Self-advocate, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Council Member, and IL ABLE Account Owner Bridget Brown is a powerhouse. An actor and keynote speaker, Bridget also co-founded Butterflies for Change, an organization dedicated to advocating for inclusive communities and expanding access to inclusion support – to name just a few of her accomplishments.
At the 2026 Speak Up, Speak Out Summit in Bloomington, IL, the IL ABLE team had the opportunity to sit down with Bridget and her mom, Nancy, to talk about Bridget’s experience with her IL ABLE account and what financial independence means to her. Enjoy reading!
IL ABLE: Tell us about the ways you use your IL ABLE account?
Bridget: I put money in my ABLE account from my work. I use it as a place to put all my money that I earn at my jobs. I even got an increase as to the amount of the maximum annual contribution level because I had earnings. I use it for all of my living expenses, I pay for clothes, trips I take, my transportation and train ticket to go downtown to work.
IL ABLE: Do you take money out of your IL ABLE account every day or every week?
Bridget: I take money out when I need it. I can write a check to my sister or someone giving me extra support. I also buy things for myself that I need or go out to dinner or to a movie or other recreational activities.
IL ABLE: Do you have support to manage your IL ABLE account, or do you do it on your own?
Bridget: My dad is my ABLE support person and I work with him and he is signed up as my Interested Party. My dad and I work as a team and sit down together to go over everything and see where my money is and what I am depositing, etc. I definitely need help with all that and I am glad that he can help me.
IL ABLE: What do you like best about your IL ABLE account?
Bridget: I can make decisions about what I want to do and I have money to pay for it. I also learn about my own finances. I feel like I am [just like] everyone else in the world who can make money and use that money to do the things they want or purchase the things they need.
IL ABLE: What do you think other people should know about ABLE accounts?
Bridget: I recommend that people with disabilities [open] an ABLE account so they can keep their money. It gives them independence and self-determination. The ABLE account is a huge step forward in helping people with disabilities have full inclusive lives and that is my dream for everyone with a disability.
Learn about how working Account Owners may be able to contribute more to their IL ABLE account.
A mighty big thank you to Bridget and Nancy for sharing their story!
Learn more about Butterflies for Change.
Learn how an IL ABLE Account can be a powerful tool in your financial toolbox at illinoisable.com and read the Plan Disclosure Booklet.
