Remarkable Futures

In Episode 6 of Remarkable Futures , Steve Norton speaks with Rachel Malloy Jasiczek—mother, writer, and advocate—about her journey raising a child with a rare genetic disorder. Rachel shares the moment of diagnosis, the uncertainty that followed, and how it reshaped her identity as both a parent and a professional. What began as fear and confusion evolved into a powerful commitment to advocacy—no...

Transitioning from school-based services to adulthood is one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—phases for individuals with special needs and their families. In Episode 5 of Remarkable Futures , Steve Norton is joined by leaders from CCARC and the Bristol Adult Resource Center to explore what really happens when individuals “age out” of the school system. This conversation covers:  The r...

00:00 – The Day Everything Changed Steve and Cheryl share the deeply personal story of the autism diagnosis that changed their family forever. 05:00 – The Early Signs What they noticed before the diagnosis — and the subtle indicators that something wasn’t quite right. 10:00 – Keeping It Inside The internal struggle, fear, and hesitation to voice concerns out loud. 15:00 – “Have You Heard of Autism...

In Episode 3 of Remarkable Futures, we answer a critical question for special needs families: When do you hire an advocate, and when do you need an attorney? Andrew Feinstein and Terry Bedard explain the differences, discuss navigating IEP meetings, and outline how families can protect their child’s educational rights. This episode offers clarity for parents facing school-related challenges and di...

00:00 IEP Meeting Mistakes Parents Don’t Realize They’re Making 04:30 What Schools Are Required to Provide Under IDEA Law 09:15 How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting the Right Way 14:20 Understanding IEP Goals and Measurable Progress 19:10 When to Push Back in an IEP Meeting 24:05 The Role of an IEP Advocate Explained 29:00 Warning Signs Your Child’s IEP Isn’t Working 34:10 Parent Rights in Special Ed...

Remarkable Futures is a podcast for families navigating the financial, emotional, and practical realities of planning for a loved one with special needs. Hosted by Stephen Norton of Able Planning, the show brings real conversations to the forefront—about long-term care, independence, advocacy, and peace of mind. In this first episode, Stephen is joined by Helen Bosch and Marty Schwartz, parents wh...