CEC Supports 2009 ABLE Act

Families of children with disabilities are often faced with extraordinary expenses in providing appropriate services to enable their child to have the same opportunities for a productive, independent life as their non-disabled peers. This week, CEC joined with 40 other national groups to support the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2009 (S 493/HR 1205) in an effort to combat this problem.

Research suggests it costs $2-3 million dollars to raise and provide for a child with specific disabilities throughout life.  Research also indicates that the income of the family of a child or adult with a disability is often reduced because of the caregiving responsibilities parents and families must undertake.  Currently, there is no tax advantaged savings instrument available to families that have a child with a disability for education, health, housing, transportation and other costs.  This bill would allow individuals with disabilities to have access to the same type of savings instruments that all other Americans utilize through the use of 401K, IRA, and College Savings Accounts. 

S. 493/H. 1205 would enable families to establish a savings account for specified education, medical and community-based services, including housing, transportation, employment training, and supports for their child without disqualifying that child from receipt of funds from entitlement programs which are vital in ensuring their quality of life.  This bill will enable individuals with disabilities to live a meaningful and productive life without having to impoverish themselves, as is currently the case, and will ultimately help individuals become less dependent on public benefits. 

CEC encourages its members to contact their Representatives and Senators and urge co-sponsorship of this important legislation.  Members can locate their elected officials through CEC’s Legislative Action Center. Find out who YOUR representative is.

Comments

[Corrie]

I am a special education teacher working for an Early Intervention program. We recently discussed this legislation at a staff meeting. It is desperately needed. Our program works with children from birth-3. We meet countless families, raising children with a disability, who are facing financial ruin before their child has even reached his or her 3rd birthday. This legislation will help.

[Kelly]

This legislation could benefit students and families dealing with these financial issues. Legislation to help families could have positive snowballing effects. If you release the strain in one area it provides resources for other things as well.

[Rachel Marrieta Santos]

If this bill will be approved and properly implemented it could really benefit families experiencing financial hardship especially in our current economic situation.
I like the benefits stated in this bill for our families and students with disabilities. This means better future for our students with disabilities, and better economy and society in the future.

[Char Cearlock]

It sounds like a nice program for caregivers of children with mild to moderate disabilities, but what about children with severe disabilities that will not be able to live independently? Maybe I missed something here, but it just sounds like a savings account for funds that will not count against them when they apply for other forms of aid. If I am interpretting the purpose of this law incorrectly, could someone please explain it to me? Thanks.