How ABLE United Ambassadors Are Using Their ABLE Accounts
Published on
September 8, 2026
ABLE Accounts: Real People. Real Goals. Real Possibilities.
The path to greater independence is different for everyone, and an ABLE United account can help support that journey every step of the way. For people with disabilities and their families, an ABLE account can provide more flexibility today while helping them plan for what comes next. Whether it’s paying for housing, transportation, everyday expenses, or saving for future goals.
ABLE United Ambassadors Ryan Gebauer and Bridget Hawk know firsthand just how different those possibilities can look.
More Flexibility for Everyday Life
When Ryan Gebauer first opened his ABLE United account, his goal was simple: save for quality-of-life expenses that insurance doesn’t cover.
Today, Ryan is a successful real estate broker who also volunteers with a spinal cord injury support group, helping people with disabilities and their caregivers. His ABLE account has become another tool for navigating everyday life on his terms.
Ryan primarily uses his account to pay housing expenses that his special needs trust (SNT) isn’t permitted to cover. Having both allows him to use each resource for different needs.
But for Ryan, one of the biggest benefits is the direct access and independence his ABLE account provides.
“Individuals can use their ABLE Prepaid Visa Card without asking a Trustee or Guardian to go through the ordering process and wait,” Ryan says.
Whether it’s paying a bill or making a purchase while he’s out, that flexibility can make everyday decisions a little easier — and makes him a lot more independent.
Saving Toward Greater Independence
For Bridget Hawk and her family, ABLE United offered a way to help their son save for his future while maintaining the government disability benefits he relies on.
One of his biggest goals? Buying a car.
By saving in his ABLE United account, Bridget’s son was able to work toward that goal and ultimately purchase a vehicle, opening the door to greater independence and more opportunities.
“Because he could safely save in his ABLE account, he was able to work toward that goal and ultimately buy a vehicle,” Bridget says.
And their planning doesn’t stop there. His ABLE account provides a way to save for future disability-related needs, while also giving family and friends an opportunity to contribute toward goals that matter to him.
“ABLE United has given us confidence that our son can continue working toward his goals and creating the future he wants for himself,” Bridget says.
One Account, Many Possibilities
Ryan and Bridget’s family use their ABLE accounts differently — and that’s exactly the point.
An ABLE United account can help eligible Floridians save for qualified disability expenses, from housing and transportation to health care, education and everyday needs. It can support a goal years down the road or provide more flexibility in daily life. So whatever your goals look like, an ABLE United account can help give you more options for pursuing them.
