Spotlight on Reveca Torres: Artist and Community Builder
IL ABLE Account Owner Reveca Torres wears many hats; she is a disability advocate, artist, filmmaker, and the founder and Executive Director of Backbones – a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries or disease connect with their communities.
In March, Reveca received an award for Outstanding Achievements in Arts and Humanities from Illinois State Treasurer Frerichs in honor of Women’s History Month. accessABLE News & Updates editors connected with Reveca recently to learn more about her work and how her IL ABLE Account helps to support her efforts.
IL ABLE: What does it mean to you to be recognized by Treasurer Frerichs for Outstanding Achievements in Arts and Humanities?
Reveca: It is a privilege to be recognized for my achievements in arts and humanities. Particularly, because there are so many people doing great work in our city and state. This is the area where I’m passionate about and feel like I can make a big impact in our communities. So it makes a difference to me, and it means a lot to be recognized for it.
IL ABLE: How do you use art in your disability work?
Reveca: I use art for social justice. For a long time, I kept my disability work and my artwork separate. It was only when I merged these two that my work became more meaningful to me, and I feel like I stepped up and elevated the quality of my work and the message I was trying to share with the world. It felt like my work had meaning.
IL ABLE: You are an IL ABLE Account Owner. Why did you choose to open an Account?
Reveca: There are many barriers for people with disabilities. One of them is income restrictions. So being able to work and save money has been a constant struggle for me. Initially, I was hesitant to open an ABLE Account because I didn’t think it would make much of a difference. I chose to open one because it lets me save money without affecting my benefits.
IL ABLE: What types of expenses does the IL ABLE Account help you pay for?
Reveca: I have been able to use the funds in my Account to pay for medical treatment that isn’t usually covered by insurance. I’ve used it to purchase a mattress that has significantly reduced my pain and helped me get a good night’s rest. I have also used it to pay for a haircut. There are many things that funds can be used for.
IL ABLE: What do you like best about your IL ABLE Account?
Reveca: I like that I can save money, and I also have a debit card, so it is easy for me to make purchases or make payments.
Join us in congratulating Reveca on her accomplishments! Learn more about Reveca’s artwork at www.revecatorres.com and connect with Backbones at www.backbonesonline.com.
Learn More About IL ABLE
Learn what an IL ABLE disability savings Account is, who is eligible, how to open an Account, and how it can help you save for qualified disability-related expenses while protecting important benefits.
- Visit the IL ABLE website
- Review the Plan Disclosure Booklet
- Explore IL ABLE Investment Options
- Open an IL ABLE Account online
For assistance, call 888-609-8683 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm CT, or email il.clientservice@savewithable.com. Support is available in multiple languages and for callers who are deaf or hard of hearing.