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Financing Special Needs
Providing for Your Special Child's Future
By Teri Brown
Gavenda knows that as a parent of a special needs child there are only a few things she can control. Finding someone to care for their child in a loving and compassionate way is one of the things parents can and should do. 
"I cannot take away my son's disabilities," says Gavenda. "However, with just a little bit of planning I can make sure that he is cared for by someone who loves him and can live comfortably for the rest of his life. There are no words to describe the peace of mind that provides me and my husband."
This type of planning includes choosing a guardian to care for the child, covering basic living expenses and choosing how those funds will be provided. "These may be difficult questions to answer, particularly when a child is so young," says Gavenda. "Seeking the help of a special needs planner as well as attorney licensed in your state of residence who specialize in working with parents of disabled children can help guide you through the decision-making process."