In this insightful session, attendees will gain a deep understanding of how to effectively administer special needs trusts — including best practices, key compliance issues, and strategies for ensuring the long-term well-being of beneficiaries with disabilities. We’ll explore how trustees and advisors can partner to balance asset management, public-benefits preservation, and life-care planning in a seamless, compassionate manner.
Whether you’re advising families, serving as a trustee, crafting estate-planning documents, or managing fiduciary responsibilities, this session will provide actionable guidance to elevate your support for individuals with lifelong support needs.
Speaker Bio – Barb Helm, Director of Special Needs Trust Services, Midwest Trust
Barb Helm serves as Director of Special Needs Trust Services at Midwest Trust, bringing more than 25 years of dedicated experience in special-needs trust administration. Prior to joining Midwest Trust, Barb spent 33 years as Executive Director of Arcare, Inc., a not-for-profit organization focused on advocacy, life-care planning and fiscal management for persons with disabilities.
Barb holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas and is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker in Kansas and a Nationally Certified Guardian. In addition, she earned a certificate in Special Needs Trust Management from the Center for Guardianship Certification.
She also serves as President of the National PLAN Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families plan for the care of adult children with lifelong disabilities.
Barb is a highly sought-after speaker at national forums and brings a practical, compassionate perspective grounded in real-world experience. At this session, she will share her extensive history in both nonprofit and fiduciary sectors, offering attendees valuable insights into administering special needs trusts that truly support and empower individuals with disabilities.
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