After a period of being off-line while I developed an important new program on Financial Abuse of Elders and Other At-Risk Adults (more on that later), it’s good to be back on the Lawyers with Purpose blog. I recently became aware of a wonderful new blog called “Everyone’s Included,” the purpose of which is to share “stories that embrace the joy and power of people with disabilities.” Check it out at http://everyonesincluded.com. Everyone’s Included was created by Judith Moen, a former broadcast journalist and mother of an adult son with disabilities. This site affords families the opportunity to highlight their successes in overcoming the obstacles and fears that so often pervade their lives. For example, Judith’s post on February 22 described “Person Centered Planning” (“PCP”), a program supported by Atlanta-based All About Developmental Disabilities (“AADD”).
The PCP session was attended by her son and nine of his support team members, each of whom had an opportunity to provide insight and input into developing a roadmap for his success in the years ahead. Through a facilitated discussion, the team identified the challenges he would face and suggested practical problem-solving ideas and approaches. Each of the participants agreed to support him in the months and years ahead, and to reconvene as a group in three months “to celebrate the positive things that have happened and develop strategies to solve the negative.” To learn more about the PCP program supported by AADD, go to http://www.aadd.org.
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing pearls of wisdom from my new program on Financial Abuse of Elders and Other At-Risk Adults, scheduled to be presented live to 1,000 attorneys and accountants when the Southern Federal Tax Institute meets in Atlanta October 21-25. Lawyers with Purpose will also feature a one-hour webinar on this important topic, hosted by yours truly on Monday, October 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mark your calendars! Registration information will be provided to members.
Kristen M. Lewis, Esq., Member of the Special Needs Alliance and Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
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