Thank you to our amazing year-round partner, PLAN of MA and RI! This year, they are the Presenting Sponsor of our fall event series including the 2024 Hyannisport Golf Tournament, Boston Friendship Walk, and Evening of Opportunity Gala. They are also holding an open house webinar so everyone can learn more about what they offer. If you are interested in joining PLAN at one of these amazing events, register below:

• Hyannisport Golf Tournament – September 30th: Hyannisport Golf Tournament – Best Buddies International
• Boston Friendship Walk -October 19th: Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Boston
• PLAN Open House -November 13th: PLAN Open House – Best Buddies International
• Evening of Opportunity – November 22nd: An Evening of Opportunity – Best Buddies International

PLAN offers a variety of services that can improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One example of how they do this is in regards to transportation. Accessibility to regularly scheduled transportation is critical for our beneficiaries with limited mobility. This transportation allows a person the ability to attend important life events and provides a strong sense of inclusion. Mary, who has a physical impairment, requires wheelchair accessible transportation. During a scheduled visit with her PLAN Social Worker, Mary expressed that she really wanted to visit her family who reside across the Massachusetts State line. Unfortunately, this area is outside of the approved travel area covered by her approved subsidized transportation, and this visit does not meet the criteria for medical appointment transportation.

Part of the mission at PLAN of MA & RI is to focus on enhancing the quality of life of our beneficiaries. Mary’s Special Needs Trust can be used to help pay for transportation services that fall outside the realm of those transportation services covered by MassHealth, out-of-area specialized transportation services for people with disabilities, or public subsidized transportation. The Trust can pay for transportation needs that her public benefits do not cover or are restricted due to geography. Mary’s Social Worker advocated for the funds in her Special Needs Trust to be used for specialized transportation that took Mary to visit her family, attend a family function, and enjoy a wonderful holiday dinner with loved ones! Mary plans to take another trip in the near future!

Thank you again to PLAN and we hope you all join us at an event to learn more about them!