Job Developing for People with Disabilities during Times of Increased Unemployment ABLE Accounts and Employment or Self-employment/Entrepreneurship

I believe that all persons with disabilities not only should be employed to serve but to thrive!! To have all the advantages that a good salary and entrepreneurship can provide. Having access to ABLE Accounts is the next step in creating these opportunities. Isn't it about time that we have our Bill Gates of the disability community?

I am a volunteer member of the Massachusetts Statewide Rehabilitation Council (SRC). The SRC is an Advisory Board to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (VR0 Program. All states are required to have an SRC..
As part of our program this year, we are requesting the VR Benefits Planning group formally inform all VR Clients (Existing and New) of the benefits of the ABLE program, especially... more »

Information on ABLE accounts should be introduced at the PPT during a students transition years. (age 14/15). Sharing ABLE account information at the school PPT with the parent/guardian will assist in preparing a funding source early for the supports the individual may need for job search or day support programs. This will allow more control by the parent/guardian over the funds, especially where states are struggling... more »

With most benefits programs, an increase in salary reduces the benefits one receives, or makes one ineligible for those financial supports. So, coordination with all benefits programs, and educating consumers and their advocates about the way they all are intertwined is critical to both the use of services and maintaining the benefits.

Although many people with disabilities may have access to multiple supports and services to assist them in pursuing and maintaining employment, sometimes these supports and services don't cover 100% of that person's needs. Funds in an ABLE account can be used to pay for employment related expenses that perhaps are not fully covered by other supports, services, and/or resources.

ABLE accounts can help entrepreneurs with disabilities to invest money for short-term and long-term goals and can be an important financial factor in starting a business. If you or someone you know has a disability and is considering starting a business, make a list of costs associated with the disability that are needed in order to build a business that an ABLE account could cover. Here are some examples: Legal and... more »

Not sure where to start? For basic information about ABLE accounts, we encourage you to watch the video and/or read the summary of 10 Things You Should Know about ABLE Accounts: http://www.ablenrc.org/about/what-are-able-accounts

 

Looking for more detailed information, see the list of recorded ABLE webinars here: http://www.ablenrc.org/webinars

In place of determining the best way to introduce the concept of this program to persons with diverse abilities. Why not consider linking resources that already exist to support self employment. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offer a 2% loan for up to $500,000. Most Americans don't qualify for this resource as the loan has to be supported by using real estate as collateral.Most Americans rent. Programs like Habitat... more »

In place of some magic "Bill Gates" to show up to champion this program make all investments into these ABLE account in pre-tax dollars. Many individuals receive benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans, or other sources other than earned income. Treat it like a federal student loan. A true "protected savings account" as all monies paid are returned in yearly taxes. SSA has a program called "A... more »