BDI Empowers

How to Choose the best Medicaid Waiver for Your Needs

Medicaid waivers and how to figure out which services are right for you or your loved one. You know how stressful it can be thinking about the future. We work hard to make sure we have income through Social Security, health insurance through Medicaid or Medicare, but services are key. That’s what we’re going to focus on today.

Parent-Tested Behavioral Strategies to Handle Meltdowns that Actually Work

If you care for someone with autism or mental health challenges, then you probably know exactly what a meltdown feels like. That moment when emotions overflow, everything feels upside down, and it seems like nothing can stop the situation from escalating. It’s overwhelming, exhausting and often isolating. With the right tools, mindset and a little support, it is possible to create a calmer, more supportive environment for your loved one and yourself. In this episode, we’ll walk through real-life, practical strategies to help you manage meltdowns more proactively. From understanding the “why” behind the behavior to creating routines that support emotional regulation, this episode covers it all.

Things You Need to Know to Manage the Shift from Pediatric to Adult Disability Care

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is a significant change. It’s exciting but also stressful for families, and without preparation, gaps in care can happen. 
In 2003, Blessing Udo, PhD, RN, became a mother to twin girls. One of them was medically fragile. Her journey through months in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), multiple hospital stays, and the emotional toll of caring for a fragile child led her to create a pediatric home care agency built on compassion and quality. Now, she brings her experience and insight to help other families navigate the road ahead.
In this episode Dr. Udo explains what to expect, when to start, and how to support your child as he or she grows to become an adult.

Changes to SSI You Need to Know About in 2025

In this episode, Anna Maki, walks you through the latest changes and insights surrounding Social Security Disability benefits and more. Anna covers all the recent changes and what these changes mean for you. Who is Anna Maki?Anna Maki is the Director, Program Services, at Bobby Dodd Institute. Anna earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Georgia School of Law and has a Master’s in Community Counseling specializing in clinical diagnoses and addressing issues impacting individuals with developmental disabilities. She developed BDI’s Benefits Navigation program in 2016, and since then has served more than 1500 families and secured more than 400  million in lifetime benefits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Anna also serves as a Community Partner Work Incentive Counselor with Social Security Administration.** FOLLOW BDI **✅ Bobby Dodd Institute: https://www.bobbydodd.org/✅ Facebook: @bobbydoddinstitute ✅ LinkedIn: @bobby-dodd-institute ✅ Instagram: @bobbydoddinstitute ✅ Threads: @bobbydoddinstitute