Self-advocates share their ABLE stories
If you and your loved ones have been on sitting on the fence about opening an IL ABLE Account, it’s time to meet IL ABLE Account Owners, T.J. Gordon and Jesus “Chuy” Campuzano. They shared their personal experiences about how their IL ABLE Accounts have improved their lives during the recent Arc of Illinois Annual Convention.
“I have an IL ABLE Account and it’s been a game changer for me,” said T.J., a research associate at the Institute on Disability and Human Development at University of Illinois at Chicago and Co-Founder of Chicagoland Disabled People of Color Coalition. “I use my ABLE account to help me budget my money better and save more money. Like, I can use the ABLE account to pay my rent and other daily expenses. And it can help protect benefits, like SSI and Medicaid.”
Chuy received the Access Living 2024 Morley Williams Community Advocate of the Year Award outstanding volunteer work, which includes helping himself and others with disabilities build their financial literacy. “IL ABLE has been a Godsend to me!” exclaimed Chuy. “Not only am I saving some money, but I’m also buying my groceries, paying bills, and even paying for doctor’s visits with money from my Account. Plus, there are tax-advantages with my IL ABLE account – I can make withdrawals for my disability expenses tax-free.
An ABLE Account can support individuals with disabilities in managing their finances while preserving eligibility for critical benefits such as Medicaid and SSI.
Is it time for you to hop off the fence and become an ABLE Account Owner like T.J. and Chuy? A place they say to start is with What Type of Investor Are You? to learn more about 4 questions to ask when thinking about selecting Investment Options.
IL ABLE was proud to be a VIP sponsor of the Arc of Illinois’ milestone 75th Annual Convention!
Learn more about the Arc of Illinois at www.thearcofil.org.
Learn more about IL ABLE at illinoisable.com and read the Plan Disclosure Booklet.