Schools and education 2022_05_13

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A BLANK SLATE MEDIA SPECIAL SECTION • MAY 13, 2022

26 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 13, 2022

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 13, 2022 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

27

Planning for dependents with disabilities Complex issues and consequential pitfalls surround charting the best course financially JAMES F. BURDI, ESQ. For a family with a child or sibling who has an intellectual or developmental disability, planning for the future involves more than the usual considerations. What will happen to our authority as parents when our special needs child reaches the age of majority? How can we provide for them without affecting their eligibility for benefits? Who will look out for their best interests when we no longer can?

There are a few common mistakes in future planning for dependents with disabilities that should be avoided. The first is leaving gifts or inheritances directly to a person with special needs. In addition to affecting eligibility for benefits, this leaves the person open to fraud, undue influence or mismanagement.

Conversely, disinheriting the special needs family member and relying on other family members to be ready, willing, and able to provide for them. Despite the best of intentions, circumstances (both foreseeable and unforeseeable) such as bankruptcy, health, or money issues and outside influences may prevent family members from pitching in when needed.

Another is assuming that physicians, caseworkers, and financial professionals will always work freely with the family. HIPAA and other privacy laws and policies come into play once a person with special needs reaches the age of majority, which is eighteen (18). Keep in mind that at eighteen, only the patient can consent to or refuse a medical procedure, absent a guardian or designated agent.

These issues can be daunting, but there are many good solutions available, with proper planning. The sooner that they are addressed, the better.

First and foremost, an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability that renders them unable to manage their own personal and financial affairs should have a Guardian appointed by the Court when he or she reaches the age of majority.

The Guardian will have the authority to manage personal affairs and to make health care decisions. With some limitations, the Guardian may also be authorized to manage financial matters.

This requires a Court proceeding, usually brought in the Surrogate’s Court. To protect the rights of the disabled person, professional

James F. Burdi, Esq. certifications and background checks are required and the process can therefore take several months to complete, so the best time to start is well before the person’s eighteenth (18th) birthday.

The family should also consider creating a Special Needs Trust (SNT), a legal arrangement in which assets are placed in trust for the special needs person without affecting eligibility for benefits. An SNT can be “first party,” created with the per-

son’s own assets, such as proceeds of a lawsuit or an inadvertently directed inheritance, or “third party,” created with gifts or inheritances that are specifically directed to the trust by others.

There are significant differences that affect whether a provider of benefits, such as Medicaid, can assert a claim for reimbursement (“pay back”), so these trusts need to be drafted carefully. Third party trusts can be created in a Last Will and Testament or by separate Trust Agreement. Some first party SNTs require a Court order.

For many families, participating in one of the various Community Trusts or Pooled Trusts that are maintained by social services organizations and advocacy groups may be an economical and practical alternative to a privately created and managed SNT. Of course, the terms of any Trust agreement must be carefully reviewed to be sure the Trust meets the needs of the person.

For disabled adults with a source of income or assets which would otherwise render them ineligible for benefits, an ABLE Account may also be a solution. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts are created under Federal law and permit a

disabled adult to accumulate up to $100,000 while retaining benefits eligibility.

Just as important as the planning that is done for the disabled person, is the planning that other family members should put into their own affairs. This includes Wills, Trusts when appropriate, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Proxies. These documents will ensure that the disability of their loved one does not create difficulty, delay, or additional expense in the event of their own death or incapacity.

Families with loved ones who have special needs require specific legal and financial advice and representation that is tailored to those needs. Proper planning will bring peace of mind and is an important step in assuring that the person with special needs will live life to its fullest potential.

James Burdi is a partner in Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP’s Wills, Trusts, and Estates and Elder Law Practices, concentrating in Trust and Estate Planning and Administration. He heads the firm’s Special Needs Planning subpractice. He can be reached at jburdi@vmmlegal.com and 516.437.4385 x130.

28 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 13, 2022

What to know about taking a year off school Over the last two years, people from all walks of life have reevaluated their priorities in the face of a global pandemic. That reevaluation has led some students to take a break from school.

While taking a break can be the right choice for some students, certain variables should be considered before pressing pause on education. Here's a deeper look into taking a break from school.

A chance to mentally recover Many students try to press through courses even when they are unwell or trying to recover from a significant condition. This can put students at a disadvantage that could adversely affect their academic performance, which may have an effect on their graduation prospects and future success. A break gives students a chance to get their health, including their mental wellness, in order and then return to their coursework fully focused.

Enjoy a renewed vigor for academics Some students may begin courses without a solid plan for the future. In such instances, students could be paying tuition for courses they're not interested in. A break can offer students an opportunity to reassess the direction they're going in and come back to school with a fresh approach for the future.

Student loan grace period College students who have federal student loans in the United States are entitled

to one six-month grace period during which payments will not be required, according to Forbes Advisor. After a student drops below part-time status, the grace period begins.

Someone who takes a semester off from school may trigger that grace period clock.

When the student returns to school and then graduates, or if he or she chooses to leave again, repayment of the loan will begin immediately, as a second six-month grace period is not permitted.

Internships Some students take a break from school because an internship opens up outside of the time parameters set by some schools. Internships tend to occur in junior or senior years of college and could earn students college credit.

Scholarship eligibility Leaving school before the year is over may affect scholarship eligibility, as scholarships often are contingent on students attending school full-time. A student can speak with his or her school's finance office or bursar to see if a prorated repayment may be necessary and/or to defer an upcoming semester scholarship until they return.

There are many reasons students might want to take a break from academics. Before pumping the brakes on school students should be confirm the long-term effects such a break will have on their academic standing.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 13, 2022 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

Volunteer opportunities for recent grads The class of 2021 earned over $170 million in scholarships.

During the months between graduating high school and beginning college, or between getting a university degree and entering the workforce, graduates may want to explore the personal growth that comes from volunteerism.

Volunteering provides various benefits.

Some of these rewards include networking with an entirely different group of people. Volunteering also can help a person realize greater happiness by doing selfless acts for others, while they also can help one to realize a new passion. In the future, volunteering with an organization also may help with a student's job search.

There are many arenas where young people can focus their volunteer efforts. Here are some ideas. · Animal shelter: Animal shelters rely on volunteers to help with their operations. They can be a good fit for anyone with a passion for animals and animal rights activism. · Public service sectors: AmeriCorp and Peace Corps have scores of opportunities for volunteers. AmeriCorp focuses on domestic issues, while the PeaceCorp is a branch of the U.S. government that engages volunteers in international service work. Community involvement, health care, agriculture, homelessness, and combatting hunger are top priorities for

these organizations. · English as a second language: Volunteers can spend time abroad teaching English to students. Others may want to volunteer domestically by helping non-English-speaking individuals improve their language skills. · Community government: A person may choose to sit on the board of a school, a neighborhood housing association, or even explore volunteerism with a township municipal office.

This will provide valuable hands-on experience and may help one lend a voice to issues that affect his or her living situation. · Religious groups: Churches, synagogues and mosques may have volunteer opportunities focused on community outreach or programs affiliated with local nonprofits. · Conservation groups: Volunteers can work on conservation projects across the country.

From wildlife management to trail restoration to invasive species eradication, there are a wide variety of conservation-based volunteering opportunities. · Tutoring: Graduates can volunteer to tutor students in local schools or overseas.

Volunteerism can fill gap years or add to résumés for recent graduates.

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30 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 13, 2022

Ways to keep kids occupied over summer break Kids look forward to summer vacation every year. The last day of school gives way to less structured days when kids can spend more time outdoors and less time cracking the books.

Summer vacation can be a dilemma for parents, especially in households where both parents work fulltime. A pandemic-related increase in remote working has made that problem somewhat more manageable, but even parents working from home must find fun way for kids to stay occupied until the new school year begins. No two kids are the same, so parents may need to try various activities on for size until they find something their children enjoy doing during the lazy days of summer.

· Reading: Parents may be surprised by how much their children enjoy a good book. A recent poll from the National Education Association found that 70 percent of middle school students read more than 10 books a year. The National Literacy Trust reports that roughly 45 percent

of children between the ages of eight and 11 enjoy reading "very much."

When suggesting to children that they read more this summer, parents can note the many ways that reading for pleasure differs from reading for school. Point out that kids won't have to submit book reports and empha-

size that they can choose their own books. Depending on children's ages, introduce kids to a series like "Harry Potter," which is a set of seven fantasy novels that has helped millions of young people across the globe discover and develop a fondness for reading. Weekly visits to the library,

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· Play dates: Play dates are a great way to make kids happy and take a little off of parents' daily plates. Arrange routine summer play dates with children's school friends, neighbors and/or cousins. Parents can alternate hosting responsibilities so they can get work done at home and enjoy a break when it's not their turn to host. · Find something free: Perhaps in recognition of the need for affordable, family-friendly fare, many communities now host free events for kids and their parents each week.

Weekly movie nights under the stars and concerts in community squares are popular in many communities, but those same towns also may host events specifically for kids during the daytime. A simple internet search of "free events near me" may unveil a host of activities that can keep kids happy and occupied on summer days when their schedules are open. Local libraries can be great resources for free events as well.

· Day camp: Day camps provide much of the structure of school without all the homework or time spent indoors. Many parks and recreation departments run summer day camps for kids. Camps can be generalized or specialized. For example, some may offer an array of activities, including sports and nature walks, in a given day, while others may focus on a single activity, like musical lessons or science-based programs. Camps run by local parks and rec departments do not typically last all summer long, which parents should keep in mind when enrolling youngsters.

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where kids can pick from hundreds of books, can get youngsters even more excited about reading.

Summer vacation is a relaxing time for youngsters. Parents who don't want that relaxation to turn into boredom can look to various activities to occupy their children's time until a new school year begins.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 13, 2022 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

31

How to involve more young people in agriculture The agricultural industry will undergo exciting changes as it looks to overcome developing challenges in the decades ahead.

Technology will continue to play a pivotal role in the agricultural sector, making agriculture an evolving and exciting career path for young professionals.

Much has been made of projections that suggest the world population is increasingly looking to urban areas to call home. Though data from the United Nations indicates urban areas could grow by 2.5 billion people by 2050, more recent UN data indicates that 90 percent of that increase will take place in Asia and Africa. All told, estimates indicate that rural areas will remain home to 3.1 billion people by 2050.

A sizable rural population and the challenges climate change and population growth will present underscores how important the agricultural sector will be in the coming decades. That means there should be plenty of opportunities for young people to make an impact, especially if more efforts are made to encourage them to consider careers in agriculture. · Encourage agriculture-based curriculum. After recognizing that the majority of Kenyan students had no access to farming training and education, the organization Farm Africa initiated a program to make agriculture more accessible to students.

Students who participated learned about everything from keeping livestock to mar-

keting produce for global markets. Similar programs can be encouraged in developed countries where opportunities in the field of agriculture figure to increase in the years to come. · Emphasize technological advancements in the field. Modern young people are growing up with technology all around them, but few may be aware of the vital role technology plays in the agricultural sector. Young people's ears may perk up upon hearing terms like "robotics" technologies are now a big part of life on the farm. Recognition of that may compel more young people to pursue careers in agriculture. · Highlight the challenges ahead and how agricultural professionals can help overcome them. UN projections indicate the global population will grow by more than two billion people by 2050. Finding a way to feed all of those people in the face of climate change will be no small task, but it's a task that will require dedicated agricultural professionals. Educators and parents can emphasize these challenges when speaking to young people about a career in the agricultural sector, noting that such careers will present real opportunities to make a difference.

Young people looking for rewarding careers in an exciting, ever-evolving field can be encouraged to consider the agricultural sector.

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32 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 13, 2022

Exploring a career in occupational therapy Occupational therapists are important allies for individuals with a chronic illness or those who are trying to live independently after an accident.

According to The Balance: Careers, occupational therapy involves assisting people of various ages build or restore their ability to live daily life by modifying or changing daily activities that a person wants to do.

There are three main types of practitioners

who work in the field of occupational therapy.

These include occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy aides. Salaries, duties and educational and licensing requirements differ between the three roles.

licensing process. Many people begin working in OT in positions of less responsibility to gain relevant experience once they have completed the associate’s level program, and then gain experience and build their résumés from there.

Individuals who want to become occupational therapists must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree and a two- to three-year master’s degree.

Individuals will then have to go through the local

· OT therapy aide: This person has the fewest educational requirements and will earn the lowest salary on an OT team. However, OT therapy aides are essential. The aide sets up treatment

rooms and prepares equipment. He or she also may perform clerical duties. · OT assistant: This person falls between an occupational therapist and an OT aide on the spectrum of responsibility. This can be a good option for someone who is uncertain about an OT career, but wants to try it on for size. Assistants work under an OT’s supervision and make sure patients are correctly performing exercises spelled out in treatment plans. · Occupation therapist: OTs oversee the operations and have the most responsibility by setting goals and developing treatment plans. An OT will do a home or work assessment to analyze a patient’s environments and make accommodations.

He or she also will suggest equipment to use in a workplace to help that patient do his or her job comfortably. To become an OT, one will need to go through a master’s program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.

Occupational therapists have many ways to specialize their careers. ExploreHealthCareers.org says OTs may work with premature babies, assist children with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, work in schools with students who have learning disabilities, or may work with older people in nursing homes or private residences. There are new specialties, too, such as training workers to use the correct ergonomics or helping people with low vision issues maintain their independence.

Occupational therapy is a great carer for individuals who want to help others maintain their independence and live life to the fullest.

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