Changing the self-fulfilling prophecy, Ty grew up both in extreme poverty with no family resources and locked in the mental health system. He was told that he would never amount to anything and would spend the rest of his life behind bars. Now he is an active high level policy maker, benefits planner, ABLE account owner and proud homeowner! Ty is saving in his ABLE account for home repairs and improvements and has a savings goal to purchase a newer car.
Beverli is a new ABLE Ambassador for the ABLE National Resource Center, joining the team in March of 2023.
Pshon understands the expenses related with disability and has handled cases under the Americans with Disabilities Act as an attorney. Pshon is a member of the Boards of Directors for multiple state and national organizations. She uses ABLE to save for disability-related expenses, including adaptive technology.
Leah works to improve the quality of life for people living with physical limitations as an Advisor at Full Circle Home Technologies. Hearing the word “no” motivates Leah, who uses an ABLE account to gain independence and save for her next accessible vehicle.
Recent graduate from U.C., Berkeley with a Bachelor's in Molecular & Cell Biology. Currently a volunteer and research assistant at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. ABLE funds are being saved for medical school.
Jennifer opened an ABLE account to help her elementary school-age daughter, Kenley, who has Down syndrome, save for an independent future without jeopardizing her benefits. Jennifer has spoken before Nevada’s legislature in support of ABLE as a tool to help loved ones today and plan for tomorrow.
Advocate for children and adults with sickle-cell disease. Son receives Social Security Disability Benefits. ABLE funds are being saved for a communications device, durable medical equipment and an accessible vehicle.
Retired United States Air Force veteran with a Bachelor's in Finance and Account Management. ABLE funds are being saved for housing expenses.
Timothy is a disabled veteran who mentors individuals with disabilities and teaches them how to advocate for themselves. As a part of his advocacy, Timothy has been spreading the word about ABLE accounts, especially to people who cannot afford to set up a trust fund.
Lauren Hughes is saving for an accessible van for her son.
Since the pivotal moment when her fourth son entered the world with Down syndrome, Denise’s life's trajectory became dedicated to seeking opportunities for him and others facing similar challenges, empowering them to live life to the fullest. She worked on ENABLE program development and her son was the first ENABLE account owner in Nebraska. To date, Jacob has used his ABLE funds to purchase a modified bike, travel expenses, and for housing expenses he had when he moved into his own apartment in December 2023.
Rachel Mast is 25 years old and a graduate of Olathe South High School and Project SEARCH and attended Missouri State University. Rachel is active in her local church, a local theatre program and Improvaneers online. She has served as an ABLE NRC ambassador since 2018. Rachel is using her ABLE account to save for her dream of owning a pink house.
Edward Mitchell is saving for vehicle modifications and accessible housing needs.
Emily Munson is currently the Policy Director at Indiana Disability Rights, managing systemic advocacy and external communications. Prior to that, she led the agency’s Employment and Health Care practice groups. Earlier still, Munson was a staff attorney and administrative law judge for Indiana’s Family & Social Services Administration.
Sarah Perez is saving for transportation, continuing education classes, her YMCA Membership and art supplies.
Teresa Price is a self-employed engineer serving on the Board of Directors of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine. She teaches Family to Family (F2F) classes for family members of people living with mental illness and she recently became a trainer for other F2F teachers. This work has been a driving passion for Teresa ever since her oldest son Logan, who is 27 years old, experienced his first psychotic break in 2010.
Latino Chiricahua Apache, Two Spirits on the Board of Directors for Disability Rights California and National Disability Rights Network. ABLE funds are being saved to maintain a safety net while working to be self-sufficient.
Jessica is a self-advocate with Down syndrome. She is a Special Olympics basketball athlete who enjoys participating in local theater productions. Jessica is working and saving to become financially independent and has a goal of using her ABLE account to save for a driverless car.
Amy is mom to Scott, 29, who is a CalABLE account owner on the Autistic Spectrum. Scott lives with a roommate in a two-bedroom apartment at Sunflower Hill, a residential community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Scott primarily uses his ABLE account funds to pay for meals at restaurants and social activities. It allows him to be financially responsible for his day-to-day needs.
Nathan Turner is saving for larger purchases. He has used his ABLE account to purchase an accessible vehicle and has saved several thousand dollars as a down payment for a home.
Cheryl Walfall-Flagg is saving for when she and her husband are no longer around. She is saving for her son's independence and ability to live and enjoy life to the fullest as an adult.
Michael opened an ABLE account for his school-age son, Colin, so that he could maximize his independence and secure his financial future. Michael advocates for inclusion in his son’s school system, mentors other parents and advocates to employers on the benefits of ABLE.