News and Updates from the Illinois State Treasurer's ABLE Plan
You opened doors and lifted possibilities.
Marca Bristo was a devoted advocate, feminist, disability rights leader, role model, wife, mother, grandmother and friend who dedicated her life and career to becoming a powerful advocate and ally for people with disabilities.
They are Making a Difference for Their Kids’ Futures
This month, Chicago Parent Magazine Special Parent issue features the Marchialettes, the Christensens and the Butlers, three families that have different lives and different needs. But they have two things in common: they each have a child with a disability, and they are saving with Illinois ABLE accounts to ensure bright, fulfilling futures for their kids.
Read their Special Parent story here.
Illinois ABLE Checks in with an Account Owner
Last year, IL ABLE account owner Tim had just finished college when he told his story about having his IL ABLE account. With a year of life and IL ABLE experience under his belt, we check back in with Tim this month to get an update:
Illinois ABLE account owners turned up the heat when they competed in the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Normal, Illinois in June. A big shout out goes to these special individuals who are building lifelong experiences of independence and belonging through Special Olympics Illinois and IL ABLE account ownership.
Read More “ILLINOIS ABLE ACCOUNT OWNERS WIN BIG IN THE SUMMER GAMES!”
It’s time to increase eligibility from age 26 to 46!
Countless people with disabilities have asked us at IL ABLE, “Why did my disability have to happen before I turned 26 to make me eligible for an ABLE account? This seems so arbitrary and excludes so many people with disabilities.”
Read More “3 Ways Raising ABLE Age will help People with Disabilities”
ABLE Accounts do not impact HUD Benefits
Many of you have been afraid to open an Illinois ABLE account out of fear that you will lose your Section-8 housing or other benefits. You wanted to wait until you heard from HUD before enrolling in ABLE. Wait no more!
Illinois ABLE is proud to help Light it Up Blue to raise Autism Awareness this month!
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is usually diagnosed before age 26. As a result, many individuals with Autism are eligible to own ABLE accounts and to save for the additional expenses that often accompany the disorder. Things such as behavioral intervention, speech and language and sensory integration therapies, or therapeutic equipment such as assistive communications devices, weighted vests or specialized diets.
Read More “Illinois ABLE is Proud to Help Light it Up Blue to Raise Autism Awareness this month!”
March 3 in Chicago was a windy, gray day with about a 15-degree wind chill – so cold that machines had to be used to break the ice for the annual Chicago Special Olympics Polar Plunge. But that didn’t stop State Treasurer Frerichs from taking the Plunge to support two great ways that individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities can build greater independence and quality of life: Illinois ABLE and Special Olympics.
Illinois ABLE accounts give eligible individuals with disabilities a new way to save funds for greater financial independence and participation in community life. Special Olympics programs provide opportunities for athletes to develop skills and capacities that can contribute to greater independence and full life. Congratulations to all of the Plungers!
Want to learn more about Illinois ABLE accounts? Click here.
For facts about ABLE, visit our new FAQs web page.
Joseph’s family was one of the first to open an Illinois ABLE account two years ago. His mom shared her experience with accessABLE to help teach other families who have children with disabilities about Illinois ABLE accounts. Here is her story of how Illinois ABLE is helping her prepare her son for a bright financial future.
Read More “I Really Appreciate the Illinois ABLE Account for My Son”
Would the families that you serve benefit from an ABLE presentation? ABLE staff at the treasurer’s office can attend your event or give a presentation.