By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP

We all wish you a holiday season filled with peace, joy, and success. We recognize how difficult this season can be for those with disabilities or mental health challenges and for the elderly. During this time of year, especially, we remember all of those vulnerable individuals, particularly those who do not have the appropriate understanding, services,  home or placement.

At the same time, we recognize the change than can come about through understanding, persistence and advocacy, as well as the unique strengths and perspective that each family member brings us. At the holidays, we all take the time to appreciate the greatest gifts-our loved ones and families whom we fight and advocate for.Our clients inspire us each day with your tenacity and care for vulnerable loved ones. We are honored to be working with you to make a difference in your family member’s life.

Each day, at our firm, we work to change lives and are proud of our success in helping those who have difficulty advocating for themselves. Together we can all make a difference and have seen miracles occur.

In our country, at times, we are seeing a rise in division, a decrease in understanding and a potential shift in resources away from the most vulnerable. We should not accept policies,  rules or statements that allow discrimination, bias or neglect. To protect those with disabilities and those who cannot care for themselves, we advocate for higher standards of care and service. With a “veil of ignorance,” to protect us from bias, to refer to a principle from John Rawls in A Theory of Justice, we should all continue to support a just society with laws that protect everyone.  From this viewpoint, in creating a just society, we should advocate for laws and policies that, to the maximum extent possible, protect the most defenseless and disadvantaged in our society. The elderly and individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges occupy the ranks of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

We stand ready to help you and your loved ones navigate complex laws and to advocate to protect the vulnerable and disabled–whether helping a family member obtain guardianship of a loved one who has lost capacity to manage his affairs and care, helping families plan their finances to preserve scarce resources (which may include accessing disability services) or helping youth with learning or emotional disabilities find an appropriate school placement.

We send thanks and warm wishes to our clients for trusting us with representing your family. Best wishes for a very Happy Holiday Season and New Year.