Kentucky is ABLE!

       As many of you know, getting a job for individuals with disabilities can be a struggle! Trying to convince parents that their children will not lose their SSI, only to deal with paper work and legal teams, it's no wonder that we don't see individuals with disabilities in the community. Although it is possible for these individuals to receive federal benefits and work at the same time, current legislation makes it difficult with restrictions on how much can be made before benefits are taken away. These benefits are vital, paying for medical expenses, transportation, higher education opportunities, housing, and much more.
     However, the national legislature has decided to pass a bill that would help make saving and working an option for individuals with disabilities. The Achieving a Better Life Experiene (ABLE Act) of 2014 sets up a special savings account for individuals who are diagnosed as having a disability before the age of 21 and recieves SSI benefits. These savings accounts can be a safe place for individuals and their families to save money and use towards any disability-related expense without the fear of losing SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, and other federal benefits. The money doesn't have to be used by a certain time, like other trust funds, and encourages more opportunities for individuals to work and save independently.
      Currently, any US citizen can set up an account through the states that have already put legislation into place. There are 34 states who have done so, and Ohio has already started the process of starting the accounts online. However, Kentucky, with 16.9% of its population having a disability, has yet to pass this legislation. It is important that Kentuckians have state-funded program that is able to answer questions regarding tax forms, paperwork, and other questions that come up as this process begins and continues to change the financial state of many citizens of the commonwealth. In addition, the proposed ABLE Act for Kentucky also ensures that when these accounts are set up, state benefits are not taken away from account-holders.
     There will be a hearing with members of the House Standing Committee on State Government on this coming Thursday (January 14th). In order for this bill to be passed, legislators must know that Kentuckians support this bill!
      Please visit http://lrc.ky.gov/Find%20Your%20Legislator/Find%20Your%20Legislator.html to find the representative for your district and let them know about the people in your life who could benefit from an ABLE account. The bill, HB 74, will help the Kentuckian economy as more individuals with disabilities are able to work and save for themselves!

      I'd like to share the story of someone very close to my heart who has a disability. Caleb is 6 years old and has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS). This is a very rare disease, and therefore acts differently in all cases. For Caleb, this means that he has a weak immune system, a feeding tube, and is developing physically and mentally much slower than his peers. He has a full time aid during his school day and I am his caretaker during the summer and nights when his parents need help. Although he only uses two words, he always makes me laugh when something crashes and he innocently says, "uh-oh". Many would say that he sounds like a burden or a hopeless case, but he is the love of my life and much like any other 6 year old. He loves to play hide and go seek, and loves when we run around the kitchen playing "choo-choo train".
     Like any other child, I have goals and dreams for him. It's easy for me to sit and get depressed about what he can't do. But then I see what he CAN do! Each day he makes more progress than the last, using sign language to get his Ernie doll, or using motions to follow along with someone counting. One day, I see him bringing happiness to others, whether it's with his love for music or his incredible dancing skills. He's already brought so much to my life, with love and understanding that has caused me to decide to study Moderate-Severe Disabilities.
      But his life is expensive. Raising any child has a high financial cost, but along with his therapies, doctors, and medical supplies, he requires more. But one day I know that all of the hard work of his parents and teachers and therapists and doctors will pay off. He will one at be a productive citizen of society and he will accomplish more than anyone ever thought was possible. And he should be able to! We shouldn't make him be any less because of politics. He has already been identified to have the need for all of the resources he needs, and one day he will need a job coach to help him in the work force. But just because he is making money (most likely at minimum wage), should he lose the resources he was already labeled as needing? He should be able to put a little bit of money away for himself and learn the value in saving and working hard. Isn't that the American Dream we want for our kids?
     Please contact your Representative and show your support. Share your story! It doesn't have to be as long as mine (I'm just long winded), but let them know that this is not an issue we can ignore any longer!