Press Release:  AANE Continues Partnership with PLAN of MA & RI with $50,000 Grant

Contact: 

Cathy Aikman / Director of Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

617-393-3824

Watertown, MA – October 1, 2025 – The Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE) is pleased to announce a continued partnership with Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN) for a fifth consecutive year. In this current partnership, PLAN has committed a $50,000 grant which will help AANE continue to offer free and low-cost programming to its community and will continue to be the Exclusive Special Needs Trust Partner of AANE.

PLAN is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing professional trustee services for special needs trusts and proudly serving people with all disabilities for over 50 years. They are regularly recognized for prudent, high-quality oversight of each individual trust account. Funds are administered with individual benefits in mind to avoid negatively affecting the beneficiaries’ eligibility for means-tested benefits while supporting quality of life. Additionally, there is no minimum initial deposit to participate in a trust.

Incorporated in 1971, PLAN of MA & RI is recognized today as an expert in Special Needs Trust administration. PLAN offers the unique benefit of dedicated social worker support. Each beneficiary has a dedicated Service Coordinator who is a licensed Social Worker. These caring professionals meet with the beneficiary, their family, and external providers to help identify unmet needs and eligible expenses and work together with the trust officer to plan the effective use of their trust funds.

“At AANE, we provide individuals, families, and professionals with education, community and support, in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect. Part of that service means helping our community prepare for the future. We are proud to partner with PLAN to provide important financial planning resources to those we support,” said Brenda Dater, Executive Director of AANE.

“PLAN is thrilled to continue our partnership with AANE. We recognize the tremendous work AANE does to support Autistic individuals and their families, and it is very well aligned with the mission of PLAN,” said Joan McGrath, Executive Director of PLAN.

About AANE:

AANE is a nationally recognized non-profit that works with Autistic and similarly Neurodivergent people to build meaningful, connected lives. AANE provides individuals, families, and professionals with education, community and support, in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect. To learn more, visit aane.org.