This informative podcast will delve into the world of Special Needs Trusts from the eye of a nonprofit 501©(3) Professional Trustee, the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI.
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Becky Jackson Curran is a respected disability inclusion advocate, professional speaker, and media consultant with a passion for advancing authentic representation of people with disabilities in the media and society. Born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, Becky has spent her career breaking barriers and educating others on the value of inclusion in all aspects of life. “I’m passionate about finding a way to change how little people and all people with disabilities are perceived in the media, which ultimately influences the opinions of society as a whole.” The post Becky J
Adam Hartwell is the Director of Attainable Outreach at the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA). He joined MEFA in 2022 to provide education, training, and advocacy regarding the Attainable Savings Plan, the Massachusetts ABLE Program which allows individuals with disabilities to save tax-free. At MEFA, Adam works closely with a variety of national, state, and local organizations, hosting webinars, conferences, and training sessions to help the disability community access tax-advantaged savings and financial resources. Adam has over 20 years of experience working in community
Taffy Nothnagle is known for her lifelong commitment to inclusion, community building, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities. In May 2026, Taffy was featured in Raising Us, a documentary about a group of mothers that fought for the right to public education, and built community support systems for their children. In June 2026, Taffy was inducted to the Special Olympics MA Hall of Fame and honored as an advocate for leadership and inclusion. The post Taffy Nothnagle-Special Olympics MA Hall of Fame Inductee and Champion of Inclusion appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.
PLAN is so proud to be a partner and support the incredible work being done on behalf of individuals with ID & IDD and we’re committed to the mission of inclusion for individuals with different abilities. Thank you to Patrick Shaughnessy for sharing more about the Hyannis Port Challenge that raises awareness and resources to help fund the many other initiatives that support individuals with disabilities and their families at all stages of their journey. The post Patrick Shaughnessy-Best Buddies Hyannis Port Challenge appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.
Not liking the choices he faced, John turned to his father and said, “I want to go into business with you.” John had worked with Mark before and he thought the best way to find a job he would love was to create one. To Mark, this seemed like a great plan. The two would-be partners needed to come up with an idea for their business. John’s first suggestion? A fun store. “I wanted something fun and creative.” Though neither of them could figure out what a fun store would actually sell. Next, John suggested a food truck. He had seen the movie Chef starring Jon Favreau, about a father-son food truc
PLAN of MA & RI is proud to partner with Best Buddies in Massachusetts & Rhode Island. Our work together promotes inclusion and offers support for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). PLAN of MA & RI is thrilled to celebrate Eleanor Jones who joined our team, from the Best Buddies Jobs Program, nearly three years ago! The Best Buddies Jobs Program helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure jobs which allow them to earn an income and independently support themselves. We worked with our partners at Best Buddies in Massachusetts & Rhode Isla
Elizabeth (Liz) Sandblom is the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the South Shore. With a career spanning more than three decades, Elizabeth brings extensive experience and passion to her role, where she leads the organization’s strategic direction and operations. Before joining The Arc, Elizabeth spent 30 years at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, most recently serving as Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). In her tenure at DDS, she worked across various capacities, including service coordination, and gained a deep understanding
Anthony Shriver founded Best Buddies International to create friendships and employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He launched the new initiative Eunie’s Buddies to support families who are raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, honoring his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Eunie’s Buddies provides families with support, encouragement, and resources, while Best Buddies continues to focus on its mission of inclusion and opportunity through its various programs. The post Anthony Shriver Founder of Best Buddies and Eunie’s
Margaret (Meg) Hogan currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at Boston Senior Home Care. Before joining the agency in 2017, Meg was Vice President of External Relations for Home Health Foundation, which included Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice, and Home Care, Inc., one of the largest home care agencies in Massachusetts. In that role, Meg oversaw the development and implementation of strategic, agency-wide programs and initiatives that advanced and promoted patient care services. Before joining Home Health Foundation, Meg served as Chief Operations Officer for the National Patient
James Day Keith is a multi-sport Special Olympics athlete, actor, and passionate advocate for inclusion who starred in the movie Champions. He promotes friendship, acceptance, and belonging for people of all abilities, shares his story with schools and organizations, and serves as an ambassador for Special Olympics Massachusetts and Best Buddies. He is recognized for his leadership, fitness, and dedication to inspiring others to reach their full potential. He also works as a swim instructor, teaching confidence and a love for fitness to the next generation. The post James Day Keith-Advocate fo
Bob Scannell has been the leader of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD) for the past 38 years. BGCD serves over 4,000 youth each year and have over 202 programs and activities. Their mission is to always welcome and connect young people and families to opportunities that embrace diversity, nurture growth, and inspire success. As part of the Boston Inclusion Network for Disabilities (BIND), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester believes that inclusion is more than placement, it’s being part of what everyone else is doing, being welcomed and embraced as a person – and a Club member – wh
Maura Sullivan, MPA is the new Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Massachusetts. In a historic moment, Maura becomes the first parent of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to lead The Arc since its first Director, Pearl Birnbaum Hurwitz, in 1954. Maura Sullivan has been a dynamic force within The Arc of Massachusetts for over a decade, leading Government Affairs and serving as the Director of Operation House Call, the nationally recognized training program that equips students in medical, nursing, and allied health professions across Massachusetts with the skill
Jonathan Gardner is a dedicated advocate for disability rights at both the state and national levels. A homeschool graduate, cancer survivor, and individual who happens to have Autism, Jonathan serves as an Official Ambassador for Operation House Call through the Arc of Massachusetts, a Flutie Fellow for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Supported Decision-Making Coalition, a board member of Massachusetts Advocates for Children, and a Council Member of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Jonathan shares his personal journey, including overcomin
Dr. Moses S. Dixon, PhD, is a leading practitioner in Global Health and Social Medicine with a comprehensive background in the non-profit and governmental sectors locally and nationally. He has served as the President & CEO of Senior Connection, formerly the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc. (CMAA), since 2019. Dr. Dixon earned a doctorate in Community and Public Affairs from The State University of New York at Binghamton, a Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from the Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, a Master’s in Community Development and Planning from Clark U
Representative Sean Garballey is a champion of inclusion. PLAN of MA & RI partner, Special Olympics Massachusetts, recently awarded the Jack Brett award to Rep. Garballey for his work on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Special Olympics is very very important to me. I’ve been volunteering with Special Olympics for a pretty long time; and last year I was able to get money from the state budget dedicated to supporting Special Olympics across the commonwealth of Massachusetts.” The post Representative Sean Garballey appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.
Rob Wrubel has had an amazing journey to get to where he is. He talks about following his purpose and passion on his life’s journey. He is the father of a special needs daughter. Rob uses his knowledge to help special needs families by serving as their financial advisor and by speaking to families and professional groups throughout the country. “Special needs families face financial challenges not faced by other parents, such as protecting governmental benefits by good planning and balancing savings for retirement while having funds available to pay for disability-related expenses. People ofte
Senator O’Connor’s legislative platform aligns with the mission of PLAN, as he has been consistently working throughout his time in the State Senate to serve those with disabilities in helping to preserve assets, protect benefits, and to live well. Providing resources not just to those who are living with disabilities, but also ensuring that their family is taken care of, are aligning priorities that both PLAN and the Senator share. Since being sworn in, Senator O’Connor has been advocating for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In 2016, the Joyce family made him aware of
Before becoming involved with Best Buddies, Zach was not very socially active and did not participate in many extracurricular activities. After joining his high school Best Buddies chapter during freshman year, that all changed. Zach made tons of friends, went to parties, and even was named the Best Buddies Buddy Director at his school. This led Zach to have the chance to catch a touchdown pass from Tom Brady at the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port event in Boston, which Zach says was one of the best moments of his life. From there, Zach went on to join his college Best Buddies chapter and
Dr. White was named President and Chief Executive Officer for Road To Responsibility, Inc. (RTR) in September 2008. He has been active in the field of human services since 1980. Under his experienced leadership, RTR has grown more than 30% between 2008 and 2015 and continues to be recognized as one of the top provider organizations in the state. Dr. White also serves on the Board of Directors for the MA Council of Human Service Providers (The Provider’s Council) and is on the Executive Board for the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP). As one of the original members of t
Mr. Brett has been a lifelong champion for people with disabilities. In May 2022, President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as the Chair of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) and reappointed him as Chairman in 2023. He previously served on PCPID under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, including a term as Chairman from 2011–2013. In 2016, Congress appointed him to the National Council on Disability. He is also currently the Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disability, and the Chair of the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protec
Cynthia Haddad is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and a Chartered Special Needs Consultant. She is a founding partner and wealth advisor at Affinia Financial Group in Burlington, MA. As a financial professional and sister and advocate for her brother Ron, who has developmental disabilities, Cindy has dedicated her career to serving families like her own. She is a nationally sought-after speaker on planning for families of individuals with disabilities and co-author of the groundbreaking book, The Special Needs Planning Guide, now in its 2nd edition. The post Meet Cindy Haddad appear
In this episode, we hear from Collette Divitto, the founder of the nationally recognized baking business Collettey’s Cookies, as well as her mother Rosemary Alfredo. Collette, who was born in 1990 with Down syndrome, developed her passion for baking while taking classes in high school in her hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut. She graduated from a three-year LIFE program at Clemson University in just two years. Despite going on many interviews, she encountered significant barriers to employment after moving to Boston. However, she never let this dissuade her and began turning her passion for
In this episode, we hear from Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts, as he discusses the history and present of the organization, as well as the state of advocacy and care for people living with intellectual and physical disabilities in the Commonwealth. PLAN actually grew out of the original members and families of the Arc, with the original Trust incorporated in 1971 as a non-profit under the IRS Section 501©3 tax code. The discussion also touched on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacted a large portion of the people in the disabled c
In this episode, hear from Craig Welton, Chief Development Officer at Northeast Arc, as he discusses how Northeast Arc fulfills their tagline: “Changing lives. Discovering abilities.” The supports offered by Northeast Arc, from independent living skills to job programs, seek to meet each individual’s needs and goals. Listen as he highlights how connections within the community and a partnership with PLAN support their work. To find out more: https://ne-arc.org/. The post Northeast Arc: Individual Abilities and Community Connections – with Craig Welton appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.
In this episode, hear from Elder Law Attorney, Elizabeth Phillips, as she discusses herself and her Rhode Island-based practice, Hackman & Phillips Elder Law Rhode Island LLC. Listen as she highlights Elder Law, Special Needs Trusts, her relationship with PLAN of MA & RI, and more. Learn more here: https://www.elderlawrillc.com/ The post Elder Law in Rhode Island – with Attorney Elizabeth Phillips appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.
