Simplify the Journey LLC
Adult Special Needs Consulting
Andover, MA
Is your young adult with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, including autism, preparing to transition from special education services to adult services or have they done so already?
Receive education, guidance, coaching, resources, and referrals from an experienced parent who has 1st hand, years long experience navigating the Massachusetts Adult Special Needs System of financial benefits, supports, and services.
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29 years experience in the Financial Services Industry
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11+ years navigating the Adult Special Needs System
Free Online Webinar
Wednesday, 2/4/26
6:30 - 8:00
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Most recipients now qualify for the maximum monthly SSI benefit of $994 due to the expansion of the rental subsidy policy.
MassHealth Premium Assistance
MassHealth may pay up to the entire premium of your family's employer-sponsored medical insurance if the MassHealth member is covered on that family plan.
Lots to Learn on the Journey
We can tackle any or many of these topics together!
Financial Benefits
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Maximize Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
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Working on Disability
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MassHealth & Medicare Eligibility
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MassHealth Premium Assistance
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Private Health Insurance: Age 26 and Beyond
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Maximize SNAP Benefits
​Financial Discounts​
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Utility Discounts
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Phone / Internet Discounts
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Amazon Prime Discount
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and Others!
Financial Planning
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ABLE Accounts
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Special Needs Trusts
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Estate Planning​​
Enrichment
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Recreational Activities
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Pandemic Related Transition Services
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Post-secondary Education
Many Places to Apply for Housing
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Section 8 Subsidized Housing
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​Mobile Vouchers
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Site-based Vouchers
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Affordable Housing
Supports and Services
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Department of Developmental Services (DDS)​
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Self-Directed Services​
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Traditional Services
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Flexible Funding
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Goods and Services Budget
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MassAbility
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Pre-Employment Transition Services​
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Next-Gen Career Program
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Traditional Vocational Rehab
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MassHealth
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Adult Family/Foster Care​
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Personal Care Attendant
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Department of Mental Health (DMH)
and More!!​
The Heart Behind Simplify the Journey
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Simplify the Journey has been a true passion project for me. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of families navigate the often confusing and overwhelming maze of government financial benefits, supports, and services. It has been incredibly meaningful to work alongside each family and be part of their journey.
Every family comes with a unique story, set of challenges, and priorities. While no two situations are the same, my goal is always consistent: to reduce the noise, break complex systems into manageable steps, and provide clear guidance so families can focus on what matters most to them. My work is centered on helping families gain clarity, feel more confident in their decisions, and move forward in a way that aligns with their goals, objectives, and intended outcomes.
I am deeply committed to continuing this mission by supporting families, easing the burden that often comes with navigating these systems, and helping them feel less alone in the process. It is an honor to help lighten the load and walk alongside families as they move toward greater stability, understanding, and peace of mind.​​​
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Lydia is available for
Consultations, Workshops, Trainings, and Speaking Engagements
01.
One-on-One Consultations
Reach out to Lydia to book your personal consultation
Virtual or in-person sessions including a summary of topics discussed, an action list and resources. Many families work with Lydia on an ongoing basis as they address the many important milestones of transitioning from Special Education Services into the Adult Special Needs System and beyond.
02.
Workshops & Trainings
Contact Simplify the Journey to run a workshop or training for your group
Lydia conducts annual half-day workshops
for the Massachusetts Family Leadership Series and has completed three to date,
with another scheduled this Spring.
Lydia regularly leads workshops for
the Riverside Family Support Center and has an upcoming session scheduled.
Lydia recently lead a workshop for the Charles River Center.
03.
Speaking Engagements
Contact Simplify the Journey to speak at your next event
Lydia presented at the 2022 Arc of MA Transition Forum in Concord, MA
Lydia regularly speaks at the Perkins Transition Center's Symposiums,
serving as the keynote speaker in May 2024 and returning to present again in 2025.
She served as a co-presenter for a Women's Money Matters program in 2025
and presented at the Andover Rotary Club in 2026.
WHAT
PROFESSIONALS
HAVE TO SAY
​​​​​​​​​"After seeing Lydia speak at The Arc's regional transition conference in 2022, I hired her to present how she has effectively advocated for a better life for her loved ones through adult services and supports. Lydia's remarkable skill in connecting different programs and pinpointing areas that need advocacy to improve systems is truly impressive. Collaborating with Lydia has been a pleasure, and the families I support have benefitted greatly from her valuable insights"
- Maryann Welch, Director of the Northeast Family Leadership Program, Riverside Community Care​​​​
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​​"Lydia is highly knowledgeable about finances, specifically around maximizing financial benefits for individuals with disabilities. It is clear that Lydia is really interested in helping individuals and families best navigate financial resources. Lydia is compassionate and easy to work with."
- Sejal Costa, M.Ed., Student Support Leader at Westford Academy​​​​​
WHAT
CLIENTS
HAVE TO SAY
"Lydia is a great communicator and very knowledgeable about special needs services for disabled adults. Our first meeting was yesterday. She sent me a summary of our session as well as links to all the resources we discussed. She is very pleasant and is speaking from her experiences. I highly recommend her."
- Mari M.
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"When my son was turning 18, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of "I don't know what I don't know" about transitions to adult services. I was hoping to find someone to guide me through the process similar to the education consultant I had used during his school years. Lydia was the person that helped guide me through SSI, MassHealth, ABLE accounts, and more. She kept me on track and explained each step as we went along in our process. She made everything make sense and allowed me to secure the benefits my son needed. I look forward to continuing to work with Lydia through this age of transition and beyond."
- Nanci W.
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​"Lydia Sheehey has been a huge help to our family. Her wealth of knowledge is super impressive and has saved us thousands of dollars. She consulted with us on topics such as SSI benefits for our disabled son and MassHealth Premium Assistance as well. She has always been very accessible and quick to respond to our many inquiries. You will not be disappointed with her guidance and advice. Thanks Lydia!"
- Adrian K.
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"With our first “official” consultation, we learned a lot that addressed several topics that were impeding getting our daughter her full SSI benefits. Lydia backed her advice with references she shared to further our position. Friendly and knowledgeable."
- Peter Y.
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​​​"Lydia was instrumental in helping us understand how SSI, ABLE accounts, credit cards and other assets affect our young adult's monthly payments. I have continued to lean on Lydia for her knowledge and insight in navigating the complexity of these services. Money well spent."
- Christine A.
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​​"I heard so much about the DDS Self Direction Program but I did not know where to start. Lydia taught me all about the program and how to allocate my budget to both traditional and self-directed services. I did not realize all the different ways to utilize flexible funding to support my daughter's Individual Support Plan goals. I now know different types of services and supports to ask for when meeting with my DDS service coordinator."
- Nicole G.
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​​"Lydia helped me establish a system that keeps everything that I am dealing with organized. I was so overwhelmed that I didn't know where to start. That was the beginning of an ongoing relationship wherein I have engaged with Lydia on many matters such as SNAP benefits, SSI, SSDI, Personal Care Attendant earnings and DDS flexible funding to name a few. She always seems cool, calm and collected. She has done the research and the navigating and she knows her stuff. I don't know where we would be today if I hadn't connected with her."
- Dianne G.
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​​"If you are looking for fair and reasonably priced advice on SSI and other topics please reach out to Lydia. She has saved my family and me 10x more than we have ever paid her."
- JJ and Lesley S.
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