Jane Kaufman – Special Needs Advocate & Consultant
As an attorney and the proud mother of two sons—one neurotypical and one on the autism spectrum—I know firsthand how challenging and rewarding the special needs journey can be. My path as an advocate began over twenty years ago, when I noticed my older son, Bryan, wasn’t developing typically around 2 years and 10 months old. Early evaluations told us everything was “within normal ranges,” but in my heart I knew something was different, and I persisted until we got answers. Sure enough, further assessments confirmed Bryan’s diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), a condition now recognized as part of the autism spectrum. That moment launched us into years of intensive therapy—speech and language sessions, occupational therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—all aimed at helping Bryan gain communication skills and independence.
Navigating the Education System
Our journey took our family from New York to Florida in 2004, in large part to gain family
support for Bryan and for me! Throughout his school years, I worked tirelessly within both
public and private school settings to ensure he received the services and accommodations
he needed. He progressed from being in self-contained “cluster” classes to participating in
general education inclusion, and eventually to a specialized high school tailored for
neurodivergent students. I was by his side at every IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting, collaborating with teachers, therapists, and administrators to advocate for appropriate goals and support for him. When Bryan turned 18, I navigated the complex process of securing legal guardianship so I could continue to help make decisions in his best interest as he entered adulthood.
Transition to Adulthood
As high school graduation approached, we faced the daunting question of “What’s next?” I helped Bryan enroll in a post-secondary residential college certificate program, which allowed him to experience a form of independent living on a campus while continuing to learn academic and life skills. He successfully earned his Retail Industry Certificate, gaining confidence and a greater level of self-sufficiency. From there, we transitioned into the adult world of supported employment and college-based transition programs designed for young adults with special needs. Today, in his mid-twenties, Bryan is employed part-time and still building important life and social skills. My current focus is on the next chapter for him: creating a sustainable supported living arrangement that balances safety, independence, and happiness. Each stage of this transition required researching countless programs, filling out stacks of paperwork, and often venturing into uncharted territory—but we navigated it together, and the experience I gained now serves as a roadmap for other families.
Balancing Career and Advocacy
All the while, I was building my own career and learning to balance work and motherhood. I’ve spent many years in a demanding procurement role at JM Family Enterprises, where I managed supplier relationships and large budgets. Early on, I became a single parent, which made life more challenging but also strengthened my resolve to secure the best for my children. I juggled therapy appointments, school meetings, and specialist visits around my full-time job, sometimes taking calls during lunch breaks or reviewing IEP documents late at night. At my workplace, I even founded a Special Needs Business Resource Group to support colleagues who, like me, are caring for family members with disabilities. Through this group, we’ve raised awareness, provided peer support, and influenced company policies to be more inclusive for employees with special family situations.
Future Planning
Financial and life planning became another essential part of my role as Bryan’s mom. I knew I had to plan not just for the present, but for the long-term future. I set up life insurance policies and an estate plan (including a special needs trust) to make sure Bryan will be taken care of throughout his life. When the time came, I formalized legal guardianship and also explored establishing powers of attorney and other protections for him as an adult. I’ve always been mindful not to place an unfair burden on my younger son, Jason, who has his own life to lead (though he has been a remarkable brother and support to Bryan). My goal has been to secure Bryan’s future in a way that brings peace of mind to our whole family.
Community Involvement & Credentials
In addition to hard-won experience, I bring a strong educational and legal background to my consulting work. I earned my bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany and went on to receive my law degree from The George Washington University. While I’m not practicing law in a traditional sense, my legal training has proven invaluable when interpreting school regulations, understanding disability rights, and navigating government benefit programs. I’m an active member of the special needs community and believe in giving back. Currently, I serve as the Vice-Chairperson on the board of the Boca Raton Achievement Center (BRAC), a nonprofit special needs school for students with autism and related disabilities. In this role, I stay connected with the latest developments in special education
and help guide a program that supports many local families. Being a board member and advocate in the community also allows me to continuously learn about new resources, therapies, and opportunities that I can, in turn, share with the families I work with. My unique blend of professional expertise, personal experience and leadership roles has given me unique insight into nearly every facet of raising and transitioning a child with special needs—from toddlerhood through the school years and into adulthood. I understand the school system bureaucracy, the maze of government benefits, the search for the right adult programs and housing options, and the importance of financial planning for long-term care. Most importantly, I understand the emotional rollercoaster that parents go through, because I’ve lived the journey myself. Every challenge I faced with Bryan, every triumph and setback, has made me a more knowledgeable and compassionate advocate for others.
How My Experience Can Help Your Family
I draw on all these experiences to guide other families through their own journeys. If you’re planning the next steps for your young adult, I can provide practical guidance and empathetic support. Here are some of the areas I specialize in:
● Understanding government benefits and legal rights: From Social Security benefits (SSI) and Medicaid waivers, I explain what programs are available and
assist in the application and eligibility process. I also guide families through establishing legal guardianship or alternatives when their child approaches
adulthood.
● Exploring housing and supported living options: I advise on the spectrum of postschool living arrangements, from group homes and assisted living to supported independent living and creative housing solutions that balance independence with support.
● Transition to employment and adult programs: I connect families with vocational rehabilitation services, job training programs, day programs, and college-based transition programs that can help young adults build skills and find meaningful employment.
● Long-term financial and life planning: I share strategies for planning for the future, including setting up special needs trusts, budgeting for private therapies or care, utilizing ABLE accounts, and obtaining life insurance or other financial safeguards. This planning ensures your loved one will be provided for in the years ahead without jeopardizing essential benefits.
Throughout our work together, I will /can remain empathetic and realistic. I know the frustration of hitting roadblocks in the system, and I know the joy of seeing your child achieve something others thought impossible. My guidance isn’t just theoretical advice—it’s the same practical, tested approach that I used (and refined) while helping Bryan reach his fullest potential. Ultimately, I became a consultant and advocate to be the resource I wish I had when I was starting this journey. I’m here to simplify the complex, save you from “reinventing the wheel,” and walk alongside you through the ups and downs. My mission is to empower your family with knowledge, hope, and an actionable plan for the future.
“When navigating the future, there’s no substitute for the guidance of those who’ve done it before.”