The Five Stages of Life for a Child with Developmental Disabilities
Stage 1 - Birth to Preschool
Early diagnosis = early intervention
Creation of an individualized plan in conjunction with therapists and medical providers
Stage 2 - School Ages
Use of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
Special Education Services will be provided
Special Assessments may be conducted by the school system
Parents act as advocates for educational services for their child
As child approaches adulthood, vocational and residential decisions arise
Stage 3 - Young Adulthood
Transition to adulthood.
Guardianship, Guardian Advocacy or Planning through Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies
Continuing Education
Adult Services including SSI coupled with financial planning both immediate in order to qualify for disability benefits and future in order to provide for child when parents are no longer able to do so
Use of Special Needs Trusts and Pooled Trusts for child's assets
Stage 4 - Adulthood/Parents Healthy
Maintaining benefits and keeping up to date on benefits provided by government
Crafting a sustainable lifestyle for the child
Completing a financial plan to create a financial legacy for the child without endangering his or her benefits
Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan for parents
Use of Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts and Special Needs Trusts
Planning for the parent's transition to old age and eventual death
Selection of successor trustees and guardians or advocates for child
Stage 5 - Death of Parents
Probate and/or Trust Administration of parent's estate
Funding of 3rd Party Special Needs Trusts with estate assets
Oversight of adult child with advocacy for adult child and financial trustee for monetary management
Planning for eventual death of child including legacy planning and funeral planning
