News and Updates from the Illinois State Treasurer's ABLE Plan
Watch and hear how they “Make It Happen with Their IL ABLE Account”
IL ABLE’s “I Make It Happen with My IL ABLE Account” video campaign has launched! Six IL ABLE Account Owners share their stories about the benefits of owning an IL ABLE Account. A new video story will be released each month featuring IL ABLE Account Owners talking about how they use the money in their IL ABLE Accounts.
Read More “Service Animals: IL ABLE Account Owners Tell Their Stories”
In May, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs stopped by the Village Bakery in Oregon, IL, to meet with staff, leadership, educators, and families.
Read More “Treasurer Frerichs Meets with Families at Village Bakery in Oregon, IL”
IL ABLE will cheer on Account Owner athletes and all the teams competing at the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Bloomington-Normal, IL.
Our editors connected with IL ABLE Account Owner and Special Olympics Illinois Global Messenger and athlete Zinyra “Z” Ross and her mom, Simyra. During the interview, Z shared how being a participant and owning her IL ABLE Account boosts her continued achievements as an entrepreneur, artist, disability community advocate, and volunteer.
Read More “Special Olympics Illinois Global Messenger Achieves More with her IL ABLE Account”
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 people with disabilities.
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.
Zach and KC Share Their IL ABLE Story
For people with disabilities, saving in an IL ABLE Account can provide benefits beyond the account balance. It can support greater independence, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.
In this interview, IL ABLE Account Owners Zach and KC, along with their mother, Micki, explain how their accounts help them save, manage their money, and prepare for future needs.
Read More “How Two Brothers Use IL ABLE Accounts to Build Financial Independence”
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.
Read More “Thank you, Marca: Disability Rights Leader, Feminist, Advocate, and Role Model”