Secured Steps

Epizódok

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  Will Your Special Needs Trust Last a Lifetime? 31.07.2026 16p

  Creating a special needs trust is an important milestone—but signing the document is not the same as completing the plan. In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn explores a question families may not ask until it is too late: Will the money in a special needs trust last throughout the beneficiary’s lifetime? Jeff discusses why the trust’s starting balance does not tell the whole story, how inflation and changing support needs can affect the plan, and why families should think carefull...
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  IEPs Without Intimidation: How Parents Can Advocate with Confidence 29.04.2026 45p

  IEP meetings can feel overwhelming for families. There are acronyms, evaluations, goals, services, timelines, and sometimes an uncomfortable feeling that everyone else at the table understands the system better than you do. In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff is joined by Dr. Diana Fannon, an experienced special education professional and advocate whose background includes work as a teacher, school psychologist, and Director of Special Education. Through her work with Disability Ed Pros, D...
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  Authentic Inclusion, Accessibility, and Changing the Conversation with Daniel Hodges 08.04.2026 42p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, I sit down with Daniel Hodges, JD, MHA for an important conversation about accessibility, authentic inclusion, and what it really takes to build a society that better supports people with disabilities. Daniel is a thought leader in the disability community and the President and Cofounder of Peaces of Me Foundation, a nonprofit he launched while still in law school. The foundation’s mission is to transform society through community education, innovative profes...
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  Why Special Needs Families Miss Important Tax Savings 01.04.2026 13p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn breaks down the tax moves special needs families miss most and explains how to think more strategically about taxes throughout the year. From credits versus deductions to medical expenses, adult dependents, ABLE accounts, and trust coordination, Jeff shares practical insights to help families ask better questions and avoid costly oversights. If you care for a loved one with disabilities and want a clearer, more confident approach to tax plannin...
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  Am I Hurting My Child with Special Needs If I Save for Retirement First? 17.02.2026 10p

  If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, saving for your own retirement can sometimes feel selfish — even risky. But what if prioritizing your financial security actually strengthens your child’s future instead of threatening it? In this episode, I unpack one of the most emotionally loaded questions families ask: how to balance retirement planning with long-term financial planning for a child with disabilities. We explore the real trade-offs, common mistakes parents make, and how an ...
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  What Is a Special Needs Trust? 03.02.2026 10p

  A special needs trust can be one of the most important tools in a disability family’s plan—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I break down what a special needs trust is, how it works, and why it matters if SSI and Medicaid benefits are part of your loved one’s support system (now or in the future). You’ll walk away with a clear, plain-English understanding of the structure, the key players, the main trust types, and the practical mistakes to avoid. In this episode, ...
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  How to Open an ABLE Account the Right Way 31.01.2026 5p

  Opening an ABLE account shouldn’t feel like a research project. In this episode, I walk you through how to open an ABLE account step-by-step—from confirming eligibility, to choosing the right state plan, to completing the online application and setting up contributions so the account actually gets used. What you’ll learn in this episode What an ABLE account is (and what it’s designed to do)How to choose an ABLE plan (you’re not always limited to your home state)What information you’ll need be...
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  Navigating Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A Primer for Families 16.12.2025 9p

  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the most important — and misunderstood — disability benefits for families. In this episode, Jeff Llewellyn explains how SSI works, who qualifies, and why age 18 is a critical planning milestone for individuals with disabilities. You’ll learn how income and asset limits apply, what changes when parental finances no longer count, and why SSI often becomes the gateway to adult Medicaid and long-term services. Jeff also covers common planning tools — i...
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  What Every Family with Special Needs Should Know About Life & Disability Insurance — with Brian Klazmer 03.12.2025 44p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Brian Klazmer of Klazmer Financial Group for a deep conversation on how life and disability insurance really works for families with loved ones with special needs. We unpack the essentials — from the structure of permanent vs. term coverage to advanced strategies like second-to-die policies, funding Special Needs Trusts, insuring caregivers, and coordinating coverage with SSI/Medicaid planning. Brian brings decades of experience ...
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  From Overwhelming to Oasis: Sensory-Smart Interiors with Stephanie Lee Jackson 26.11.2025 52p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Stephanie Lee Jackson, founder of Practical Sanctuary to explore how the spaces we live in can help — or hinder — our nervous systems. Stephanie designs sensory-smart interiors for families, caregivers, and individuals with special needs. Together, we talk about how intentional design can reduce overwhelm, support regulation, and create calm, functional environments that truly meet your family’s needs. You’ll learn: 🏡 How light...
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  Power of Showing Up: Young Adult Transitions with Jack Hinman 29.10.2025 44p

  In this episode of the Secured Steps podcast, host Jeff Llewellyn engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Jack Hinman about the challenges faced by young adults, particularly those in the special needs community. They explore the intersection of personal and professional experiences, discussing the importance of family dynamics, developmental milestones, and the crisis of connection in today's youth. Dr. Hinman emphasizes the need for parents to encourage social skills and friendships while a...
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  Parenting in an Atypical World: A Conversation with the Author of Hello Saturday 26.09.2025 34p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn speaks with author Catherine Zoratti about her journey as a parent of two boys, one neurotypical and one neurodiverse. They discuss the inspiration behind her book 'Hello Saturday', the importance of finding joy in unexpected places, and the challenges of defining 'typical' in parenting. Catherine shares insights on building connections with like-minded families, the significance of advocacy for neurodiverse children, and the balancing act...
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  My Unexpected Life: Jennifer Gasner on Embracing Disability and Finding Joy 11.09.2025 32p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn interviews Jennifer Gasner, an author and advocate for changing perceptions of people with disabilities. Jennifer shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease at 17 and how it transformed her life. She discusses her memoir, 'My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis,' and the importance of representation and understanding in the disability community. The conversation also touches on the writing ...
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  Finding Home: Housing Overview for Adults with Disabilities in PA & NJ 08.09.2025 10p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, we dive into one of the most important — and often overwhelming — parts of planning for a loved one with disabilities: housing. Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or deep into decision-making, this conversation will give you clarity on the categories of housing, how funding works, and where to turn for trusted resources in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. What You’ll Learn: The different categories of housing available for adults with intellectual o...
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  Play Dumb & Sabotage: A Conversation with Jeaneen Tang 30.08.2025 55p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience helping children find their voice. They explore the power of early intervention tips and language development for kids, the impact of speech therapy, and why starting early can make all the difference. Jeaneen opens up about her personal journey as a speech-language pathologist and shares practical parent coaching strategies to help boost communicati...
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  From Parent to Advocate: John Fela's Journey 22.08.2025 35p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn speaks with John Fela, a national disability advocate and parent of a child on the autism spectrum. They discuss John's journey through disability advocacy, the challenges of raising a special needs child, the importance of community support, and the resources available for families. John shares insights on navigating housing and employment options for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the need for belonging and connection within the c...
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  Anchor: The First Step in Special Needs Planning 13.08.2025 12p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn discusses the critical concept of anchoring in special needs financial planning. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid foundation for future planning by taking inventory of emotional and financial needs. The conversation covers tools like the Letter of Intent, the significance of vision casting, and the necessity of assessing one's starting point in financial planning. Jeff encourages listeners to shift from a reactive mindset to...
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  Navigating Neurodiversity in Education: Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt 16.07.2025 57p

  In this episode, Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt shares his personal journey as an autistic self-advocate and father of neurodiverse daughters. He discusses the impact of teachers on neurodiverse students, the implications of labeling, and the challenges of group work in education. Dr. Wyatt emphasizes the importance of diverse communication styles and the need for educators to listen to their students. He also provides insights for parents navigating the education system and highlights the signi...
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  Adulting with Autism: A Conversation with April Ratchford 10.07.2025 36p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn speaks with April Ratchford, an occupational therapist and advocate for autistic individuals. They discuss the challenges of parenting an autistic child, the importance of occupational and speech therapy, and the transition to adulthood for autistic individuals. April shares her insights on the role of play in learning, the need for community support, and the advocacy efforts in Kentucky to improve resources for autistic individuals and their f...
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  Navigating Disability & Elder Law with Attorney Ryann M. Siclari 02.07.2025 37p

  In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Ryann M. Siclari, Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and recipient of the Joseph B. Young Excellence in Legal Advocacy Award from Disability Rights New Jersey. Ryann brings deep insight into the world of special needs and elder law, covering critical topics including: • The differences between guardianship and less restrictive alternatives • When and how to use ABLE accounts • How to design special needs trusts that work i...