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 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 together that my work became more meaningful to me, and I feel like I stepped up and elevated the quality of my work and what 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 being income restrictions. So being able to work and save money has been a constant struggle for me. Initially I was hesitant on opening an ABLE Account because I didn’t think it would make a big difference. I chose to open one because it gives me the ability to save money without impacting 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 helped me significantly reduce my pain and be able to 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 at www.illinoisable.com and read the Plan Disclosure Booklet.