Empower. Advocate. Transform.

Meet the Keynote Speaker
Empowering Lives Through Insight, Advocacy, and Connection.

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Empower. Advocate. Transform.

Meet the Keynote Speaker
Empowering Lives Through Insight, Advocacy, and Connection.

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Hi, I’m Annette Hines, and I’m here to help families like yours navigate the complexities of disability and special needs.

As a mother, wife, attorney, author, and advocate, I understand firsthand how overwhelming this journey can feel. Whether you’re creating a care plan, advocating for your child, or simply trying to find your footing in a world that doesn’t always feel inclusive, I want you to know you’re not alone.

For over 20 years, I’ve worked with families, professionals, and organizations to create meaningful solutions that empower individuals with disabilities and their loved ones. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities, build resilient systems, and foster communities that thrive.

Public Speaking, Made Personal

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Dynamic Speaking
with Heart
Looking for a keynote speaker who truly connects? I bring authenticity, energy, and real-life experience, sharing practical insights and heartfelt stories that resonate with audiences.
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Empowered Leadership Through Advocacy
As a special needs mom, attorney, and advocate, my mission is to empower families, professionals, and organizations to embrace inclusion, lead with compassion, and inspire change.
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Fostering Growth and Transformation
True growth happens when knowledge inspires action. My speaking engagements offer strategies and insights to empower families, caregivers, and professionals, driving progress and inclusion.

Hi! I’m Annette…

I’m the founder of Special Needs Companies, a collective of services dedicated to empowering families, caregivers, and individuals within the special needs community. As a keynote speaker, attorney, advocate, and coach, I’ve spent the last two decades helping people navigate the complexities of special needs planning, trust administration, care management, and personal growth with compassion and clarity.

This work isn’t just my career—it’s personal.

My journey as a parent of a profoundly disabled child showed me how overwhelming the system can be. From legal intricacies to emotional hurdles, I’ve lived the challenges firsthand. That experience shaped my mission: to ensure no family ever feels lost or unsupported.

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Overcoming Obstacles

Resilience isn’t something that happens overnight—it’s a practice built over time. I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned through navigating complex challenges, including those moments when I felt like giving up but chose to keep moving forward.
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Adapting to Change
My journey has been anything but predictable. Becoming a special needs advocate, attorney, and eventually, the founder of my own companies wasn’t on my original roadmap, but it’s taught me the value of flexibility and perseverance. Together, we’ll explore how to turn life’s detours into opportunities for growth and discovery.
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Innovating for Impact
At my core, my work is about creating solutions that make life better for others. Whether through my advocacy, coaching, or speaking, I’m here to show you how to harness your skills and vision to drive meaningful change for your community and beyond.

Your Message, Amplified

Whether you’re planning a major conference or a small team workshop, I bring actionable insights, relatable stories, and just the right touch of humor to make your keynote impactful and memorable. My goal is to connect with your audience in a meaningful way, leaving them equipped with the tools and motivation they need to take the next step forward.

Ways to Work with Annette

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Speaking
I bring authenticity, energy, and real-life experience, sharing insights and heartfelt stories
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Courses
Our signature program is designed for any disabled individual and their caregivers. 
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Coaching
Join us for unique individual and group experiences that will move you from passion to purpose.
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Podcast
Join me and my incredible guests as they explore the many joys and challenges in the disability community.
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Legal Services

Get support from attorneys specializing in special needs planning and benefits.
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Family Services
My team offers trust administration and connects you to invaluable community resources.

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Join Our Circle of Care

We bring together individuals, caregivers, professionals, and allies of the disability community to experience the joy of a diverse and unified community, so that we can encourage one another, share our insights, and foster greater inclusion.

Our community, courses, and memberships are pretty special. We’re focused on the ways it will make a huge difference in your life.

Here are a few things you’ll be able to do as a member of Circle of Care:

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Share your insights with like-minded individuals.

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Experience the joy and strength of a diverse, inclusive community that values your participation.

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Receive encouragement and support from a network dedicated to fostering greater inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Hire Annette for Your Next Event

Ready to bring a dynamic speaker who connects, empowers, and drives change? Book Annette Hines for your next keynote, workshop, panel, or event - let’s create a meaningful experience that leaves a lasting impact.

Contact Annette to Discuss Your Event Needs