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A Message from Mary Anne

Summer Celebrations

We are in the middle of summer now, and things are really cooking - not just temperature-wise, but here at Protected Tomorrows as well.

As I wrote last month, our new partnership with Simplicity Group is giving us the capability to extend to the entire nation our knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field of financial planning for families with special needs individuals. I will keep you posted as we kick off our new innovative programs.

One of the steps we here at Protected Tomorrows work on with families is making sure parents/caregivers have critical estate planning completed, including their Special Needs Trusts. We help them understand how it fits into their planning and connect them to their local special needs attorneys.

Some families can afford to take this step, but some who might need simple documents just delay it or do not even start it, due to not being able to set aside funds for this critical step. Families are likely already incurring costs for education, transportation, and medical care for their loved ones, so many are already strapped financially. I am hoping this year we can start to find solutions for families who need the extra help.

Recently, I was privileged to be invited onto the “Friends Talk Money” podcast hosted by financial planning columnist Terry Savage for an episode titled, “Helping Families With Special Needs.” It is well worth watching, especially toward the end when I describe how we are starting discussions with attorneys in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) to bring down the cost of estate planning for families with special needs. We have seen this work locally, and I hope that we can help jointly facilitate a program in the coming year.

Speaking of things cooking, did you catch Olympic fever watching the Paris summer games? They will conclude August 11, followed by the Summer Paralympics starting August 28 and concluding September 8.

The Olympics present an opportunity not only to be inspired by acts of courage and skill, but also an integral part of the notion of increased inclusion and diversity. The Paralympics, by putting the incredible abilities and successes of para-athletes on display, create an opportunity to make a difference and help our society become a more inclusive one.

Class 8 -

"Transportation: A Big Missing Link to Success"

August 15 | 12 - 1 PM CDT

Parent University

Individuals with physical and developmental limitations often are not eligible for drivers' licenses, and they can encounter barriers when it comes to air travel. What are the other options out there? Who will do the driving if you are not around? Are there any companies creating solutions to address this need?

Mary Anne Ehlert will host this online Zoom webinar with these special guests:

• Niki French from TSA Cares – providing information on security procedures to assist passengers with disabilities and medical conditions better prepare for air travel.

• Dr. Ginger Le - Adaptive Driving coach in Florida - discussing adaptive equipment, driving evaluations, services provided by an adaptive driving coach and more.

• Ed Madden - PACE Suburban Bus - discussing the new PACE Rideshare Access Program (RAP), which allows Chicago suburban ADA paratransit customers the option to use ridesharing apps, such as Uber, as an alternative to booking a dedicated ADA Paratransit ride.



• Alan Hebel with Ride a WAV - wheelchair accessible transportation services.

For Zoom security, when you register, you’ll receive an email with a link to the class and a passcode, which you’ll be asked to enter when you log on. (To avoid disruption, we'll close the class at 12:05. If you’re late, you'll be able to watch the video later.) 

If you would like the information but cannot attend, register and we will provide you with a link to the recorded video after the class.