Administering a Special Needs Trust: A Handbook for Trustees of Adults with Disabilities

Transitioning to adulthood can bring important decisions for individuals with disabilities and their families. From healthcare and decision-making to government benefits, employment, housing, and financial planning, understanding the available options can help individuals maintain as much independence as possible while putting appropriate supports in place.

Are you a young adult with a disability preparing for greater independence? Are you a parent or caregiver trying to understand what changes when your child becomes an adult? Are you looking for guidance on guardianship alternatives, SSI and SSDI, Medicaid waivers, employment services, living arrangements, special needs trusts, or ABLE accounts?

As a member of the Special Needs Alliance, Attorney Emma Hemness understands how important it is for individuals with disabilities and their families to have access to reliable information and resources. This free 2026 Special Needs Alliance handbook, What You Need to Know About Being an Adult with Disabilities, is available for you to download.

Written to help self-advocates, parents, guardians, caregivers, and loved ones better understand the transition to adulthood, the handbook provides information about:

• Decision-making options, including supported decision-making, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and guardianship
• Medicaid waivers, SSI, SSDI, and other benefits and services
• Education, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and day habilitation
• Supported, independent, and family living arrangements
• Special needs trusts and ABLE accounts
• Social Security Representative Payees and reporting changes to the Social Security Administration

The goal is to help individuals and families better understand their options, protect important benefits, plan for the future, and find the right balance between independence, autonomy, and appropriate safeguards.

Download the free handbook below.

For additional resources, please visit the Special Needs Alliance website.