The ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) launches its 2019 #ABLEtoSave campaign, a month-long grassroots education and informational campaign to increase awareness about ABLE accounts and to encourage eligible individuals with disabilities to open them.
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including those who receive public benefits and those who do not receive public benefits. These accounts will not jeopardize benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and many other benefits.
Since the passage of the Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act in December 2014, 43 ABLE programs have launched, including the District of Columbia (many of which are nationwide programs). As of the end of March 2019, more than 41,000 individuals with disabilities from across the country have opened ABLE accounts and more than $230 million has been invested in those accounts, the ABLE National Resource Center — founded and managed by the National Disability Institute — notes in a media release.
“#ABLEtoSave month is an opportunity for qualified people with disabilities, their family members and supporters to learn how these accounts can increase financial stability in both daily living and long-term goal setting,” Miranda Kennedy, Director, ABLE National Resource Center, says in the release.
“We are excited to share with everyone best practices and information on how to open and benefit from ABLE accounts so that more people with disabilities can Achieve a Better Life Experience through ABLE.”
Throughout the month of August, ABLE NRC will provide sample messaging, social media posts and other resources to all campaign participants. Webinars will be held each Thursday during August. Webinar topics include:
- Kickoff (August 1-2): Welcome to #ABLEtoSave Month
- WEEK 1 (August 5-9): Opening an ABLE Account: Key Decisions for Success
- WEEK 2 (August 12-16): ABLE Best Practices and Action Steps for Family Members and Supporters (Circle of Support)
- WEEK 3 (August 19-23): ABLE Best Practices for Working-Age Adults
- WEEK 4 (August 26-30): Celebrating All the Ways You Are ABLE: Announcing Winners from #ABLEtoSave Video Contest and Next Steps
For more information, visit the ABLE National Resource Center.
[Source(s): ABLE National Resource Center]