Simplify the Journey LLC
Adult Special Needs Consulting
Is your young adult with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, including autism, preparing to transition from special education services to adult services or have they done so already?
Receive guidance, coaching and resources from an experienced parent navigating the Massachusetts Adult Special Needs System of financial benefits, supports and services for years.
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29 years experience in the Financial Services Industry
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10+ years navigating the Adult Special Needs System
Lots to Learn on the Journey
Financial Benefits
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Maximize Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
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Working on Disability
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MassHealth & Medicare Eligibility
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MassHealth Premium Assistance
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Private Health Insurance: Age 26 and Beyond
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Maximize SNAP Benefits
Many Places to Apply for Housing
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Section 8 Subsidized Vouchers
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Mobile Vouchers
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Site-based Vouchers
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Affordable Housing
Financial Planning
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ABLE Accounts
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Special Needs Trusts
Supports and Services
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Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
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Self-Directed Services
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Traditional Services
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Flexible Funding
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Goods and Services Budget
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Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
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Pre-Employment Transition Services
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Next-Gen Career Program
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Traditional Vocational Rehab
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Department of Mental Health (DMH)
Enrichment
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Recreational Activities
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Pandemic Related Transition Services
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Post-secondary Education
and More!
WHAT CLIENTS AND PROFESSIONALS HAVE TO SAY
"After seeing Lydia speak at The Arc's regional transition conference in 2022, I hired her to present how she has effectively advocated for a better life for her loved ones through adult services and supports. Lydia's remarkable skill in connecting different programs and pinpointing areas that need advocacy to improve systems is truly impressive. Collaborating with Lydia has been a pleasure, and the families I support have benefitted greatly from her valuable insights"
- Maryann Welch, Director of the Northeast Family Leadership Program, Riverside Community Care
"I heard so much about the DDS Self Direction Program but I did not know where to start. Lydia taught me all about the program and how to allocate my budget to both traditional and self-directed services. I did not realize all the different ways to utilize flexible funding to support my daughter's Individual Support Plan goals. I now know different types of services and supports to ask for when meeting with my DDS service coordinator."
- Nicole G. (client)
"Lydia helped me establish a system that keeps everything that I am dealing with organized. I was so overwhelmed that I didn't know where to start. That was the beginning of an ongoing relationship wherein I have engaged with Lydia on many matters such as SNAP benefits, SSI, SSDI, Personal Care Attendant earnings and DDS flexible funding to name a few. She always seems cool, calm and collected. She has done the research and the navigating and she knows her stuff. I don't know where we would be today if I hadn't connected with her."
- Dianne G. (client)
"If you are looking for fair and reasonably priced advice on SSI and other topics please reach out to Lydia. She has saved my family and me 10x more than we have ever paid her."
- JJ and Lesley S. (client)
"Lydia is highly knowledgeable about finances, specifically around maximizing financial benefits for individuals with disabilities. She is a wonderful resource that families should use. It is clear that Lydia is really interested in helping individuals and families best navigate financial resources. Lydia is compassionate and easy to work with."
- Sejal Costa, M.Ed., Student Support Leader at Westford Academy
"The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with One Step"
- Lao Tzu
