The Voice is SNA’s newsletter, written by our member attorneys for the benefit of families, other attorneys and professionals who work with the special needs community.
These are in depth articles that address the complex issues we each face.
Opening the Outdoors: Accessible Trails and the Promise of Inclusive Nature
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Tara Anne Pleat, CELA, with Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC in Clifton Park and Queensbury, NY. The firm serves clients in [...]
What, Where, Why, and When must a Special Needs Trust Be Reported to Government Agencies?
Originally published in August 2020, the original version of this Voice® article was written by SNA member Emily Kile. The article was updated in 2026 with appreciation and gratitude for [...]
Milestone Ages in Special Needs Planning: Key Considerations at Ages 18 and 21
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA Fiduciary Council Member Judith Bomster of Cambridge Trust Wealth Management in Manchester, NH, and SNA Sponsored Member Alicia Cahill of Morneau [...]
What Happens To My Child’s Social Security Benefit Upon Marriage?
Originally published in June 2022, the original version of this Voice® article was prepared by attorneys practicing with retired SNA member Charlene Quade. The article was updated in 2026 with [...]
HOTMA and Section 8: What Attorneys and Trustees Need to Know
Have You Heard About HOTMA? Eligibility Rules Are Changing for Subsidized Housing This issue of the Voice was written by SNA member Emily Starr, CELA, of Starr Traiger LLP in [...]
Inter Vivos vs Testamentary Special Needs Trust: How to Choose?
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Angela Macey-Cushman of Macey-Cushman & Reilly, PLLC in Edmonds, WA. Her firm specializes in special needs trusts, long-term care planning, [...]
Five Ways to Avoid Conflict When Caring for an Elderly or Infirm Loved One
This issue of the Voice was written by SNA member Twyla Sketchley, B.C.S. of the Sketchley Law Firm, P.A. in Tallahassee, Florida. She specializes in guardianship, elder law, fiduciary representation, [...]
Gift-Giving for Loved Ones with Disabilities: A Guide for Families
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Emily R. Taylor of Emily Taylor Law in Phoenix, Arizona. Serving all areas of Arizona, her firm specializes in special [...]
Emergency Preparedness for People With Disabilities
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Ashely Shannon Burke, CELA, of Burke & Pecquet, LLC in Cincinnati, Ohio. The firm focuses on special needs planning, elder [...]
Understanding Powers of Attorney for Adult Children with Disabilities
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Michelle M. Mulvena, of Mulvena Winston PC in Stoneham, Massachusetts. The firm focuses on disability and elder law, including special [...]
The Fundraiser Dilemma: Supporting Individuals with Disabilities Without Jeopardizing Public Benefits
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA members Thomas Begley, Jr., CELA, and Emily Schurr of the Begley Law Group in Moorestown, NJ. The firm focuses on all [...]
When People with Disabilities Divorce
This article is an updated version of one originally published in August 2014 by SNA member Ed Wilcenski of Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC in Clifton Park, NY, and now-retired SNA [...]
The Importance of Life Care Plans
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA members Thomas Begley, Jr., CELA, and Emily Schurr of the Begley Law Group in Moorestown, NJ. The firm focuses on all [...]
We Are All Advocates, Although Some of Us May Also Be Realtors
This issue of the Voice® is written by SNA Public Policy Advisor Brian Lindberg, Vice President of Health and Aging Policy with Healthsperien LLC in Washington, DC. We all know [...]
Taxation of Special Needs Trusts: An Overview
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member W. Seth Todd of Yussman Special Needs Law & Wyatt Estate Planning in Louisville, KY. His firm serves all of [...]
Special Needs Planners: A Safe Beacon in the Storm
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Victoria Sulerzyski of Bowie & Jenson, LLC in Towson, Maryland. Her firm serves all of Maryland and focuses on special [...]
Naming a Special Needs Trust as Beneficiary of Your IRA or Retirement Plan
This issue of The Voice® is written by Lisa Nachmias Davis, CELA, a partner in the New Haven, Connecticut firm of Davis O’Sullivan & Priest, LLC. If you’re reading this [...]
Care Managers and How They Support Individuals with Disabilities
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Kristen M. Lewis of Harrison, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia. Her firm focuses on special needs, estate and trust administration, guardianship [...]
When A Self-Settled Special Needs Trust May Not Be the Best Option: Thinking Outside of the Box
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Thomas Begley, CELA of Begley Law Group in Moorestown, New Jersey. His firm specializes in special needs planning, special needs [...]
Supplemental Needs Trust Distribution and Special Needs Housing Subsidies
This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Kristin L. Steckbeck with Dale, Huffman & Babcock in Bluffton, Indiana. Serving northeastern Indiana, her firm focuses on special [...]