Open Minds Open Hearts

MARCH/APRIL • 2024

Open Minds, Open Hearts

This month, we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. "End the Stereotypes" is this year's theme, which urges us all to have an open mind rather than a set idea of what someone or something is like. See the people as people first- get to know them through your own eyes. No one likes to be underestimated or excluded whether they have a disability or not!

In honor of our clients who have Down syndrome and other disabilities, and our own children, we welcome donations to fundraising efforts for Special Olympics. The funds we raise stay right here in Chicagoland to help our own kids and young adults enjoy the games!! Thank you for your contribution! Here's our page: Special Olympics Chicago Polar Plunge 2024.

Upcoming Presentations

& Resource Fairs

"Planning Is Essential" P.I.E.

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 with Consolidated High School District 230

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 6:00-8:00PM (VIRTUAL)

Clancy & Associates will present on guardianship and special needs trusts. Reserve your spot by clicking here.

FOR MORE INFO...

Southland Transition Planning Committee Parent Workshop

WEDNESDAY, APRIL, 10, 6:00PM (VIRTUAL)

Clancy & Associates presents "Legal and Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family".

FOR MORE INFO...

Giant Steps Day of Connections (Lisle)

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 10:00AM-1:00PM

Come say hello to our team as you browse the fair to connect with helpful local service providers. Clancy & Associates will present from 11:15AM-12:00PM.

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Annual Letter of Intent Clinic

TUESDAY, APRIL, 16, 7:00PM (VIRTUAL)

Learn how to create an insightful and comprehensive Letter of Intent for your child's future in this hands-on clinic. Jennifer Sabourin, Kate Schye and Katie Clancy, attorneys and parents of children with special needs, will lead you through the steps and provide examples and templates. Click here to register.

FOR MORE INFO...

The Future Begins Today Fair (Palatine)

TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 6:00PM-8:00PM

An informational evening for parents and guardians of individuals with a wide-range of developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Information will be shared by many adult service providers and community resource agencies.

FOR MORE INFO...

Learning Library

A Social Security Spousal Benefits Loophole for Caregivers

A little-known provision in the Social Security regulations allows the spouse of a retiree to also receive Social Security benefits, even if they have not yet reached retirement age, so long as they are caring fora child with disabilities at home.

Do Personal Injury Settlements Affect SSI or SSDI Benefits?

How personal injury settlements affect your SSDI or SSI benefits depends on your specific situation. Generally, SSDI won't be affected, but SSI definitely will.

What Is the Social Security Disability 5-Year Rule?

When you apply or reapply for SSDI benefits, there are two five-year rules to remember: One concerns the work credit requirement. The other involves reapplying for benefits.

Home Ownership for People With Disabilities

The rental market is often ill-equipped to provide the specific adaptations many individuals with disabilities require. Fortunately, there are many ways to provide private housing for a person living with a disability.

SPOTLIGHT: Tim - TIMTalk disAbility Awareness

Completing an Eagle Scout Service Project is a requirement for Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America to attain the highly revered rank of Eagle Scout. In January of 2023, Tim successfully completed his Eagle Scout Service Project, which just won the Pathway to Adventure Council Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award.

Tim's very special Eagle Scout Project, the TIMTalk seminar, brought awareness and education about intellectual and developmental disabilities to the community. He hosted eight speakers who provided information on topics such as autism, empathy, mobility, and services for special needs. Additionally, he created a directory booklet of local companies who provide a variety of resources to the special needs community.

You can watch the TIMTalk video on www.TIMtalk.net under Video. You can also access the Disability Awareness Resource Booklet at www.TIMtalk.net under Resource Booklet.

What our clients are saying...

"My husband and I were extremely pleased with the skilled guidance and service we received throughout this process - I never felt awkward asking questions, and Katie and her team were proactive in making suggestions...providing many answers to questions we did not even know to ask. Highly recommend!" -A.M.