Empower. Advocate. Transform.
Meet the Keynote Speaker
Empowering Lives Through Insight, Advocacy and Connection
Empower. Advocate. Transform.
Meet the Keynote Speaker Empowering Lives Through Insight, Advocacy, and Connection.
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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.
TEDx Spotlight: The Power of Second Chances
From Massachusetts to Manila stories that connect us across distance, culture, and community.
In her TEDx Forbes Park talk, Annette shares a deeply personal message born from her daughter Elizabeth’s legacy — one about resilience, belonging, and the courage to begin again.
From grief to growth, she invites us to consider how our hardest moments can lead to our greatest impact. Her story reminds audiences that true inclusion begins with empathy — and that second chances are often where hope begins.
Watch her talk below and experience why audiences around the world describe her message as “transformative,” “raw,” and “unforgettable.”
What People Are Saying
“Annette’s speech at Forbes Park was incredibly moving. Her dedication and passion for the special needs community, shaped profoundly by the loss of her daughter to mitochondrial disease at 17, truly shone through and left a lasting impression. “
– Heidi Wise President, Coddled Creatures, LLC
Public Speaking, Made Personal
with Heart
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.
Overcoming Obstacles
Stay Connected
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
Legal Services
community network
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:
Share your insights with like-minded individuals.
Experience the joy and strength of a diverse, inclusive community that values your participation.
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