News and Updates from the Illinois State Treasurer's ABLE Plan
In March, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs stopped by the Ray Graham Association to meet with some of the disability services organization’s staff, leadership, and clients who are also IL ABLE Account owners. It was a wonderful visit that provided an opportunity to talk about programs like IL ABLE and the importance of financial literacy.
Read More “Treasurer Michael Frerichs Visits the Ray Graham Association”
Disability rights leader blazed trails for people with disabilities
IL ABLE honors the life and legacy of disability rights advocate Judy Heumann, who passed away on March 4 at age 75. Judy was a trailblazer for people with disabilities. Widely recognized as the mother of the disability rights movement, she dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
Spotlight on how IL ABLE empowers people with disabilities
In October, which was National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs took to the road and across the airwaves to meet with people and share information about IL ABLE, a program that empowers persons with disabilities who are working to save more and maintain their public benefits.
Read More “Illinois Treasurer on the Road and on the Airwaves”
Pisani family saves for short and long-term disability expenses
IL ABLE accounts can help people with disabilities save money for a variety of expenses, from everyday groceries to planning for larger purchases that improve quality of life and increase independence for the Account Owner. The editors of accessABLE News & Updates recently connected with Special Olympics Illinois athlete and IL ABLE Account Owner Louis Pisani and his mom Kish to learn about how IL ABLE helps Louis save for his future and build his independence.
Mom and sons Zach and KC share their IL ABLE story
For people with disabilities, the positive impact of being able to save money in an IL ABLE account extends far beyond the dollar amount of their savings. IL ABLE accounts can foster a sense of accomplishment and independence. In a recent interview, IL ABLE Account Owners Zach and KC, along with their mom, Micki share how IL ABLE is an important financial resource for them.
This Athlete and Global Messenger is Building Physical & Financial Wellness On and Off the Field
When 21-year-old Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) Global Messenger Michael Williams collaborated on an Autism Awareness Month video, he was filling pandemic time to build communications skills while waiting to return to in-person SOILL competition. “Michael is not as interested in the virtual activities, so he is looking forward to entering more Special Olympics events in-person,” said Dawn Williams, Michael’s mom, and coach of several of Michael’s teams.
Read More “Special Olympics Illinois & IL ABLE partner to help families”
Michael and his Mom talk about life and his IL ABLE account
Michael has been an IL ABLE Account Owner for a little over a year. He is also a new face of IL ABLE. When visitors arrive at the IL ABLE website, they see Michael, along with all of the diverse faces of real IL ABLE account owners! Michael and his mom, Dawn, share their story here to help other people with disabilities and their families learn how an IL ABLE account can make life better.
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: