This post was written by Laura Robb, an ABLEnow customer. Read more about Laura’s role with the program.

What would you do if you had an ABLEnow account? How would you use the savings?

These were questions I considered two years ago before I made the decision to open an ABLEnow account. I didn’t know exactly how I would use my account, but I was ready to say yes.

The impact of having my own savings account has changed my life, which makes me eager to spread the word.

Earlier this summer, I attended the 14th annual Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) Support, Inc. national conference in Norfolk, Virginia. It was my first time gathering with more than 600 individuals who have the same neuromuscular condition that I have. I wondered, how many people in this crowd know about ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program?

I started asking as I passed other conference attendees in the hall, “have you heard of ABLEnow?”

Overwhelmingly, the answer was, “No.”

I shared more about this new financial tool that allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save in a tax-advantaged account without affecting certain benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). I watched as faces lit up.

One attendee said, “Wow, that is awesome! It’s important to have financial options.”

Conversations continued. I asked, “What would you do with extra savings?”

A 32-year old from Minnesota replied immediately, “I would use it to travel.”

A grandma of a young boy considered the future, “We would save for college.”

A direct service professional from Utah said, “I work with children who have disabilities. I want to connect their families to resources like ABLEnow.”

Throughout the conference, there were more ideas of what people would do if they could save without impacting certain benefits. Funds in an ABLEnow account can cover a variety of qualified disability expenses—transportation, medical therapies, adaptive equipment, personal assistance and education are just a few examples.

At the conference, I loved hearing all the ways ABLEnow could change lives and help others dream. Dreaming leads to hope. And hope leads to a brighter future.

Laura Robb is a paid ambassador and consultant for the ABLEnow program. Her experience as an account owner may not be representative of other account owners.