Category: True Stories

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”

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.

Read More “Thank you, Marca”

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:

Read More “Where Is He Now?”

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”

It’s graduation season!  ABLE account owner Tim shares his plans and dreams after graduating in May from Edgewood College and the Cutting-Edge Program in Madison, Wisconsin.

Read More “Graduate Dreams Big with ABLE”

Many people have asked, “Why should I open an ABLE account?”  Instead of hearing the answer from us at the State Treasurer’s Office, we went straight to Illinois ABLE account owner Julia, and her mom Janet.

Read More “Mom and Daughter Find Comfort with ABLE”

Wendy Settles is a young professional who works as a housing specialist for Impact Center for Independent Living in Alton, IL. She helps individuals with disabilities get out of nursing homes and into integrated community living. Wendy opened her ABLE account about a year ago.

Read More “Investing in Myself – An ABLE Account Owner Speaks Out”