April is National Autism Acceptance Month |
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Every April, the world comes together to celebrate Autism Acceptance and honor each autistic person's individual experience. Autism Acceptance is about taking our understanding of autism a step further into including those with autism and accommodating their needs. Show acceptance by making it possible for those with autism to fully participate in the community!
Here's a great example of acceptance - In 2019, at Carmel High School in New York, Jack Higgins prepared to receive his diploma at his school's graduation ceremony. Jack, who is autistic and sensitive to noise, was prepared for a noisy reception when his name was called. He walked to the podium guided by his two brothers and classroom aide with his fingers in his ears. Instead of a noisy outburst, his peers remained silent as they stood, "air-clapping", showing their acceptance of his need for silence, and therefore helping him participate in their shared ceremony.
Jack’s graduation story illustrates just one example of Autism Acceptance. How can you find ways to include and demonstrate compassion for people with autism and other invisible disabilities? Students with disabilities have the right to access the same activities and events as their peers -- but they need our help to make it happen.
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📢 Upcoming Events and Resources
It's a VERY busy Spring!
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"Legal and Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family"
presented by Clancy & Associates and hosted by "Planning Is Essential" - P.I.E. (Virtual) Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 with Consolidated High School District 230
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Clancy & Associates presents guardianship, special needs trusts, and financial planning. It's never too early to get started. Join us to get your piece of the pie!
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THE ARC OF ILLINOIS Annual Convention
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Arc of Illinois 73rd Annual Convention will be presented in a hybrid format.
Address: DoubleTree by Hilton, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, IL
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Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Future Begins Today event is an annual informational evening for parents and guardians of individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Stroll through convention-style information booths to gather information and say "hi" to our team. Over 50 service providers, community resource agencies and education programs are expected. You won't want to miss this one!
Address: Harper College 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL
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"Legal and Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family"
hosted by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation (Offered In Person and Virtual)
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Planning for your child's future can be overwhelming! Our Firm's presentation will walk you through the basics of Special Needs Planning - guardianship, special needs trusts and financial planning tools. The presentation will be offered in-person at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation and on Zoom.
Address: Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, 1500 West Ogden Ave., Naperville, IL
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Giant Steps Resource Fair and Parent Workshops (In Person)
Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:15 AM - Clancy & Associates presents "Legal and Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family". This fair and presentations are open to the public.
Address: Giant Steps, 2500 Cabot Drive, Lisle, IL
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"Legal and Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family"
hosted by Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Transition Center (Virtual)
Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Clancy & Associates presents for Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Transition Program. Ever wonder... What is Healthcare Transition to Adult Care? Will my child need a guardian or formal decision-making help at 18? Get information on these matters and more at this virtual event.
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Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
10:30 AM, 11:15 AM, and 12:00 PM - Clancy & Associates presents "Legal Planning - Trusts and Guardianship"
Join the LWSRA for their annual Ability Awareness Fair welcoming multiple service providers. Vendors range from therapy centers and residential living facilities to state funding resources and advocacy groups.
Address: Lincolnway Special Recreation Center, 1900 Heather Glen Dr., New Lenox, IL
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Be sure to check out our Events Page regularly for newly scheduled events.
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A newly proposed rule by the Social Security Administration (SSA) could ultimately change the way “in-kind income” is defined for recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Learn more here.
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Since the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was enacted in 2014, there has been some confusion about how ABLE accounts work, and the public has been slow to sign on. Here is an infographic that outlines the basic benefits.
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Families who had previously sought to establish an SNT for a disabled loved one could not effectively designate a charitable organization as a remainder beneficiary. Thanks to legislation passed by Congress in late 2022, this is no longer the case.
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We create our own luck by building meaningful connections!
In March, Clancy & Associates celebrated St. Patrick's Day with an
Irish Tea Party!
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Planning for individuals with special needs and their families. |
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Clancy & Associates, Ltd. is Illinois's only full-service special needs planning law firm dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and their families. Our mission is to help families protect and empower their loved ones with a disability through streamlined, comprehensive planning. We use our innovative full-service approach to both identify opportunities and secure solutions and benefits for our clients at our Firm. We “keep watch” for families so they can attend to the daily priorities of their loved one’s life and leave the legal planning to us.
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Connect with us on social media and tell your friends about us! |
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