Together We PLAN

Your Legacy of Love – Estate and Financial Planning for Families with Disabilities

In this deeply informative episode, Ellen Nalven and Nancy Dilliplane of PLAN|NJ are joined by nationally recognized elder law attorney Tom Begley, Jr. and associate attorney Emily Schurr to explore the practical and emotional landscape of estate and financial planning for families with disabilities. From the role of special needs trusts to the myths around disinheriting a child for the sake of public benefits, our guests share real-life examples, hard-earned legal wisdom, and compassionate advice for building a solid legacy of care. Whether you're just beginning your planning journey or need a gut check on your current approach, this episode offers invaluable guidance for safeguarding your loved one’s future.

Available Public Benefits and Services for Comprehensive Supports

In this essential episode of the PLAN|NJ podcast, Executive Director Ellen Nalven and Associate Executive Director Jason Miller explore how public benefits support individuals with significant disabilities. Joined by special guests Crystal West Edwards, Esq., and Carla Ponn, a parent and PLAN|NJ board member, this robust conversation covers the real-life challenges and strategies families face when navigating support systems like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Carla shares her personal story of her son David’s journey from early intervention to group home placement, offering candid insights into the emotional and logistical hurdles of caregiving. Crystal complements this with expert advice, untangling the red tape around guardianship, benefits eligibility, tier classifications, and accessing support. This episode is a roadmap for planning, advocacy, and action with real-life experiences, expert guidance, and actionable tips, which is intended to empower families to plan with a person-centered approach, advocate effectively, and secure lifelong supports for their loved one. Key Takeaways: * Start Early: Begin benefit applications (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) at age 18 to ensure services by 21. * Guardianship May Be Critical: Parents lose legal authority once a child turns 18—plan ahead. * Plan for the Worst Day: When completing the NJCAT, base responses on an individual’s biggest challenges and challenging behaviors to ensure their proper tier classification. * Medicaid vs. Medicare: Medicaid covers long-term services, such as group homes and daily living support, which are often not covered by private insurance or Medicare. * Reassess if Needed: Tier classifications and service budgets can be reassessed if they don’t reflect actual needs. * Advocacy Is Everything: Whether it’s coordinating care or managing benefits, persistence and support are key.

Toward Better Mental Health Supports and Services

In Episode Seven of PLAN|NJ’s podcast series, host Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN|NJ, and co-host Jason Miller, Associate Executive Director, explore New Jersey’s mental health service system. Featuring Joyce Benz, Director of Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) at the Mental Health Association of Union County, and Michael, a community member sharing his lived experiences, this episode sheds light on accessible mental health resources for families and individuals. From navigating complex services to inspiring stories of recovery, join us for an insightful discussion on how we can build better mental health support networks across New Jersey.

One Mother’s Journey to Securing Residential Services for Her Daughter

In this episode, Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN New Jersey, and co-host Jason Miller, Associate Executive Director, welcome special guest Maria Fischer, Esq., a mother and attorney. Maria shares her personal journey of securing residential services for her daughter, Tracy, who has autism. With a deep understanding of guardianship and disability rights, Maria discusses the challenges and triumphs families face when navigating residential placements, highlighting the importance of early planning, individualized support, and the role of guardianship. Tune in for heartfelt insights and practical advice for families seeking residential services through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities.

The Challenge to Change: Learning from Lived Experiences with Disabilities

In this episode of "Together We Plan", Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN|NJ, is joined by two remarkable leaders in the field of disability advocacy—LeDerick Horne, a spoken word poet, published author, and advocate for people with disabilities, and Hazeline Pilgrim, Executive Director of the Family Support Organization of Essex County. They dive into LeDerick’s journey as a person with a disability, his advocacy work, and the challenges and opportunities for creating more inclusive education and support systems. The conversation also touches on the barriers Black families face in accessing services and how systemic change can make a real difference.