Explore every episode of the podcast The Plan for Special Needs Trusts

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics.

In Massachusetts, it is a bedrock in community-building and vital to bringing Special Olympics programming and inclusion to every city, town, and neighborhood.  

The LETR is a year-round fundraising and awareness building program, designed to empower members of the law enforcement community to support Special Olympics athletes who live, work, and compete in their local communities. The individual agencies and LETR community members have been essential to propelling the mission and impact of Special Olympics across Massachusetts.

PLAN of MA & RI was honored to be chosen, twice, as the stop for the final leg of the LETR by our partners at Special Olympics Massachusetts. We hosted a celebration and enjoyed meeting all of the Special Olympics Athletes and Law Enforcement.

The post The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 Jackson Curran, Inclusion Advocate appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 advocacy, developmental disability supports, and education. This spans vocational, residential, educational, day habilitation, and community supports.

The post Adam Hartwell, MEFA’s Director of Attainable Outreach appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 truck business. The two started cooking up plans on what they could serve when they ran into a problem. John explained, “We can’t cook.”

With his food truck initiative gone, John hit his Eureka moment. “Let’s sell socks.” John suggested they sell crazy socks. He even had the name for the business and some drawings of the website. Asked why socks, John says, “I wore crazy socks my entire life. They are fun, colorful and creative. They let me be me.”

Mark adds, “John had worn crazy socks his entire life, that was his thing. We would drive around looking for them. It seemed as if John loved fun socks so much, others would too.”

John and Mark set out to build their business. They built a website in Shopify, an e-commerce platform. They convinced some suppliers to sell them some inventory. They opened bank accounts and filed with the State of New York. The only marketing they did was to set up a Facebook page and shoot some low-fi videos with John talking about his socks. That’s when John came up with his catchphrase: “socks, socks and more socks.” And they committed to donating 5 percent of earnings to the Special Olympics.

The partners intended to open their business at 10 a.m. but their website crashed that morning, so they opened at 3 p.m. They waited to see what would happen.

Fortunately, they did not need to wait long. Orders began streaming in. Almost all of them were local people that knew the pair in Huntington.  And the customers came because they loved John’s videos.

John wanted to make the first packages special, so they decided to make home local deliveries. They put the sock in red boxes, added some candy and a thank you note from John. Then they loaded up the car with the boxes and drove around so John could knock on doors.

And our customers loved it. They took pictures with John and pictures of the socks and shared them on social media. Word began to spread and more orders came in. By the end of that first month, John’s Crazy Socks had shipped 452 orders and earned more than $13,000 in revenue.

John and Mark wanted to test the idea of selling socks online and the response was very positive. Mark says, “We learned three things:

People want to buy socks. People want to buy socks from John. This young man and this old man can sell socks”

“We want to show the world what is possible. We want to show the world what people with differing abilities can do when given a chance. We know that people with differing abilities are ready, willing and able to work. We make this happen in ways large and small.” John Cronin

The post John Cronin and Mark Cronin Co-Founders of John’s Crazy Socks appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 Island to match job qualifications with the interests of job applicants. We are so thankful that Eleanor chose PLAN of MA & RI as her new employer!

“Working at PLAN has made me more confident.” “This job has meant a lot to me.” Eleanor Jones.

“Eleanor comes with a positive attitude and she is professional. She wants to learn!” Joan McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, PLAN of MA & RI.

The post Kara Falcone, State Director, Best Buddies MA & RI Featuring Eleanor Jones From PLAN of MA & RI appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 of state-funded programs that benefit individuals with disabilities.

Elizabeth is a strong advocate for person- and family-centered practices and is a recognized Ambassador for LifeCourse Initiatives, championing meaningful change within organizations and communities. Proficient in American Sign Language, she’s committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive in their communities and achieve their fullest potential.

The post Elizabeth Sandblom Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the South Shore appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 Buddies appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 Safety Foundation, Executive Director for the New England Healthcare Assembly, and Director of Education and Marketing for the Massachusetts Hospital Association.

Meg has served on the MA Health Policy Commission Advisory Council and as Board President and Board Treasurer for Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus.

The post Margaret Hogan, Chief Executive Officer at Boston Senior Home Care appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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, […]

The post James Day Keith-Advocate for Inclusion appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post Bob Scannell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (with Mary Kinsella Scannell and Erin Ferrara) appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post Maura Sullivan Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Massachusetts appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post Jonathan Gardner Self-Advocate & Motivational Speaker appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  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 […]

The post Dr. Moses Dixon President & CEO of Senior Connection appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

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 […]

The post Rob Wrubel-Father and Financial Planner appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post Senator Patrick O’Connor appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post Zach Smith National Football League (NFL), New York City appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  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 […]

The post President and CEO of Road To Responsibility, Inc. Christopher T. White, Ed.D. appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post Disability Advocate & New England Council CEO Jim Brett appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post Meet Cindy Haddad appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post Collettey’s Cookies: Special Cookies from a Special Girl appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

The post The Arc of Massachusetts: History and Dialogue in the Disability Advocacy Movement – with Leo Sarkissian appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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 […]

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.

In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the millions of people around the world with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Listen as he discusses his personal journey that led to […]

The post Becoming Best Buddies – with Anthony Kennedy Shriver appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Michelle Markowitz, President and CEO of Cardinal Cushing Centers, as she discusses how the organization’s variety of programs embodies its vision of being a caring intergenerational community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full and meaningful lives at home, at work, at school, and at play. Find out […]

The post Finding Possibility, Opportunity, and Hope at Cardinal Cushing Centers appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Brenda Dater, Executive Director at Asperger/Autism Network (also known as AANE). Listen as she discusses how this nonprofit organization helps people with Asperger’s or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles to build meaningful, connected lives through their variety of inclusive programs. She also touches on the importance of the relationship […]

The post Empowering Individuals and Building Community at Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) – with Brenda Dater appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson, founders of the ARIES Foundation for Financial Education. Hear how this nonprofit organization helps to educate people on how to have a better relationship with their money. They also highlight their relationship with PLAN of MA & RI along with their insights on ways to […]

The post Building a Better Relationship with Money – with Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson of the ARIES Foundation appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Greg Donnelly, President and CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind, as he discusses how the organization achieves its mission of empowering those who are blind and visually impaired to achieve independence and lead a fulfilling life. He also highlights how their mission and goals align with those of […]

The post Overcoming Obstacles at the Carroll Center for the Blind– with Greg Donnelly appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Mary Beth McMahon, President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, as she highlights just how special this organization is. Special Olympics Massachusetts strives to spread inclusion through year-round sports training and competition while changing the way the world views individuals with intellectual disabilities. She also highlights the importance of their […]

The post Special Olympics Massachusetts: The Power of Inclusive Sports appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Patrick Shaughnessy, State Director of Best Buddies of MA & RI, as he discusses the mission of this 501(c)3 organization: to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for friendship, jobs, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He also highlights the importance […]

The post Inclusion Lives at Best Buddies of MA & RI – with Patrick Shaughnessy appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Jo Ann Simons, President and CEO of Northeast Arc, as she discusses the organization and how it reflects its mission of helping individuals with disabilities to achieve their most independent lives. Tune in as she highlights how the organization is benefiting their community, the major milestones it has accomplished, the […]

The post Northeast Arc’s Innovative Approach to Disability Services — with Jo Ann Simons appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Elder-Law Attorney, Michelle Lapointe, as she discusses special needs trusts and her relationship with PLAN. She highlights how to set up a special needs trust, the different types of special needs trusts, the importance of the POMS guidelines, and more. To learn more go to planofma-ri.org. Read the transcript of this […]

The post Establishing a Special Needs Trust – with Michelle LaPointe appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from Joan McGrath, the Executive Director at PLAN of MA & RI. Listen as she discusses PLAN and its history, what PLAN does as a Professional Trustee, and why someone would benefit from establishing a special needs trust with PLAN. To learn more go to planofma-ri.org. Read the transcript of the […]

The post Who is PLAN of MA & RI? – with Joan McGrath appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

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. It will discuss what special needs trusts are, the different types of trusts, how to set a trust up with PLAN, and many other related […]

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