Special Needs Planning, Resources and Advocacy
by
Diann Jones, MBA, RFC, CLTC, Parent/Advocate
MetDESK^® Specialist, Financial Services Representative
MetLife's Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids

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Welcome! As a MetDESK® Specialist (MetLife's Division of Estate planning for Special Kids), I assist families in planning for the financial future of their child or other dependent with special needs. Special needs planning requires indepth knowledge of the federal laws as they pertain to government benefit eligibility, legal documents such as special needs trusts and guardianships, as well as financial considerations for providing not just lifetime care, but also quality of life issues.

The fact is that only one out of ten parents of children with special needs have done their planning sufficiently. Most families aren't aware that if they leave more than $2,000 to their child or adult dependent with special needs, the individual will lose eligibility for most government benefits.

As a parent, Advocate, Partners in Policymaking^® Graduate and special needs planner, knowledgeable in special needs planning techniques, I have a moral responsibility to children and adults with disabilities to make sure their government benefit eligibility is protected and a lifetime of proper supports are provided to them. I do this by assisting their parents and family members through the necessary steps to accomplish these essential goals using person-centered planning techniques.

I help these families make deliberate, conscious decisions to protect those who depend on them - because I've found that most parents don't get around to making these choices until they meet someone like me who is knowledgeable in this area and will cause them to think about it.

Most importantly, I speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, so parents can rest assured that their loved ones will be cared for... even when they are no longer around.

I do not charge for any calls or conferences with fellow parents and extended families of individuals with disabilities. By taking this approach in assisting other families, I make certain that anyone who may need my services can take advantage of my expertise - regardless of their financial status or situation.

For more information on the advocacy and resources that I provide to fellow parents and family members, or to schedule a complimentary intake meeting, please call Diann Jones at (302)781-1055. You can also request a free intake meeting or subscribe to the free MetDESK® newsletter online..

Please feel free to visit the disability Resources section of this site, which contains a comprehensive listing of disability resources in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey - as well as national disability resources and information on special needs planning. In this special needs Resources section, you'll also find information on IEP's (Individual Education Plans), special needs trusts, the letter of intent, guardianships, self-advocacy, support group meetings, inclusion, respite care, and many other disability and advocacy topics.

Lastly, please click here to browse my list of upcoming special needs planning workshops which you can attend at no charge, and register for one in your area.

I hope you enjoy your visit!

For further information on special needs planning, finding resources, or scheduling a free intake meeting, feel free to email Diann Jones at: djones15@metlife.com with your daytime contact information.

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P.S. On this site under the "Special Needs Resources & Info" section, you'll find special needs resources on accessibility, assistive technology, bipolar disorder, blind and visual impairments, camps and activities, civil rights, current events and news, deaf and hard of hearing, disability councils, disability etiquette, education, IEP's, email and newsgroups, employment, gifted and exceptional, guardianship, IDEA, IDEIA, inclusion, independent living, Medicaid/Medicare, Partners in Policymaking, respite, self-determination, service animals, support groups, supported living, transition, vocational rehabilitation, visitability... and many more special needs, disability, and advocacy topics!

We have representatives in this office licensed and registered to offer products and services in DE, MD, NJ, PA, NC and VA. Licenses and registrations will vary by representative, and some representatives may be licensed and registered in additional states. Please contact this office for further information.