On Tuesday, June 5th the Ann Arbor Center For Independent Living hosted and co-sponsored a presentation for parents and guardians of people with disabilities. The presentation highlighted important life transitions now and in the future, and how to plan for them financially. On hand during the presentation was a panel of experts that touched briefly on their areas of expertise and fielded questions from those in attendance. Topics covered included: Power of Attorney, social security, trusts, investments, life insurance, and banking options.
Our distinguished panel of experts, and co-sponsors included: Joshua Fink, JD, an attorney from Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, P.C.; Carol Hoffer, CLU, CASL from Northwestern Mutual Financial Network; Martha S. Mackres, a financial advisor from Merrill Lynch; Candace Williams, Operations Supervisor, and Sonya Kersey, Assistant VP both from Key Bank; and finally our own Director of Advocacy and Education, Carolyn Grawi, LMSW.
Parents, Guardians, and family members in attendance were able to get their burning questions regarding their loved ones financial futures after they move out of the house, or those who take of their finances pass away. During 
the presentation Carol Hoeffer asked attendants “What keeps you awake at night?” This opened up a dialog about what families worry about, and they were able to see that they were not the alone in their concern for the future and found that fact comforting.
According to our post presentation survey, all of those who attended found the presentation useful, thought they would be able to apply the information they gained, and most left the presentation more confident in their ability to effectively plan for the future.
The Ann Arbor CIL will be hosting another presentation on this topic in the fall, and we will be using the feedback we received from this first event to make the next one even better!
