Hands-On Masterclass for Caregivers: How to Write Your Letter of Intent

A letter of intent is an integral part of life care planning for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and a key element of planning for the future for your loved one with a disability. While a will is very important with regard to the disposition of assets, a letter of intent serves as a guidepost for those who will support your loved one. It includes information about relationships, daily needs, financial resources, and other legal matters, and illustrates both needs and wants. A letter of intent helps define what is important to the individual, as well as what is important for the individual.In this session, we will review all components of a letter of intent, walk through a template for preparing one, and begin the process of drafting this critical life care planning tool using a person-centered approach to futures planning.

Instructor: Anna Maki, Director, Program Services, Bobby Dodd Institute

Anna earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Georgia School of Law and has a Master’s in Community Counseling specializing in clinical diagnoses and addressing issues impacting individuals with developmental disabilities. She developed BDI’s Benefits Navigation program in 2016, and since then has served more than 1500 families and secured more than 400 million in lifetime benefits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Anna also serves as a Community Partner Work Incentive Counselor with Social Security Administration.