LOMAH Disability Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#117 - Complicated Behaviors: Vocal & Verbal Stimming Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

Vocal stimming is among the hardest stimulation to dissect and support, especially when the person is non verbal and unable to communicate the function of the stim. In this episode we look at the behavior through a medical, behavior, and sensory lens with new strategies for each.

About the Guest

Moira Peña, BScOT, MOT Reg. (Ont.) is an occupational therapist working at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto who has dedicated her career to supporting individuals who experience sensory processing challenges. She is an Expert Hub Team member of the ECHO Ontario Autism Program which aims to further develop pediatricians and school psychologists' skills to screen, diagnose and manage children and youth with ASD in Ontario. She has presented across Canada to parents, teachers, pediatricians, occupational therapists and other allied health care professionals. She holds training credentials from the STAR (Sensory Therapies and Research) Institute Center in Denver, Colorado, USA, and is a Lecturer (Status Appointment) in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.

Mentioned in Episode

Article on vocal and verbal stimming written by Moira

"Thinking in Pictures" by Temple Grandin

#116 - Complicated Behaviors: Touching of Self and Others Jul 28, 2020

Show notes

Neglecting to teach sexual boundaries can have devastating consequences. In this episode we discuss the importance of understanding consent and teaching it at a very young age starting with simple displays of affection such as hugs. We learn how to teach public vs private spaces and public vs private behaviors as well as sensory replacements for inappropriate public self touching.

About the Guest:

Leah Bauman-Smith is an educator and outreach specialist for Mad Hatter Wellness and Sexuality for All Abilities. She feels strongly that all people deserve equitable sexuality education. Leah is a licensed k-12 special education teacher with a teaching certificate in sexuality education and has taught sexuality education to students in special education for the past 10 years. She believes that all students need to know how to give consent, understand their rights and have opportunities for healthy relationships. Leah is honored to be a part of such an amazing organization that offers services, support and skills to people who are often left out of educational opportunities and experiences.

Mentioned:

Sexuality for all Abilities: Teaching and Discussing Sexual Health in Special Education written by Katie Thune, President and Founder of Mad Hatter Wellness

This essential manual helps educators comfortably and knowledgeably bring comprehensive sex education to the special education classroom.

Drawing on firsthand experience and real-world examples, the first half provides background material―including common roadblocks―and tools for how to effectively partner with parents. The second half breaks down the how-tos of implementing a successful sex education program and troubleshoots tricky situations that might come up in the special education classroom.

Written in accessible, person-first language, this guide equips you with best practices for providing students with developmental disabilities with the knowledge and tools to engage in healthy relationships and live full lives as self-advocating sexual beings.

Related Episodes:

Episode 77: Your Body, Your Boundaries

Episode 66: Advocating Against the Sexual Assault Epidemic

Episode 44: Sexual Assault Risk Reduction

#115 - Complicated Behaviors: Moving From What to Why Jul 21, 2020

Show notes

Self injury, aggression, elopement, scripting, and other behaviors can be complicated to support and move beyond. We hear how one family, with 2 autistic men in their 20's, learned to shift focus from what the behavior is to why it exists to how to best provide successful support strategies.

About the Guest:

Dr. Tara Regan is the founder and president of the non profit , Autism Grown Up. Autism Grown Up has a website with an extensive library of free downloadable resources and paid downloadable resources that you can start using today as well as a podcast focusing on the transition into adulthood.. Dr. Regan not only has her doctorate in special education but is the sibling to 2 brothers in their 20's. She is the perfect blend of personal perspective mixed with professional perspective and today she is sharing her observations of challenging behaviors across the first 3 decades of life.

Kim is on Instagram as @journey2lomah

#114 - Complicated Behaviors Series Introduction Jul 14, 2020

Show notes

Challenging behaviors are difficult not only in nature but also because there seems to be few avenues of support and suggestions. We hope to change that with this series.

In this episode Kim talks about the pressure she feels to ensure this series is the best one to date and the standards she has set for each episode. She will offer a glimpse into topics that will be covered.

Find Kim on Instagram at @journey2lomah.

#113 - Financial Planning Series Recap May 05, 2020

Show notes

The special needs financial planning series included 12 interviews from special needs financial planners and special needs lawyers. This episode offers soundbites from each interview in the series to help you choose which episodes may be of interest.

Episodes in the financial planning series were:

101 - Learning the Lingo

102 - Special Needs Trusts

103 - Choosing and Training the Trustee

104 - Memorandum of Intent

105 - ABLE Accounts

106 - Government Benefits

107 - Finding Resources

108 - Taxes

109 - Multigenerational Planning

110 - Insurance as a Financial Planning Tool

111 - Assets to Consider

112 - Avoiding Common Mishaps

#112 - Avoiding Financial Planning Mishaps Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

In this episode we cover common mistakes in special needs financial planning and the big question we need to be asking ourselves before making any financial planning move. We go over the difference between a financial planner and financial advisor, discuss what questions to ask when selecting a team, flexible financial planning strategies, and a quick hit list of ideas.

About the Guest

Andrew Komarow is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP™) and founder of Planning Across the Spectrum. Andrew specializes in helping any self-advocating client or family, with or without autism and intellectual disabilities, achieve financial security. He provides expert guidance for life decisions that are either unknown, not easily accessible, or can be complicated to pilot for someone with special needs. Andrew provides a unique perspective for those with special needs, their caregivers, and their families because he has "walked in their shoes," having received his autism diagnosis late in life. Andrew is a passionate advocate for autism awareness and has educated himself in everything possible to help the underserved autism community. In addition to his CFP™ designation, Andrew holds a master's degree in financial services, and is a certified Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™), Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®), and Associated Estate Planner (AEP®). Andrew sits on the boards for Autism Services & Resources Connecticut, the American College Alumni, and the FOCUS Center for Autism. He is a Connecticut house of representatives Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Council appointee and frequently speaks on his own experiences or on various financial and insurance planning topics. Andrew can be reached at andrew@planningacrossthespectrum.com.

This show is the 12th of 12 episodes in a series focusing on Special Needs Financial Planning.

#111 - Assets to Consider in Special Needs Financial Planning Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

Our guest shares assets to consider when financial planning for a loved one with disabilities. We learn what assets work best in short planning versus long term planning, how to ask for "free money" from our employer, taxation of investments, and some new rulings that could have significant impacts on Special Needs Trusts drafted prior to December of 2019.

Disclosure: This general communication is provided for information purposes only. It is educational in nature and not designed to be a recommendation for any specific product, strategy, plan feature or other purposes.

About the Guest:

Darryl Ng is a First Vice President, Portfolio Management Director and Financial Advisor of the Mountain View Group at Morgan Stanley. As a Senior Member at the Mountain View Group, Darryl heads the advanced planning activities for the team. He specializes in the creation and implementation of financial plans, portfolio management, philanthropy, insurance and estate planning for his clients throughout the United States and overseas locations. Throughout his career, Darryl has always been committed to advanced learning and continuous education. He has received a number of important industry designations including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, CHARTERED FINANCIAL CONSULTANT ™, and CERTIFICATION IN LONG TERM CARE ™. As a CHARTERED SPECIAL NEEDS CONSULTANT®, Darryl is one of the few advanced credentialed professionals specializing in the unique considerations in planning for special needs families and caring for loved ones with disabilities. Darryl and The Mountain View Group has been recognized as leader in the financial services arena for many years through numerous local and national publications. Darryl has been featured in 2019 Forbes Magazine "Top Best In State Next Gen Wealth Advisor- California" and 2018 Forbes Magazine "America's Top Next Gen Wealth Advisors". In 2015-2018, Barron's included the Group on its list of the "Top 120 Financial Advisors in California" and "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors Nationwide"; 2016 On Wall Street Magazine "Top 40 Under 40"; 2016-2018 Financial Times "Top 400 Financial Advisors Nationwide", and 2018-2019 Forbes Magazine "Best In State Financial Wealth Advisors Northern California".

Related Episodes:

Episode 102: Special Needs Trusts with guest Kevin Urbatsch, Director of the Academy of Special Needs Planners
Episode 105: ABLE Accounts with Miranda Kennedy, Director of the Able National Resource Center
Episode 106: Taxes with guest Michael C. Walther II CPA/PFS, CFP®, CFA®
Episode 107: Government Benefits with guest Marlene Ulisky, Manager of Disability Benefits at the National Disability Institute.
Episode 108: Disability Financial Resources with guest Penny Canada, CFP and a special needs mom.

This episode is the 11th of a 12 part series focusing on special needs financial planning

#110 - Insurance as a Special Needs Financial Planning Tool Apr 14, 2020

Show notes

Services and supports for adults with disabilities can be expensive so it makes sense to get creative. Using insurance policies as a financial planning tool is an example of the creative use of resources. Our guest gives us the lowdown on the various types of insurance available and how they can be leveraged to maximize assets, especially when a family member has special needs.

About the Guest: Anthony Trias, CFP, RICP

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Anthony Trias uses his passion for helping others along with financial expertise to provide a personalized approach toward life planning. He has over 10 years in the industry, engaging clients in all levels of financial knowledge, empowering them to make smart, educated decisions. Anthony focuses on retirement planning, investment management, tax and insurance strategies for mid-to-high net worth families and business owners. He is a San Francisco Bay Area native, residing in Marin County. In his free time, he enjoys local adventures with his wife and two young kids. Anthony's personal hobbies include keeping up with fitness goals, watching UFC and driving in muscle or exotic cars.

Disclosure:

This general communication is provided for information purposes only. It is educational in nature and not designed to be a recommendation for any specific product, strategy, plan feature or other purposes.

This show is the 10th of 12 episodes in a series focusing on Special Needs Financial Planning from Season 4

*Find Kim on Instagram as Journey2Lomah

#109 - Multigenerational Financial Planning Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

Assets often are passed from one generation to the next so coordination of financial planning is necessary, especially when a family member with disabilities is in the mix. This episode teaches us how to sync plans across multiple generations to maximize assets as well as what to focus on for each generation.

About the Guest:

Mark Gilfix is an attorney at Gilfix and La Poll associates, an award winning writer, and an up and coming leader in the field of Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Special Needs Planning.

Related Episodes:

This episode is the 9th in a series focusing on Special Needs Financial Planning. The series includes episodes 101 - 113.

Find Kim on Instagram as @Journey2lomah

#108 - Finding Financial Resources Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

The estimated lifelong cost of living with a disability is $3 - $4 million dollars. This episode uncovers 35 financial and caregiver support considerations.

Show notes, including the list of 35 considerations can be found at https://www.lomah.org/podcastseason4/108

About the Guest:

Penny is a certified financial planner specializing in helping families with special needs children prepare and plan for the future. Penny's middle son, born with muscular dystrophy, has been instrumental in illuminating what's important to her: faith, time with family and friends, good medical care, living a life of one's choosing, hope, and the ability to fund current and future needs while enjoying life today. Special Needs Planning, involving life planning, resource planning, legal planning and traditional and creative financial planning (such as blending and leveraging of funding sources and effective advocacy) is a specialty practice area for Penny.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected