Celebrating Disability Pride Month
Every July, Disability Pride Month celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of people with disabilities. It also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), legislation that expanded opportunities and protections for millions of Americans.
For many Maine families, it’s also a reminder of something deeply personal: planning for the future of someone you love.
Whether you’re raising a child with disabilities, caring for an adult son or daughter, or serving as a guardian for a loved one, thoughtful planning can help ensure they continue to receive the care, support, and opportunities they deserve—no matter what the future holds. If you’re just beginning that journey, you may also enjoy our article, “Estate Planning Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs,” which explores practical first steps families can take when planning for the future.
Independence Looks Different for Everyone
One of the greatest misconceptions about estate planning is that it’s only about passing down property or deciding who receives your belongings.
In reality, estate planning is about protecting people.
Individuals with disabilities often benefit from an estate plan that supports independence while recognizing that everyone’s needs are different. Independence may mean living in one’s own home with community supports for some, while for others it may mean remaining in a shared living arrangement, participating in day programs, or continuing to receive assistance from trusted caregivers.
The goal isn’t to change the life someone has built—it’s to help preserve it.
Maine Families Often Wear Many Hats
Life in Maine is built on strong families and close-knit communities. It’s not uncommon for parents to continue caring for an adult child with disabilities well into retirement, or for grandparents, siblings, and extended family members to step in as caregivers.
In many parts of the state, especially our smaller towns and rural communities, families often become the primary advocates, care coordinators, transportation providers, and support systems for their loved ones.
That level of dedication is remarkable—but it also means having a plan for the future is especially important.
One of the questions we hear most often is:
“What will happen to my loved one if something happens to me?”
It’s not an easy conversation, but it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family.
Protecting Benefits While Providing More Opportunities
Many Mainers with disabilities rely on programs such as MaineCare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help provide essential services and financial support.
Without careful planning, an inheritance or financial gift could unintentionally affect eligibility for those programs.
A Special Needs Trust can often help families provide additional resources without disrupting important public benefits. Depending on a person’s needs, trust funds may be used to enhance quality of life by helping pay for education, recreation, technology, therapies, transportation, vacations, hobbies, and other expenses that public benefits may not cover.
If you’d like to learn more about how these trusts work and when they may be appropriate, be sure to read our article, “Special Needs Trusts: What You Need to Know.”
Every family’s circumstances are different, which is why planning should always be tailored to the individual.
Planning Beyond the Legal Documents
Estate planning isn’t simply about signing paperwork.
It’s also about making sure the people who may one day step into your role understand your loved one’s daily life.
Families often benefit from discussing questions such as:
- Who knows their medical history and routines?
- Who understands their goals and preferences?
- Who can advocate for them if you’re no longer able?
- What relationships, activities, and community connections are most important to maintain?
Many families also choose to prepare a Letter of Intent—a document that shares practical information and personal insights that legal documents simply can’t capture.
These conversations can make an enormous difference for future caregivers.
Planning Is an Act of Love
Disability Pride Month reminds us that every person deserves to live with dignity, opportunity, and respect.
For families across Maine, estate planning is one way to help protect those values.
It’s about creating stability during life’s uncertainties. It’s about preserving the routines, relationships, and supports that help your loved one thrive. Most of all, it’s about ensuring that if the day comes when someone else must step in, they can do so with guidance, confidence, and a clear understanding of what matters most.
Starting these conversations sooner rather than later can also help families avoid some of the most common planning pitfalls. Our article, “Common Mistakes When Planning for a Disabled Family Member,“ highlights several issues families frequently encounter and offers guidance on how thoughtful planning today can help prevent challenges tomorrow.
Thoughtful planning won’t answer every question about the future—but it can provide something every family hopes for: peace of mind.
Ready to Plan for the Future?
Every family deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved one will be cared for—today, tomorrow, and for years to come. Whether you’re just beginning to explore special needs planning or you’re ready to update an existing estate plan, our experienced Elder Law team is here to help.
At Aging In Maine, we help families create personalized estate plans that protect loved ones, preserve important public benefits, and honor each individual’s independence and unique needs.
Call Aging In Maine at (207) 848-5600 to schedule a consultation and start planning for your family’s future with confidence.
