Secured Steps

IEP meetings can feel overwhelming for families. There are acronyms, evaluations, goals, services, timelines, and sometimes an uncomfortable feeling that everyone else at the table understands the system better than you do. In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff is joined by Dr. Diana Fannon, an experienced special education professional and advocate whose background includes work as a teacher, sc...

In this episode of Secured Steps , I sit down with Daniel Hodges, JD, MHA for an important conversation about accessibility, authentic inclusion, and what it really takes to build a society that better supports people with disabilities. Daniel is a thought leader in the disability community and the President and Cofounder of Peaces of Me Foundation, a nonprofit he launched while still in law schoo...

In this episode of Secured Steps , Jeff Llewellyn breaks down the tax moves special needs families miss most and explains how to think more strategically about taxes throughout the year. From credits versus deductions to medical expenses, adult dependents, ABLE accounts, and trust coordination, Jeff shares practical insights to help families ask better questions and avoid costly oversights. If you...

If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, saving for your own retirement can sometimes feel selfish — even risky. But what if prioritizing your financial security actually strengthens your child’s future instead of threatening it? In this episode, I unpack one of the most emotionally loaded questions families ask: how to balance retirement planning with long-term financial planning for a c...

A special needs trust can be one of the most important tools in a disability family’s plan—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I break down what a special needs trust is, how it works, and why it matters if SSI and Medicaid benefits are part of your loved one’s support system (now or in the future). You’ll walk away with a clear, plain-English understanding of the structu...

Opening an ABLE account shouldn’t feel like a research project. In this episode, I walk you through how to open an ABLE account step-by-step —from confirming eligibility, to choosing the right state plan, to completing the online application and setting up contributions so the account actually gets used. What you’ll learn in this episode What an ABLE account is (and what it’s designed to do) How t...

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the most important — and misunderstood — disability benefits for families. In this episode, Jeff Llewellyn explains how SSI works, who qualifies, and why age 18 is a critical planning milestone for individuals with disabilities. You’ll learn how income and asset limits apply, what changes when parental finances no longer count, and why SSI often becomes...

In this episode of Secured Steps , Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Brian Klazmer of Klazmer Financial Group for a deep conversation on how life and disability insurance really works for families with loved ones with special needs. We unpack the essentials — from the structure of permanent vs. term coverage to advanced strategies like second-to-die policies, funding Special Needs Trusts, insuring car...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Stephanie Lee Jackson, founder of Practical Sanctuary to explore how the spaces we live in can help — or hinder — our nervous systems. Stephanie designs sensory-smart interiors for families, caregivers, and individuals with special needs. Together, we talk about how intentional design can reduce overwhelm, support regulation, and crea...

In this episode of the Secured Steps podcast, host Jeff Llewellyn engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Jack Hinman about the challenges faced by young adults, particularly those in the special needs community. They explore the intersection of personal and professional experiences, discussing the importance of family dynamics, developmental milestones, and the crisis of connection in today'...

In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn speaks with author Catherine Zoratti about her journey as a parent of two boys, one neurotypical and one neurodiverse. They discuss the inspiration behind her book 'Hello Saturday', the importance of finding joy in unexpected places, and the challenges of defining 'typical' in parenting. Catherine shares insights on building...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn interviews Jennifer Gasner, an author and advocate for changing perceptions of people with disabilities. Jennifer shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease at 17 and how it transformed her life. She discusses her memoir, 'My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis,' and the importance of...

In this episode of Secured Steps , we dive into one of the most important — and often overwhelming — parts of planning for a loved one with disabilities: housing. Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or deep into decision-making, this conversation will give you clarity on the categories of housing, how funding works, and where to turn for trusted resources in Pennsylvania and New Jerse...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience helping children find their voice. They explore the power of early intervention tips and language development for kids, the impact of speech therapy, and why starting early can make all the difference. Jeaneen opens up about her personal journey as a speec...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn speaks with John Fela, a national disability advocate and parent of a child on the autism spectrum. They discuss John's journey through disability advocacy, the challenges of raising a special needs child, the importance of community support, and the resources available for families. John shares insights on navigating housing and employment opt...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn discusses the critical concept of anchoring in special needs financial planning. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid foundation for future planning by taking inventory of emotional and financial needs. The conversation covers tools like the Letter of Intent, the significance of vision casting, and the necessity of assessing one&apos...

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt shares his personal journey as an autistic self-advocate and father of neurodiverse daughters. He discusses the impact of teachers on neurodiverse students, the implications of labeling, and the challenges of group work in education. Dr. Wyatt emphasizes the importance of diverse communication styles and the need for educators to listen to their student...

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn speaks with April Ratchford, an occupational therapist and advocate for autistic individuals. They discuss the challenges of parenting an autistic child, the importance of occupational and speech therapy, and the transition to adulthood for autistic individuals. April shares her insights on the role of play in learning, the need for community suppor...

In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Ryann M. Siclari, Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and recipient of the Joseph B. Young Excellence in Legal Advocacy Award from Disability Rights New Jersey. Ryann brings deep insight into the world of special needs and elder law, covering critical topics including: • The differences between guardianship and less restrictive a...

Choosing a trustee for a Special Needs Trust is one of the most important decisions a family can make—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Secured Steps , we break down the key differences between bundled and unbundled trustee arrangements. You’ll learn how each model works, who’s responsible for what, and the pros and cons of each structure. Whether you're consider...

What does inclusive higher education really look like in action? In this episode of Secured Steps , we shine a spotlight on Georgian Court University’s Transition and Career Studies (TCS) Program—an empowering path for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience college life, build independence, and prepare for meaningful careers. Joining us are two of the program’s...

 In this episode of Secured Steps , we dive into one of the most overlooked but powerful Social Security benefits available to families supporting a loved one with a disability—the Disabled Adult Child benefit, or DAC. Host Jeff Llewellyn from Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down what DAC is, who qualifies, and why traditional retirement planning strategies often miss the mark when a disabled lo...

Government benefits are some of the most important—and confusing—resources available to families supporting a loved one with disabilities. In this episode of Secured Steps , host Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down the alphabet soup of programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Community Waivers in plain English. You'll learn: Who qualifies for SSI and how it's calculate...

If you’re caring for a loved one with special needs, you’ve probably heard about ABLE accounts—but do you know how they actually work, or how they can protect eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid? In this episode of Secured Steps , Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down everything you need to know about ABLE accounts —Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts—and how...

Secured Steps is the podcast that helps parents, grandparents, and caretakers confidently navigate the financial planning process for individuals with disabilities. Hosted by Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management — and a parent who’s walked this path — each episode delivers clear, practical guidance on topics including government benefits, special needs trusts, and budgeting, ABLE accounts,...