Category: True Stories

Disability Expenses/Special Olympics Illinois/True Stories

Illinois Family Dreams Big with IL ABLE Account

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.

Read More “Illinois Family Dreams Big with IL ABLE Account“

Special Olympics Illinois/True Stories

Brothers Build Independence with IL ABLE

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.

Read More “Brothers Build Independence with IL ABLE”

ABLE Facts/Disability Expenses/Federal Benefits/Special Olympics Illinois/True Stories

Special Olympics Illinois & IL ABLE partner to help families

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”

True Stories

A Story from a Face of IL ABLE

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.

Read More “A Story from a Face of IL ABLE”

True Stories

What Do Three Chicago-Area Families have in Common?

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.

True Stories

I Really Appreciate the Illinois ABLE Account for My Son

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”