For this weeks conversation, Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss special needs planning. They emphasize the importance of updating wills, highlight the complexities of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). They also cover some of the basic differences between special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, stressing that both are essential for financial protection. They also review the concept of a letter of intent, a comprehensive document outlining essential information about an individual with special needs, to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care. Join the conversation!

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) are joined by Support Broker Jamie Brodnax to examine the far-reaching impact of proposed Medicaid budget cuts on self-directed services. The discussion explores potential policy changes, including potential caps on Person-Centered Plan funding, significant wage reductions, elimination of wage exceptions, and shifts that may minimize key roles like the Day-to-Day Administrator. The trio highlights how these changes could increase documentation requirements and create confusion for families navigating the system. They emphasize both the practical and emotional consequences—particularly for individuals with higher support needs—who may face reduced autonomy, limited service options, and increased reliance on traditional provider-based models. Join the conversation!

Discussion UPDATE Article (link) 

Episode Keywords:
budget cuts, self-direction, support broker, family as staff, pay rate cuts, staffing issues, one-to-one support, nursing care plan, behavior support plan, DDA policy changes, geographic differential, live-in caregiver exemption, contingency planning, advocacy groups, legislative updates

Links:
Self-Directed Services (page)
Medicaid - Self-Directed Services (link)
Ep. 032 Self-Direction Deep-Dive_Full Discussion (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland (site)
Individual and Family Directed Goods and Services (IFDGS) (link)
​Self-Directed Services Guidance and Forms (link) 

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue to discuss the impact of proposed budget cuts on self-direction services with friend-of-the-pod and Support Broker Jamie Brodnax. The trio cover how the Day-to-Day Administrator role may be minimized due to unexpected service growth and funding shortfalls. The conversation highlights the challenges families face in understanding and adapting to these changes, including the expansion of the "family as staff" policy and potential future changes. The discussion also covers how there may be increased documentation requirements for one-to-one support and potential pay rate cuts, with a focus on the emotional and practical implications for families and staff. Join the conversation!

Discussion UPDATE Article (link) 

Episode Keywords:
budget cuts, self-direction, support broker, family as staff, pay rate cuts, staffing issues, one-to-one support, nursing care plan, behavior support plan, DDA policy changes, geographic differential, live-in caregiver exemption, contingency planning, advocacy groups, legislative updates

Links:
Self-Directed Services (page)
Medicaid - Self-Directed Services (link)
Ep. 032 Self-Direction Deep-Dive_Full Discussion (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland (site)
Individual and Family Directed Goods and Services (IFDGS) (link)
​Self-Directed Services Guidance and Forms (link) 

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) are joined by friend-of-the-pod and Support Broker Jamie Brodnax. Together, they discuss the potential impact of Medicaid budget cuts on self-directed services. Jamie explains the possible reduction for the coming fiscal year, which could limit services and wages. Jamie talks about some proposed changes that include a cap on Person Centered Plan-approved funds, significant pay rate cuts, and the elimination of wage exceptions. They consider how changes could severely impact individuals with high needs, reducing their control over services and potentially forcing them to rely on provider-based services. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
self-directed services, Medicaid budget cuts, Developmental Disabilities Administration, personal choice, budget cap, pay rate cuts, wage exception, provider agencies, self-direction, administrative changes, day-to-day administrator, funding delays, service limitations, family advocacy, legislative discussions

Links:
Self-Directed Services (page)
Medicaid - Self-Directed Services (link)
Ep. 032 Self-Direction Deep-Dive_Full Discussion (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland (site)
Individual and Family Directed Goods and Services (IFDGS) (link)
​Self-Directed Services Guidance and Forms (link)
Ep. 089 Martha Goodman; introducing the MEIRA Planning Tool (link)

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) revisit a Season 2 parent interview with Jane Plapinger, improving the audio and combining the two parts into one conversation. Jane shares her experiences supporting her son David, who has autism, as he transitions into adulthood. The conversation covers helpful resources, challenges the family faced, and the small victories along the way. Jane also reflects on what she wishes she had known earlier, the importance of flexibility, and how David is building his adult life. Join the conversation (again)!

Episode Keywords: 
agency, residential staff, families, experience, working, information, admissions, school, transportation, provider, program, housemates, agencies, transition, residential, process, parents, behavioral challenges, services, guardianship

Links:
Adult Agency Snapshot (page)
Supplemental Security Income (page)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Parents Place of Maryland (site)
Kennedy Krieger Institute (site)

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the complexities of guardianship; they highlight the importance of understanding legal capacity and exploring alternatives like supported decision-making. They note that voting rights exist under guardianship and also cover reasonable accommodations, such as having a support person in court, and the role of Medicaid-authorized representatives. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
Guardianship, supported decision making, legal capacity, alternatives to guardianship, court appointed, young adult, decision making, voting rights, reasonable accommodations, Medicaid authorized representative, SSI, representative payee, non-verbal communication, advocacy, transition process

LInks:
Episode 23 - Guardianship (link)
Episode 52 - Audi Levering and Supported Decision Making Pt. 1 (link)
Episode 53 - Audi Levering and Supported Decision Making Pt. 2 (link)
Episode 54 - Audi Levering and Supported Decision Making_Full Discussion (link)
Guardianship (page)
Alternatives to Guardianship (page)
YouTube Playlist - Guardianship (link)
YouTube Playlist - Alternatives to Guardianship (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
In the Matter of William Pughsley (document)
Parents Place of Maryland (site) 

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) take a few minutes to reflect on their journey, now in the fourth season, and the diverse topics they've covered, including interviews, info sessions, and timelines. They celebrate reaching 94 episodes and 5,000 downloads (noting that most podcasts don't even go past 7 episodes). They express gratitude for their global audience, mentioning downloaded listens from various countries, and encourage listener feedback and reviews to enhance their reach. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords: 
podcast, search engine optimization, transition coordinators, listener feedback, episode downloads, global audience, transition topics, community support, milestones, transition commission, political climate, funding concerns, resource links, post secondary transition

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss summer opportunities for students with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of considering alternatives to Extended School Year (ESY) programs. They highlight the benefits of work and volunteer experiences, mentioning resources like DORS and local workforce development programs; they even discuss sleep-away camps as a way to foster independence! Join the conversation! 

Episode Keywords:
Summer opportunities, IEP, extended school year, vocational skills, DORS counselor, work study, volunteer opportunities, sleep-away camps, independence, social opportunities, community involvement, transition specialist, self-directed services, Rec and Parks, Facebook groups

Links:
Vocational Rehabilitive Agency (page)
Rehabilitation Services Administration by State (page)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (page)
Ep.19 Work-based School Programs (link)
Ep. 21 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) (site)
Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) (site) 

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) speak with Kelly Nelson about ABLE accounts, highlighting how they allow individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI, Social Security, or Medicaid eligibility. The conversation covers key features such as tax advantages, online setup, gifting options, prepaid cards, and financial literacy tools, as well as the importance of opening an account early. They also discuss how ABLE funds can be used for health, independence, quality of life expenses, long-term savings, and managing back payments. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords: 
ABLE accounts, disability support, financial stability, personal choice, independence, asset protection, Social Security, SSI benefits, Medicaid, special needs trust, 529 rollover, quality of life, authorized legal representative, eligibility criteria, transition process, financial literacy, gifting page, prepaid card, Maryland ABLE, investment options, special needs, back payments, financial management, tax benefits, disability savings, financial independence

Links:
ABLE Today (site)
ABLE National Resource Center (site)
California ABLE (site)
Set up a Gifting page (link)
Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) (link)
Financial Literacy (article)
Bank of New York Mellon (site)
VestWell (site)
Vanguard (site)
Social Security (site) 
SSI (site)
Medicaid (site)
ABLE Age Adjustment Act (page)
Guardianship (page)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Maryland ABLE.org (site) 

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue their conversation with Kelly Nelson about ABLE accounts, exploring the many benefits and features these accounts offer. The discussion highlights flexibility, tax advantages, and built-in financial literacy tools, including the online gifting page that allows friends and family to contribute, as well as the prepaid card option that helps account holders manage their funds. They also emphasize the importance of opening an ABLE account early to avoid over-resourcing and protect SSI eligibility, and discuss how ABLE accounts can be used for long-term savings, special purchases, and managing back payments. Join the conversation! 

Episode Keywords:
ABLE accounts, financial literacy, gifting page, prepaid card, Maryland ABLE, investment options, SSI benefits, Medicaid, transition process, special needs, back payments, financial management, tax benefits, disability savings, financial independence

Links:
ABLE Today (site)
ABLE National Resource Center (site)
California ABLE (site)
Set up a Gifting page (link)
Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) (link)
Financial Literacy (article)
Bank of New York Mellon (site)
VestWell (site)
Vanguard (site)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Maryland ABLE.org (site)

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.