Fulshear-Katy Community Guide & Directory 2022-23

E D U C A T I O N

lifelong guardians for their children if they are unable to live independently. Attorney Boyd Handley of The Handley Law Off ice works with many of these families. He counsels them on creating comprehensive and individualized plans that protect loved ones with disabilities or Special Needs so that inheritances received during the child’s life won’ t affect government benef its like SSI and Medicaid. He also helps parents understand if Guardianship or an Alternative to Guardianship is needed. By planning for assets to be properly placed and distributed, the f inancial future of these individuals can be more assured. Handley ’s website (thehandleylawoff ice. com) features many resources along with Special Needs Parenting blogs to suppor t families. “As a parent of a young adult with Special Needs, of whom my wife and I share Guardianship, I understand the many issues families face,” he says. “In my practice, I help families like ours work through these issues to f ind the services and legal solutions for them, now and in the future.” Parents also should talk with a f inancial planning exper t who offers Special Needs considerations, as theseplanners understand the long-term investment needs specif ic to Special Needs families in order to reach their goals.

More and more local businesses offer jobs to those with Special Needs. Howdy Homemade Ice Cream opened In Katy In 2021. Eighty percent of Howdy ’s staff (the Howdy Heroes) have Special Needs. The Katy franchisee, Rod Batson, says, “Howdy Homemade Ice Cream Is on a relentless pursuit to employ suppor ts meaningful employment for neurodiverse individuals. Texana Cafe serves delicious food and beverages created by individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities. Interns learn valuable job skills in a suppor tive work environment . Employers who would like to offer positions to people with Special Needs and disabilities can contact the Texas Workforce Commission at (281) 644 1030, or their school district ’s Special Education depar tment . LEGAL/FINANCIAL Parents of children with Special Needs must plan for the years after their children reach adulthood, and for the years after the parents are gone. It ’s impor tant to star t early. Estate plans for these families may include Wills, Special Needs Trusts and Guardianship or Alternatives to Guardianship. Parents must consider Individuals with Special Needs.” Texana Café, located In Fulshear,

Whether parents are just star ting this journey or are long-time travelers, asking for help and utilizing available resources are key factors in creating a

well-rounded, exceptional life for their child with Special Needs as well as themselves.

Changing the way the world thinks about adults with disabilities

Shop and dine at our Gift & Garden Center and Café! OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY • JUST 10 MINUTES WEST OF KATY 1752 FM 1489, Brookshi re, TX 77423 • 281-375-2149 • brookwoodcommuni ty.org • •

70 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2022-23 ISSUE