How Friendship, Fatherhood, and Service Inspire Tim Flynn to Advocate for Families With IDD
Tim Flynn, Assistant Director of Residential Services and local disability advocate, goes way back with his coworker Peter Hadfield, an employee maintenance professional and Camp Loyaltown camper. In high school, Peter and his friend gave Tim the nickname “Tim Flynn Bin!”
Tim still smiles every time he thinks of it.
Years earlier, while earning his degree in health and physical education, Tim was completing observation hours at an adapted physical education program. There, he saw Peter and his friend across the gym playing basketball. He didn’t expect them to remember him. Just like in high school, they came up behind him and called out, “Tim Flynn Bin!”
Today, Tim credits his career supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to friendships like theirs.
“I don’t think he realizes the impact that he had on me,” Tim said. “And now he’s just Peter, and I’m just Tim.”
“We went to school and he’s a nice guy,” Peter said.
This work took on an even deeper meaning after the birth of Tim’s son Brody, who has cerebral palsy.
Tim brings together his personal and professional experiences to help young families navigate the disability services system.
“Being in the world of special needs and nonprofits for over 20 years, I’ve just had this experience and knowledge that I’ve gained,” Tim said. “When my son was born, accessing all these services from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and going through the front door, and getting the Physical Therapy and the Occupational Therapy, all just kind of seemed natural.”
Tim soon realized many families didn’t have the same roadmap.
While taking his son horseback riding as a young child, he met parents who felt overwhelmed by the service system and were unsure of where to being.
“The more I went, I got to know other parents,” Tim said. “I realized this isn’t second nature to everybody, not everybody understands what to do, where to go, and how to get it. So that’s where the idea came from. “That realization inspired the nonprofit, Everything Special Needs helping families of children with IDD find the right programs and resources. The nonprofit is set up to serve as the first stop for families as they face tough decisions and look for information and support.
The organization also runs Planned Playdates, regular social events where children with IDD can connect in a safe, welcoming space while their families get to know each other.
Tim started Planned Playdates after noticing that his son, who went to school in a different town, didn’t have the same chance as local kids to make friends nearby.
Tim and his wife, Jill, both work full-time. Jill is a teacher—but they still find time to keep the website updated and organize Planned Playdates. They do it because they believe the work matters. “Once you begin the process, and you’re no longer stuck. Doors begin to open, and you can start asking questions, and that’s what it is. It’s just giving parents a sense of calm that it’s going to be okay; you’re going to be great. Start here and give me a call if you need more help.”