The Center for Special Needs | The American College of Financial Services
coe_page
cb17 coe banner
The Center for Special Needs
Caring, Compassion, Community.
The American College Center for Special Needs is committed to elevating the special needs planning knowledge of financial professionals and the public.
View Latest Insights
Learn About the Center
cb12 repeater
We Provide Expertise to Help
Preparing Professionals for Special Needs Planning
The Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) Program is designed for experienced financial advisors who want to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
cb12 repeater
Upcoming Live Event
Advanced Special Needs Planning Symposium
Join us in Orlando, FL May 7-8 for a one-of-a-kind event bringing together professionals from across financial services and beyond for insightful and deep conversations on special needs and disability planning.
Register Now
cb19 icon list
Four Strategies for Financial Stability
Focus on Your Key Priorities
Families and caregivers must prioritize emergency savings, retirement, and future care needs.
Consider Insurance in Your Plan
Families should be familiar with insurance products that complement their planning needs.
Access and Maximize Benefits
Caregivers must be guided on how to access the public benefits available for the individual with special needs.
Enlist an Experienced Advisor
Find a financial professional who's a ChSNC
, the only designation ensuring comprehensive knowledge in special needs planning.
Search Now
cb9 features resources - V1
The Center’s Latest
See All Resources
View By New
View By Trending
View By Popular
Press
Announcing the 2026 Advanced Special Needs Planning Symposium
The American College of Financial Services and the American College Center for Special Needs are proud to announce the return of the Advanced Special Needs Planning Symposium.
March 25, 2026
Insights
Crafting Long-Term Care Conversations
For many, the subject of long-term care can be a difficult topic to broach. For financial advisors, it’s all in the line of work.
February 11, 2026
On-Demand Webcasts
Advanced Insights for Special Needs Planning
Join industry experts as they take an in-depth look at several key topics and share knowledge from the field of special needs planning.
By
Joellen Meckley
November 12, 2025
Insights
Special Needs Trusts for Gifting and Inheritance
If you have a minor or adult child with special needs, financial concerns are likely top of mind.
October 30, 2025
On-Demand Webcasts
Fundamental Insights for Special Needs Planning
Join experts from The American College of Financial Services as they explore key insights and knowledge in the field of special needs planning.
By
Joellen Meckley
Thomas M. Brinker, Jr.
October 20, 2025
01
03
cb20 footer cta
Become a ChSNC
If you're a financial professional, get the knowledge to understand and meet the needs of special needs individuals and their caregivers. Take the first step to becoming a champion for this close-knit and underrepresented community.
Enroll Now
Get a Personalized Learning Plan
cb23 donor tiers
Meet Our Donors
Center Founding Partner & Sponsor
cb23 donor tiers
Our Partners in Philanthropy
National Strategic Philanthropic Partners
National Philanthropic Partners