ABLE United provides peace of mind as she plans for her daughter’s future.
Prior to the birth of her first child, Shaunna Rohletter learned the news that her daughter would be born with a disability – and she’d have to wait several years to receive answers to all her questions. It wasn’t until recently that doctors were able to diagnose her daughter Madison with a rare genetic mutation called DDX3X, which is linked to an unexplained intellectual disability.
To date, there have only been 100 individuals diagnosed worldwide – mainly females.
“When you’re pregnant, you aren’t taught what to do if you have a child with a disability,” said Shaunna. “It’s a journey that you stumble through, and you don’t know what’s out there until you need it.”
During those challenging years, Shaunna found comfort following the progress of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act legislation that provided Floridians with disabilities the opportunity to enroll in a tax-free savings and investment account without negatively impacting their government benefits.
“It’s humbling to know that there were people out there who cared enough to make this a reality for the disability community, for people like Madison.”
Today, 6-year-old Madison is getting ready to start first grade and is truly thriving – taking great strides in her verbal capabilities. Madison was also announced as one of five winners of ABLE United’s Facebook Summer Sweepstakes, and received a $500 contribution to her ABLE United account.
Shaunna was appreciative of the contribution, but even more appreciative that a program like ABLE United exists.
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