NEEDHAM and NEWTON, MA, and PROVIDENCE, RI: Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN of MA & RI; www.planofma-ri.org/), a nonprofit organization proudly serving people with disabilities and assisting them with preserving assets, protecting access to public benefits, and living well, announced today a new, two-year strategic partnership with the Carrol Center for the Blind, one of the largest vision rehabilitation agencies in the nation.  Through this partnership, the two organizations will bring together their collective resources, knowledge, and expertise to further support individuals with vision loss and their families on their pathway to independence.

Special needs trusts are important financial vehicles for people with disabilities as they can preserve assets and protect eligibility for public benefits. The two-year partnership will help educate clients and families in the Carroll Center network about the critical need for financial security.

Additionally, and in support of this partnership, PLAN of MA & RI recently committed $50,000 toward the Carroll Center for the Blind.  This gift was formalized at a check presentation ceremony held earlier this month.

“We have many beneficiaries in our trust with vision impairment, whether due to age or another type of condition,” said Joan McGrath, executive director of PLAN of MA & RI.  “Our trust offers tremendous support for people who may need additional social supports and adaptive equipment for this type of special need.

“It made so much sense to me and our board of directors to support the Carroll Center for the Blind because of the tremendous strides they are making to help people live their most productive lives. That’s what we’re about, so our missions are truly aligned,” she added.

“We’ve been serving individuals of all ages and all stages of vision loss, many of whom may also have additional disabilities, for nearly 85 years,” said Gregory J. Donnelly, president and CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind. “Partnering with PLAN of MA & RI to deliver transformational products and services for our clients will allow us to place our clients on the best path for success in the journey with vision loss. Together, working as one team, we will provide the very best care and support to those in need.”