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In this Issue:
President's Message
2021 Parent University™ 2nd Class: How To Fund Now For Peace Of Mind Later 2/18/2021
Airport Adding First-Of-Its-Kind Inclusive Play Area
Nike Creates Hands-Free Sneaker for People with Physical Limitations
This is Where We Will Be...
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Dear Clients and Friends,
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BRRRR! We are in a Polar Vortex here in Chicago this week. Although my pups love the snowstorms we had, they don't dillydally outside when it is so cold!!! But the pups time in the snow was certainly entertaining! (little video attached) It was my distraction from all the challenges we continue to face these days. But I still feel hope and I sincerely pray that you all do as well.
I was honored to join JJ Hanley, the Illinois ABLE Director in a webinar sponsored by Special Olympics Illinois this past Wednesday. We answered questions that we have received about the use of the ABLE accounts. What a great tool
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the ABLE accounts are, but you do need to know when and how to put them into your financial plan. If you were not able to join us, go to our website where you will find a recording of the session on the Home page.
I was also delighted to join on of my associates, Sydney Woodward, at her alma matter, Virginia Tech. We spoke together to the upcoming graduates of the Virginia Tech Financial Planning program. We shared our expertise in planning for those who have disabilities of all types. I think the students enjoyed learning about how they might use their future careers to make a very special difference in people's lives. And Sydney and I loved it the experience. If you haven't had a chance to meet Sydney yet, she is our new colleague who is working with me with our clients. When you meet her, ask her to tell you her story as to how we met. It's an interesting one for sure.
This issue has some wonderful stories of new and exciting opportunities. I hope you enjoy them. And I look forward to seeing many of you next week in Parent University™ class.
Warmest regards,
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Mary Anne Ehlert,
Founder & President
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We are excited to announce our second 2021 Parent University ™ webinar class, " How To Fund Now For Peace Of Mind Later", to be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm CST.
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Class description: We will work through the vision of what you would hope to achieve for the future, the basic information you will need to gather now to be ready to take the next steps, and the details that are so important for your future plan. We will discuss information about retirement planning, the ABLE account, and tying together government benefits, insurance and investments.
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The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation is excited to announce the expansion of our Family Assistance Program to cover medical travel expenses!
Since the inception of the program in Spring 2020, the Foundation has supported over 100 families across the United States. We continue to receive donations and the program is being expanded to include supporting families of individuals with CHARGE who need to receive medical care that requires travel out of state/long distance. We hope this program will alleviate some of the financial burden to get there.
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This needs based program may be used to cover transportation, meals, lodging, and parking. The program is intended for families who would be unable to travel for medical care without this assistance.
For more information about the program or for a hard copy of the application, please click here.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. For US families only.
Click here to apply!
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Airport Adding First-Of-Its-Kind Inclusive Play Area
by Chris Ochsner and Shelly Yang | The Kansas City Star
Commercial air travel is taxing enough. For families with children - and adults - with special needs, waiting at the airport terminal presents a multitude of challenges.
That is why the Kansas City Aviation Department has teamed up with Variety KC to build what they claim to be the first-of-its-kind inclusive play area in an airport terminal. The play area will be part of the new terminal currently under construction at Kansas City International Airport. The project was announced late last month during a news conference at one of the existing KCI terminals.
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Kansas City councilwoman Heather Hall made the announcement saying that the new terminal will be the most inclusive of any airport terminal in the world.
City officials say the Variety KC Family Play Zone will have features that will allow children with special needs to play alongside other children. Many of the features will give access to play equipment to children with mobility challenges. Some of the other features will include devices to include children with communication challenges.
Beyond the play area, the new terminal will have changing tables in the restrooms that will be capable of accommodating adults with special needs.
The new terminal is slated to open in March of 2023.
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Nike Creates Hands-Free Sneaker for People with Physical Limitations
by Hannah Sparks | New York Post
Nike's new hands-free sneakers are making their viral run.
The shoe brand unveiled the new design on Monday, dubbed the Nike GO FlyEase, and received wide praise online for their accessibility regardless of the wearer's physical abilities.
The intuitive design allows the wearer to easily slip in and out of the shoe without bending over. As the foot slides in and presses down on the heel, the shoe fastens with its patent-pending "bi-stable hinge and midsole tensioner" - like a rubber band around the sneaker that expands to your foot - according to Nike News.
The ease of wear would be attractive to anyone, but it's those with a limited range of physical abilities who will benefit most from the novel shoe. Click here to read more.
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Nike Go FlyEase | Behind the Design | Nike
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This is Where We Will Be...
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Sponsored by: One Sky Community Services
Online Zoom Webinar
Online Zoom Class
Sponsored by: Angelman Syndrome Foundation
Online Zoom Webinar
Sponsored by: Next Steps Plainfield
Online Zoom Webinar
Online Zoon Class
Online Zoom Class
Online Zoom Class
Sponsored by: NBIA
Online Zoom Webinar
Online Zoom Class
Online Zoom Webinar
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