C O URSE DESCRIPTI O N:

There are a number of legal matters that individuals with disabilities and their families will regularly encounter to ensure their right to self-determination is protected as well as receiving the necessary supports and services in a manner that promotes their quality of life and independence.The presenter will discuss the legal options for supporting individuals with health care decision making, including health care powers of attorney, living wills, do-not-resuscitate orders, family consent and guardianship/guardianship of the person, and for financial decision making, including durable powers of attorneys, trusts, representative payees, and conservatorship/guardianship of the estate. The presenter will also review how special needs planning can help promote the quality of life and care through the use of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts while preserving eligibility for needs-based government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.

PRESENTER BIO:

ROXANNE J. CHANG, JD, MS LLP, is an attorney specializing in elder and special needs law, and is also a Limited Licensed Psychologist with a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. Ms. Chang has experience in consultation and advocacy for persons with dementia, developmental disabilities, and other individuals with disabilities. She has a private practice in Plymouth, Michigan. Ms. Chang is currently a member of the Elder Law and Disability Rights, Probate and Estate Planning, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Sections of the State Bar of Michigan, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She is also a Board Member and Co-Chair of the Public Policy Committee for the Special Needs Alliance.

Learning Outcome

Attendees will have a better understanding of the legal issues that individuals with disabilities regularly encounter with respect to decision-making and eligibility for government benefits when assisting and providing legal resources to and identifying the need for individuals with disabilities and their families to obtain further legal assistance

Course objectives

1. Participants will understand the importance of preserving self determination, autonomy and choice when working with people with disabilities.
2. Participants will be able to identify the differences between supported decision-making and surrogate decision-making.
3. Participants will learn about the legal options for assisting individuals with health care decisions, including but not limited to guardianship and health care powers of attorney.
4. Participants will learn about the legal options for assisting individuals with financial decisions, including but not limited guardianship and health care powers of attorney
5. Participants will be able to identify the options available to preserve and protect assets for the benefit of persons with disabilities while obtaining and maintaining eligibility for needs-based government benefits (i.e., Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid), such as special needs trusts and ABLE accounts.