Planning for the future means understanding the roles and responsibilities you hold as a caregiver—and knowing how to share them over time. Our new blog explores how a Parent Transition Plan can ease your load and ensure your loved one continues to thrive with the right support.

At Whitmire & Associates, we believe deeply in meeting each client where they are — and building a coordinated, person-centered path forward. One of the most important, yet often under-recognized, disciplines in this work is rehabilitation counseling. Meet Emily!

A Letter of Intent is a vital planning tool that captures your loved one’s unique needs, preferences, and important details—helping guide the team that supports them now and into the future. Our latest blog explains how this living document creates clarity and peace of mind for families navigating complex care transitions.

Civil commitment can be a complex and overwhelming process for individuals and families. Our latest blog highlights how care managers provide essential guidance, advocacy, and coordination to help navigate this challenging journey—ensuring dignity, clarity, and support every step of the way.

A care manager plays a pivotal role in helping individuals with disabilities navigate the complexities of managing an ABLE account. They assist in ensuring that the funds in the account are used appropriately, helping individuals and their families make the most out of this valuable resource.

When an adult experiences a disability or mental health crisis, families often step in as the financial safety net. But that role can quickly become unsustainable. In our latest blog, we explore how public benefits like SNAP and SSI can be tools of empowerment—not just support—and how care managers help shift the dynamic from dependency to independence. If your adult child is navigating complex needs in their 20s or 30s, this post is for you.

ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience) are a transformative financial resource that allow individuals with disabilities to save for their future without jeopardizing their access to essential government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These tax-advantaged accounts fall under Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Service Tax code and assist individuals and families in managing the extra costs that come with living with a disability.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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: