.

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