Accessible Travel: Tips and Considerations for a Smooth Journey
Travel offers a chance for discovery and connection, but for individuals with mobility needs, it also requires careful preparation. Whether you use a wheelchair or need additional accessibility supports, this guide provides strategies for navigating airports, lodging, transportation, and activities—ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience.
Empowering Safe Spending: Setting up Guardrails with a True Link Card and Case Manager Support
Managing money can be challenging for adults with disabilities or mental health concerns. The True Link Card offers a secure way to handle spending while protecting against fraud and overspending. In our latest blog, we explain how partnering with a care manager not only helps manage the card but also supports building money management skills—empowering your loved one toward financial independence.
Care Management in Alaska: Partnering with Families in Remote Communities
Providing care in Alaska means navigating complex needs across vast distances. At Whitmire & Associates, we’ve spent the past 18 months partnering with families, fiduciaries, and providers to support clients living in remote villages and urban hubs alike. Our latest blog reflects on what we’ve learned and how our team continues to show up—when it counts most.
The Lifelong Benefits of Service Animals
Service animals provide life-changing support for individuals with disabilities, offering companionship, independence, and essential assistance. From guiding individuals with blindness to assisting those with mobility challenges or mental health needs, service animals are highly trained partners who play a critical role in improving quality of life. This blog explores the benefits of service animals, the programs available in Washington State and across the U.S., and the process of obtaining a service animal through valid channels.
How Care Managers Support the Process of Estate Planning
A care manager plays a crucial role in the administration and management of a Special Needs Trust (SNT) for individuals with disabilities. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the individual’s care, financial needs, and long-term goals are met while maintaining eligibility for public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
Effective Strategies for Supporting Independence in Medication Management
Managing medications independently can be a key step toward greater autonomy for individuals with mental health disorders or disabilities. Fortunately, there are tools and strategies available to help simplify the process and reduce the risk of missed or incorrect doses.
When to Call a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR): A Guide for Families
Navigating a mental health crisis involving a loved one can be overwhelming and emotional. In King County, families can turn to Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs) for support during these critical moments. DCRs are licensed mental health professionals who assess individuals experiencing severe behavioral health crises and determine whether intervention, including involuntary treatment, is necessary to ensure safety. Here's what you need to know about when and how to call a DCR.
New Support Services for Crises in King County
King County is expanding its resources for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, offering new support services designed to provide immediate assistance and long-term solutions. These services aim to connect individuals in crisis with the right care and help them navigate through difficult moments with dignity and compassion.
Assistive and Augmentative Tools: Empowering Independence for All
Assistive technology (AT) and Assistive and Augmentative Communication (AAC) play a transformative role in the lives of individuals with disabilities, helping them overcome barriers and achieve greater independence. From low-tech tools to advanced high-tech systems, AT & ACC encompass a wide range of devices and software designed to improve quality of life and access to education, work, and everyday activities.
Winter Fun for All
Washington State provides a variety of inclusive winter activities, programs, and at-home hobbies for individuals with disabilities. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, join a community program, or enjoy indoor activities, there’s something for everyone to stay active and engaged this winter.
2025 Public Benefit Updates
In 2025, individuals with disabilities will encounter important updates to Social Security, ABLE accounts, and other related benefit programs that may impact their financial planning and eligibility for various services. Here’s what individuals and families need to know:
Gratitude
As we say goodbye to the fall leaves that will soon be replaced with bare branches and enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie, many of us have thankfulness on our minds. Fun fact: research from multiple universities have found that practicing gratitude has positive impacts on both our physical and mental health! So, how do we reap these benefits?
Navigating and Reframing the Holidays
During the holidays most people will be planning to share and enjoy quality time with loved ones. But this doesn’t mean that the holidays automatically arrive stress-free and joyous. These feelings can arise because some may feel pressure to host the “perfect dinner” or find the “perfect gift”. Financial stress can also play a role, as travel, food, and gifts all bring on expenses that aren’t part of typical budgets. Past family relationship patterns or memories of loved ones that are no longer with us may also evoke difficult feelings.