A Podcast by Able Planning
Remarkable Futures is a show for families who want clarity, confidence, and a real plan for the road ahead.
Hosted by financial advisor Stephen Norton, this podcast dives into the critical conversations families often avoid — especially those navigating special needs planning, ABLE accounts, government benefits, guardianship, and long-term financial security.
Each episode features expert insight, real-life stories, and practical guidance designed to help parents and caregivers build stability without fear. We break down complex financial topics into clear, actionable steps — because protecting your loved one’s future shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
This isn’t theory.
It’s planning with purpose.
If you care for someone with special needs — or you simply want to make smarter long-term financial decisions — Remarkable Futures will equip you with the tools, mindset, and strategy to move forward with confidence.
Your future is too important to leave to chance.
Let’s build something remarkable.
The School Said 'Agree to Disagree' — Then Cut My Kids' Services_Kit Savage
In this episode, special education advocate Kit Savage shares the story that launched her career — the summer a district employee flagged her family's IEPs and said, "I'm going to teach them a lesson," followed by the sudden loss of her children's reading services and, eventually, a formal due process complaint. Host Steve Norton and Kit trace her path from concerned parent to professional advocate to grassroots organizer, and unpack the practical side of navigating special education: how to ...
6 Oct 2026
The Hiring Mistake Costing Employers Their BEST Workers, David Betters
What if the biggest hiring mistake employers make is overlooking one of the most motivated, reliable segments of the workforce? On this episode of Remarkable Futures, host Steve Norton sits down with David Betters, Business & Partner Developer at CW Resources, to talk about what it really takes to get people with disabilities into meaningful jobs — and why so many employers don't realize what they're missing. David breaks down what his day-to-day work looks like, from one-on-one job coach...
15 Sept 2026
*Autism Explained: What Every Parent Needs to Know_Dr. Sarah Hardy
Dr. Sarah Hardy, an autism psychologist at the Hospital for Special Care's Autism Center in New Britain, Connecticut, joins host Steve Norton for a wide-ranging look at what an autism diagnosis really involves, and what comes after it. Dr. Hardy explains how diagnostic tools and criteria have evolved, why the diagnostic umbrella for autism has broadened so significantly since the DSM-5, and why catching a diagnosis early can compound into real, lasting benefit for a child's development. She a...
1 Sept 2026
IEP Secrets Every Parent Should Know_Guest: Julie Swanson
REMARKABLE FUTURES PODCAST IEP Secrets Every Parent Should Know A conversation with Julie Swanson, Special Education Advocate & Author Episode Notes & Transcript Highlights EPISODE OVERVIEW This episode of Remarkable Futures features Julie Swanson — a special education advocate and co-author of Your Special Education Rights: What Your School District Isn't Telling You and the IEP guide for parents and teachers. Julie shares the personal story that led her from a career in television p...
25 May 2026
Rare Disease Changed Us
In Episode 6 of Remarkable Futures, Steve Norton speaks with Rachel Malloy Jasiczek—mother, writer, and advocate—about her journey raising a child with a rare genetic disorder. Rachel shares the moment of diagnosis, the uncertainty that followed, and how it reshaped her identity as both a parent and a professional. What began as fear and confusion evolved into a powerful commitment to advocacy—not just for her daughter, but for families navigating similar challenges. This episode explores: &n...
4 May 2026
AGE 22 The Cliff: What Happens Next?
Transitioning from school-based services to adulthood is one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—phases for individuals with special needs and their families. In Episode 5 of Remarkable Futures, Steve Norton is joined by leaders from CCARC and the Bristol Adult Resource Center to explore what really happens when individuals “age out” of the school system. This conversation covers: The reality behind the “age 22 cliff” How adult service systems differ from school-base...
10 Mar 2026
Autism Diagnosis Story: The Day Everything Changed
00:00 – The Day Everything Changed Steve and Cheryl share the deeply personal story of the autism diagnosis that changed their family forever. 05:00 – The Early Signs What they noticed before the diagnosis — and the subtle indicators that something wasn’t quite right. 10:00 – Keeping It Inside The internal struggle, fear, and hesitation to voice concerns out loud. 15:00 – “Have You Heard of Autism Spectrum Disorder?” The doctor’s words that marked a turning point — and the shock that followed...
3 Mar 2026
IEP Advocate vs Special Education Attorney: When Do You Need Each?
In Episode 3 of Remarkable Futures, we answer a critical question for special needs families: When do you hire an advocate, and when do you need an attorney? Andrew Feinstein and Terry Bedard explain the differences, discuss navigating IEP meetings, and outline how families can protect their child’s educational rights. This episode offers clarity for parents facing school-related challenges and difficult educational decisions. About Remarkable Futures The Remarkable Futures Podcast is design...
24 Feb 2026
How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting: Tips Every Parent Should Know
00:00 IEP Meeting Mistakes Parents Don’t Realize They’re Making 04:30 What Schools Are Required to Provide Under IDEA Law 09:15 How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting the Right Way 14:20 Understanding IEP Goals and Measurable Progress 19:10 When to Push Back in an IEP Meeting 24:05 The Role of an IEP Advocate Explained 29:00 Warning Signs Your Child’s IEP Isn’t Working 34:10 Parent Rights in Special Education 39:20 How to Document Concerns Before the Meeting 44:00 What to Do After the IEP Meetin...
25 Jan 2026
What We Wish We Knew — A Family’s Special Needs Planning Journey
Remarkable Futures is a podcast for families navigating the financial, emotional, and practical realities of planning for a loved one with special needs. Hosted by Stephen Norton of Able Planning, the show brings real conversations to the forefront—about long-term care, independence, advocacy, and peace of mind. In this first episode, Stephen is joined by Helen Bosch and Marty Schwartz, parents who share their personal journey navigating life and planning for a loved one with special needs. T...
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