News and Updates from the Illinois State Treasurer's ABLE Plan
Find ABLE events, webinars, and educational opportunities about saving, investing, and planning for disability-related expenses.
The Colors of Disability Pride
Disability Pride Month is observed each July and commemorates the signing of the landmark civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which turns 35 this year! It is a time to honor the rich and diverse history, experiences, and achievements of people with disabilities here in Illinois and across the country. One way to show your pride is to fly or display the Disability Pride flag!
The 104th General Assembly of the State of Illinois declared August 14, 2025, Illinois ABLE Savings Day. Mark the occasion by opening or contributing to an IL ABLE Account or sharing information about IL ABLE with someone who may benefit. Read the Illinois ABLE Savings Day resolution.
Read More “Save the Date! August 14 is National ABLE Savings Day”
Self-advocates share their ABLE stories.
If you and your loved ones have been sitting on the fence about opening an IL ABLE Account,it’ss 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.
Read More “People with Disabilities and their IL ABLE Accounts”
Today, we celebrate the landmark legislation that paved the way for 8 million Americans with disabilities to save and invest for themselves, building quality of life and greater financial independence. On December 19, 2014, Congress unanimously passed the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act).
Treasurer Frerichs leads panel at Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leadership Academy.
Treasurer Frerichs moderated a lively panel discussion at the Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) Athlete Leadership Academy that focused on the benefits of working. Panelists included SOILL athletes who have disabilities and leaders from Amazon and Hyatt who focus on initiatives that support hiring people with disabilities.
Read More “How Inclusive Employers and IL ABLE Accounts Support People with Disabilities”
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Mother Nature delivered a picture-perfect day for Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ visit to Urban Autism Solutions’ Growing Solutions Farm in Chicago earlier this month. During the visit, which was in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Treasurer Frerichs learned how students with autism build important vocational skills through working on the Farm.
Read More “Treasurer Michael Frerichs visits Urban Autism Solutions”
Today is the first National ABLE Savings Day, which recognizes the importance of ABLE savings and investment programs to Americans living with disabilities and their families. ABLE Account Owners and their supporters are celebrating greater financial independence thanks to ABLE programs across the nation, including right here in Illinois with the IL ABLE program.
The Americans with Disabilities Act turns 34!
Disability pride is not something that happened overnight for me. For a long time after my injury I felt shame and like I was a burden. Over time, as I made an effort to connect with other people with disabilities, I came to value my community and admire so many disability leaders that are unapologetic and lead with care and kindness. That is what pride means to me: community, care and love…individually and collectively.
Reveca, IL ABLE Account Owner
IL ABLE salutes Reveca and all people with disabilities during this Disability Pride Month! July is a central month for people with and without disabilities to celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and disability pride. Across the country, people with disabilities and their allies honor the achievements, contributions, struggles, culture, and pride of the disability community.
IL ABLE Account Owners Featured as Panelists at Arc of Illinois Annual Convention
IL ABLE Account Owners Tom and Nevit told their personal stories about the pride and independence they feel by being the owners of an IL ABLE Account during the Arc of Illinois Annual Convention on May 1 in Normal, IL. The pair presented the “Me and My IL ABLE Account: Self Advocates’ Perspectives” session. Tom and Nevit each shared their sense of pride and autonomy with the audience as they discussed how they “make it happen” through their IL ABLE Accounts.
Read More “Self-Advocates Speak for Themselves about IL ABLE”
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.