Join The Carroll Center for the Blind and our exclusive trust partner, PLAN of MA & RI, for a free, informational webinar designed to help families and individuals prepare for the future with confidence. A Special Needs Trust is a simple but powerful legal tool that allows individuals with disabilities to receive financial support without losing eligibility for government benefits.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET)
Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free

What You’ll Learn

• The purpose and different types of Special Needs Trusts
• Key responsibilities of a trustee and what to consider
• Differences between Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts — and how they work together
• How to fund a trust without jeopardizing public benefits
• How PLAN provides both trust management and dedicated social service support for families

Who Should Attend

• Parents, caregivers, and family members of individuals with disabilities
• Individuals who may benefit from a Special Needs Trust
• Anyone applying for or currently receiving public benefits

Please note: This session will NOT be recorded.

If you have any questions or need help registering, please email development@car​roll.org or call (617) 969-6200 x 236.

About the speakers

Joan McGrath

Joan McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, has been with PLAN since 2009. Prior to assuming the role of CEO, in February 2020, Joan was Director of Finance and Administration for PLAN and has more than 25 years of experience in professional accounting and finance. She has been an auditor with a “big four” public accounting firm, where she focused on high growth, emerging business clients. She also led her own private consulting practice, where she worked with nonprofits, service organizations, and venture capital startups. Joan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. Joan is a member of the Boston Estate Planning Council, the Estate Planning Council of Rhode Island, Academy of Special Needs Planners, Alliance of Pooled Trusts, National PLAN and is on the Alliance of Pooled Trusts Board and Best Buddies Advisory Board.

Ellen Harnen

Ellen Harnen, Service Coordinator Manager, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Ellen has worked extensively as a case manager providing services to adults living with neurological injuries and/or illness. Ellen earned a Master of Social Work degree from Simmons College in Boston. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.