Imagine navigating a system where your needs are ignored due to your age. This is the reality for many adults with autism facing age discrimination. The fight against this injustice hinges on advocacy, personalization, and accessibility. Advocating for legislative changes ensures equality and fairness. In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Christina Gravina CEO & Founder of BILT (Bridging Independent Living Together, Inc.). Annette and Christina address age discrimination in autism services, highlighting the challenges adults face when denied support due to age. Christina advocate ..read more

Talking about the challenges of disability can be tough and delicate. For those living with disabilities and their caregivers, every day brings unique hurdles that demand patience, creativity, and resilience. It’s crucial to focus on person-centered planning and get creative to make sure disabled individuals have the support they need to thrive. In this episode, I get into the real challenges of disability and how crucial informed decision-making and proactive planning are for parents and caregivers. From my own experiences, I think it’s important to recognize our mistakes, stay resilient, and ..read more

Sexuality education is a crucial aspect of personal development, but it often overlooks those with disabilities. These individuals deserve access to information that empowers them to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. Empowerment through education can be a shield against abuse and exploitation.   In this episode, Annette Hines dives into a crucial conversation with Katherine McLaughlin, CEO and Lead Trainer at Elevatus Training. They tackle the challenging yet essential topic of discussing sexuality, especially for parents of children with disabilities. Katherin ..read more

How do you navigate the stormy waters of divorce when adult children with disabilities are involved? It's a tough situation that needs careful planning and thought to make sure everyone in the family is okay.   In this episode, Annette Hines provides insights into the challenges faced by divorcing parents of adult children with disabilities, emphasizing the need for clear communication and effective guardianship. She advises keeping the adult child out of the divorce process and separating their welfare discussions from other divorce issues. Hines also highlights the importance of estate ..read more

Preserving family history is like capturing a piece of time in a bottle. It allows us to pass down memories, stories, and experiences to future generations. Whether it's old photographs, letters, or even recipes, archiving family history is a meaningful way to honor our past and ensure that it lives on for years to come.   In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Angela Todd, a family history buff who’s passionate about preserving memories, inspired by her journey with her daughters, Elizabeth and Caroline, who faced some tough times in the NICU. She’s all about capturing those fami ..read more

Are you missing out on your social security benefits? Social Security updates may not be the most riveting topic, but they’re a lifeline for those who depend on these benefits. Whether you’re already receiving Social Security or planning for the future, keeping up with the latest changes can make navigating the system a whole lot smoother.   In this episode, host Annette Hines delves into the intricacies of the recent updates to Social Security benefits, specifically focusing on In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) and overpayments. She expresses concerns about the impact of ISM on Socia ..read more

Have you ever wondered how to ensure financial security for a disabled loved one after you're gone? Or perhaps you're looking for ways to navigate the complexities of estate planning when it comes to disability benefits. In either case, understanding the ins and outs of Qualified Disability Trusts (QDTs) is a game-changer.   In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Mark Worthington, Senior Counsel at Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, P.C.. Annette and Mark discussed the intricacies of qualified disability trusts and the significant impact of the Secure Act and Secure 2.0 reg ..read more

Having been a caregiver for a disabled loved one, I know firsthand how lonely it can feel. However, our communities are key to dispeling isolation and forging connections during these hard times. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I share my motto 'create the things you wish existed,' and delve into how building a support network has been my lifeline. Getting involved in local organizations, support groups, and advocacy efforts has helped me find valuable resources and work toward a more inclusive society. For caregivers, having a support system is crucial to prevent burnout, provide emo ..read more

Mantras and positive affirmations have become powerful tools in helping me find balance, harmony, and peace in my life. In this episode, I share a significant milestone for my family: my daughter Caroline is finishing college after a challenging journey. To celebrate, we're heading to Alaska for a family trip we've long dreamed of and saved for over the years. However, this exciting trip is shadowed by a deep sense of guilt. I grapple with the thought that this wonderful experience is only possible because Elizabeth is no longer with us. Despite these feelings, I hold onto the belief that Eliz ..read more

In a world where societal norms often dictate limitations based on physical abilities, Ben Lou, 20, an award-winning MIT physics and math wiz, and his mother, Jenny Huang, are beacons of hope in disability advocacy. Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Ben has defied expectations and achieved remarkable success, including acceptance to MIT. With Jenny’s tireless help and support, Ben scored a perfect score on his math SAT, and he now maintains a 5.0 GPA at MIT, where he is studying Math, Physics, and Philosophy and hopes to earn his PhD in Physics.   In this episode, Jenny reflects ..read more