SNW: Special Needs Workshop

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A Special Needs Plan was designed with the Security and Comfort of your family as our primary mission.  We created the L.I.F.E.™ Process in order to help you define and then assemble a strategy that makes sense for your family.  L.I.F.E.™ stands for Lasting Independence For Everyone™, including you, your special needs loved one and the other members of your family. Our goal is to provide you with the tools necessary to reach your L.I.F.E.™.  Five Distinct Planning Packages were developed for families in various stages of their L.I.F.E.™.

How A Special Needs Plan Began

The genesis of A Special Needs Plan began while I was attending a state Arc conference.  I was overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm I received when people learned that my planning practice was tailored to families with Special Needs.  I had people from more than 4 states away, and a grandfather with a granddaughter 3,000 miles away ask if I could help them.  At that point, I could not.

It was the feeling that I was letting people down who really needed help that spawned the thought of what is now A Special Needs Plan.  I decided to offer this information on-line due to the internet’s flexibility.  I know that your life is extremely hectic and your responsibilities great, so I wanted to ensure that anytime and anywhere you could access the site, continue your education, and assemble your strategy.  By being on-line we have been able to keep our costs low, which allows ASNP to pass those savings on to you in the form of lower prices for our planning packages.  That was very important to us because disability knows no socio-economic boundaries and we want all families that need this information to have access.

The Purpose of A Special Needs Plan is to provide quality information, be a positive resource for families, and to help families achieve security and comfort.  We do this with the principles of honesty, integrity and with God as our guide.

About Ryan Platt, Founder of A Special Needs Plan.

Ryan understands that life does not always go as planned.  As a Senior at Wake Forest University he became quite ill and was in danger of not living to see graduation.  After time spent in two hospitals and then at home, he did recover and did graduate (1996).  However, it was that experience that shaped his conviction for the L.I.F.E.™ planning process.  Although it is impossible to know when our last day will come, we all have the ability to define our needs and desires for our family and take action to secure their L.I.F.E.™

            After completing his MBA in 2003, Ryan decided to continue his education, while building his practice, in the area of Special Needs Planning.  Ryan completed his Special Care Planner Certification in 2005 at the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.  This program provides advanced training in estate and tax planning, special needs trusts, government programs, and the emotional dynamics of  working with people with disabilities and other special needs and their families.  Ryan combined his education with his experience to create A Special Needs Plan.

            Ryan lives in Concord, NC with his beautiful wife and 2 precious little boys.  Ryan serves proudly as a Board Member for The Arc of Mecklenburg County.