According to the Oxford Dictionary, transformation is a “marked change in form, nature or appearance.”
There are many compelling reasons to believe that the impact of the Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) and, by extension, ABLE accounts, will be transformative to millions of individuals with disabilities and their families. For children, youth and working-age adults with disabilities, there are multiple reasons to recognize the power and potential of ABLE.
Since June 2016, when the first ABLE program opened in Ohio (STABLE Accounts) for ABLE-eligible individuals nationwide, more than 10,000 individuals with disabilities have opened ABLE accounts, which are now being offered in 23 states. More than $25 million has been contributed to accounts, which are now growing through selected investment choices. Yet, there are an estimated 10 million eligible individuals with disabilities and their families who have not yet moved forward and taken advantage of this transformative policy change.
Clearly, there is a marked need for a massive education and outreach campaign to explain the benefits and the power of an ABLE account to transform expectations, thinking, goal setting and behavior. To meet that need, the ABLE National Resource Center (ANRC) launched #ABLEtoSave, a multidimensional marketing and informational campaign which will run throughout the month of August. The ANRC is joined in this effort by more than 25 national disability organizations, the 23 state ABLE programs, multiple state and federal agencies, financial institutions and investment companies.
Each week in August, ABLE-eligible individuals with disabilities, their families, circle of support and all other ABLE-related stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of an ABLE account, who is eligible, what funds can be used for to cover qualified disability expenses and the essentials of how to open, manage and grow the accounts. Webinars will be held each Wednesday in August, and will feature ABLE experts and individuals and families who have opened accounts. #ABLEtoSave social media will introduce people with disabilities throughout the U.S who have opened ABLE accounts.
Today, as you help us spread the word about #ABLEtoSave, expectations will change, the number and size of ABLE accounts will grow and lives of people with disabilities will be transformed. Please share with a friend, a family member, a co-worker or anyone else you feel would benefit.
Please check the ABLE National Resource Center website frequently throughout August for updates on #ABLEtoSave campaign activities, including webinars and videos, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t forget to use the #ABLEtoSave hashtag when sharing posts on the campaign.
We hope the #ABLEtoSave campaign gives you, or someone you know, the incentive to take that first step and open an ABLE account.
On behalf of the ABLE National Resource Center, we thank you for your support!
