Together We PLAN

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.

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.

In this episode of "Together We PLAN," hear of the complexities and possibilities for securing supportive housing for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores the concept of supportive housing as a blend of affordability, safety, and essential services tailored to the needs of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or mental health challenges. Diane Riley, Executive Director of Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, shares insights into supportive housing models, the critical role of Medicaid in funding services, and the value of housing navigators in finding suitable living arrangements. This episode is vital listening for anyone involved in the disability community, offering expert advice, understanding of system navigation challenges, and a hopeful outlook on the future of housing support and advocacy. Co-host: Nicola Nero, Senior Service Coordinator and Housing Navigator, PLAN|NJ

Dive into the issues of guardianship, alternative legal protections, and supported decision-making in "Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making" featuring Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey. Joining her are distinguished guests: Nina Weiss, an attorney specializing in guardianship matters; Joe Young, former Executive Director of Disability Rights New Jersey and Vice President of PLAN|NJ’s  Board of Directors; and Liz Farishian, a nurse, President of PLAN|NJ's Board of Directors, and a parent of a daughter with disabilities. This episode is a must-listen for families and professionals alike, offering a deeper understanding of when guardianship is necessary, exploring less restrictive options, and advocating for the empowering practice of supported decision-making. Discover expert insights, legal advice, and a parent's heartfelt story in this enlightening discussion.

Episode 2, "Navigating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Families," unpacks the essential topics of Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts. Our guests Shirley Whitenack, Esq. and Elizabeth A. Farishian, RN, MA offer a deep dive into the tools’ importance, their practical applications, and the peace of mind they bring to families planning for the future. Shirley and Liz share their expert knowledge and personal stories, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively secure the future of their loved ones with disabilities. Key topics include preserving access to benefits and services, the role of life insurance policies, Medicaid payback rules, whether to name siblings as trustees, the role of a Trust Protector, qualifying for and utilizing an ABLE account, and much, much more. Co-host: Nancy Dilliplane, Senior Director, Trust Administration Services, PLAN|NJ

This episode features a compelling conversation with Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey’s Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. The discussion delves into the nuances of advocating for loved one with disabilities, the complexities of the support system, and the crucial role of family and personal experiences in shaping advocacy efforts. Co-host: Hazeline Pilgrim, MSW, LSW, Executive Director, Family Support Council of Essex County.

Together We PLAN, hosted by Ellen Nalven, M.Ed., Executive Director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey (PLAN|NJ), is dedicated to advocating for and uplifting individuals with disabilities and their families. Episodes featuring disability rights advocates, family members, and legal experts, delve into the unique experiences of those living with disabilities.

Our series addresses critical topics like public benefits, supportive housing, guardianship, supported decision making and special needs trusts. We aim to illuminate the complex challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and provide families with practical strategies for care and future planning.

Together We PLAN is more than a podcast; it's a supportive community offering hope, guidance, and resources for families. This series serves as a comprehensive guide through the intricacies of lifetime assistance and future planning for loved ones with disabilities.

Join our meaningful conversations that not only celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities but also empower families with essential planning tools. Be part of this impactful movement with Together We PLAN.