The Special Needs Network
For Families of Individuals with Disabilities
Newsletter - 2nd Quarter, 2001

Welcome to The Special Needs Network

Welcome to the First Issue of The Special Needs Network newsletter. Each quarter we will bring you 4 to 6 pages of information on the latest issues, which impact individuals with disabilities. We will share your experiences, bring you information from experts on disability issues and update you on legislation and social security requirements.

The Special Needs Network was created to provide assistance to families of individuals with disabilities. Our activities and materials have earned the recommendation and support of Special Olympics Illinois as well as the Chicago money management firm Vestor Capital.

The Special Needs Network will bring you information on working with social security, becoming an advocate for your child and locating resources. My Special Life™ is an age-defined series of easy-to-use workbooks, which will provide the opportunity for your family to chronicle unique and explicit information about your child with disabilities. This information will be invaluable to other caregivers when you are not with your child. Leaves of Time™ is a series of booklets and tapes designed to empower you, offer instruction and aid you in maneuvering your way through the maze of activities necessary to ensure the best care for your family member.

-Mary Anne Ehlert and John Bednarz

Special Olympics Illinois: Great Programs for their Athletes

Nearly 19,000 athletes will compete in 18 different sports in 2001, with 17 track and field games taking place in April and May. Gold medal winners from all qualifying tournaments will gather for the state Summer games June 15-17 at Illinois State University, Bloomington-Normal. The seven sports represented will be track and field, gymnastics, swimming, power lifting, golf, Bocce and soccer. Call 309-888-2570 for mare information.

Vestor Capital Corporation Assists Special Needs Families

Vestor Capital Corporation, a Chicago area money manager since 1984, has a history of contributing valuable assistance to the not-for-profit community. Staff members of Vestor Capital took part in initial formation meetings for Special Olympics Illinois, and families of individuals with disabilities currently make up a substantial portion of the firm's client base. Vestor has also actively participated in the management of portfolios for our client families.

Q & A

Q: My daughter with SMA is 17. I have been told that I should have applied for some government benefits for her. Is this true and if so, how do I do this? Concerned Mom.

A: Yes, you should be getting ready to apply for benefits. Whether your daughter is qualified now will depend upon YOUR own assets and income. In many cases, the child will not qualify until she is 18. This is because at that time your own assets and income do NOT count, only HERS will be considered on the application. If your daughter is considered disabled by Social Security rules, then she should be eligible for SSI and Medicaid. However, there are asset and income limitations. To qualify, your daughter currently cannot have assets greater than $2,000 or monthly income greater that $700. Please contact us if you would like to request a pamphlet describing these programs.