5 Ways I'm Using My ABLE Account This Summer

Imagining possibilities is a normal part of life. It’s exciting to dream, plan, and watch goals turn into reality. I have an ongoing list of places to go and dreams to do… one day. Being born with arthrogryposis means I’m instantly limited, but my physical disability has also allowed me to become a creative problem-solver.

How can I pursue my dreams? How do I make any dream an achievable goal? As I create a plan, I think about whatever physical assistance I will need. But that’s not the only obstacle I face. Financial limits can be an additional obstacle.

Fortunately, ABLE accounts are removing many of these barriers. With ABLEnow, I have the option to save and make dreams happen over time. This means my “one day” can start now.

This summer I already checked off an item on my list. I went on a road trip with my parents. We drove many miles to a conference and took a few scenic detours along the way. For one of our detours, we visited Niagara Falls. The savings in my ABLEnow account came in handy, as I was able to use my ABLEnow Card to pay for an accessible parking spot.

Now that I’ve finished my trip, I’ve started to think about a number of other ways I can use my ABLEnow account throughout the summer season:

1. Travel dreams

2. Conference costs

3. Transportation fees

4. Medical bills

5. Educational goals

I might need to cover the extra expenses of a trip and plan for an attendant to travel with me. Or I may need to pay for health-related appointments not covered by insurance, such as the dentist. Maybe I can put some of my savings toward my educational goals, so I can begin classes to further develop my skills.

ABLE accounts empower people with disabilities to save for today’s needs or invest for tomorrow in a simple, affordable and tax-advantaged account that won’t impact certain disability benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Since many ABLE-eligible individuals are not aware of this important new financial tool, I am working as an ambassador for the ABLEnow program to help spread the word.

Whichever dream I chase next, ABLEnow can help. Goals are achievable in all seasons. Dreams are possible for everyone.