Faces of ABLE: Geno
Born and raised in Miami, Geno is a star athlete on the Special Olympics National Team representing Florida in softball. His infectious personality makes him a stellar teammate and friend.
At an early age, Geno was diagnosed with autism but that has not slowed him down. In addition to the medals he’s won during his time competing in the Special Olympics, he has also served as a Customer Service Representative at Publix for 12 years.
His mother, Shebah, often describes her son as “gregarious.” Shebah shared that he enjoys everything that the Sunshine State has to offer, including sports (his favorite team being the Miami Heat), fishing, and music.
To ensure Geno’s financial future, Shebah recently opened an ABLE United account. “Being a single mother, I understand how important his financial independence would be to improve his quality of life,” she explained.
Since the day he was born, Shebah has wanted the best for Geno and has worked hard to set him up for success.
“Even before his diagnosis, I wanted Geno to be an active member of the community, contributing his many talents, regardless of his career path or disability,” she shared.
As advocates of the savings program, Geno and his mother are teaming up as the newest ABLE United Ambassadors. “We are excited to share with others how ABLE United has helped set him up for success and truly achieve a better life experience,” Shebah said proudly.
ABLE at Home
The spring months generally provide the ABLE United team an opportunity to connect with thousands of Floridians with disabilities at in-person events, conferences and special presentations. However, in this time of social distancing, we know that’s just not possible.
In an effort to stay connected, we are launching the ABLE at Home campaign.
From new hobbies and science experiments to learning life skills, connecting virtually with others and extending kind gestures to neighbors and friends – many are using this extra time to find the “silver lining.”
Throughout the month of May and June, we want to hear how you are spending your time at home. Share a photo of yourself and what you’re up to at home to be entered into our ABLE at Home giveaway. Three grand prize winners will win a brand new 10.2-inch iPad to help you stay connected with family, friends – even classmates. To review the iPad Promotion Guidelines, please click here.
But, wait, there’s more.
Individuals who enroll in a new account between Friday, May 1 and Tuesday, June 30 and complete enrollment by depositing at least $25, will receive a FREE $75 contribution on us.
We hope that you’ll consider using this time to add enrolling in an ABLE United account to your to-do list and make saving for you or your loved one part of your daily, weekly or monthly routine.
We look forward to “seeing” you all this month while #ABLEatHome.
*Promotion Guidelines:
Enroll in a new ABLE United account between May 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020 on ableunited.com, and you will receive a $75 contribution into your new ABLE United account. This offer only applies to new accounts opened between May 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Funds earned will be deposited directly into your ABLE United account by October 1, 2020. ABLE United is a savings and investment plan that may be used to set aside funds for qualified disability expenses. Funds may be used tax-free to pay for any qualified disability expense. This promotion is limited to the first 500 accounts. ABLE United reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be in violation of the guidelines or any laws, or to be attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the promotion by cheating, hacking, deception, or any other unfair practices. Please review the Program Description and Participation Agreement before opening an account.
Start Swiping – New ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card
With the introduction of the new ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card, ABLE United account holders can start swiping and instantly access funds to be used online, in stores – or anywhere nationwide that accepts Visa debit cards.
Our relationship with money is so important because it affects almost every decision we make, that’s why we are excited to now offer this optional prepaid card to our account holders. It’s a simple and fast way to access and utilize funds saved in an account, but most importantly, it provides increased flexibility – an ABLE United account on the go.
How it Works
Account holders can load funds onto the prepaid card from their ABLE account. The ABLE Visa Prepaid Card can be used to pay for qualified disability expenses like doctor’s appointments, transportation and even everyday living expenses like groceries. You will also be able to review and manage all charges made to the prepaid card by logging into your ABLE Visa Prepaid Card account.
If you’re an account administrator, you can order a card for yourself to make purchases for the beneficiary, request a card for the beneficiary, or both. Each card has its own balance and spending controls, so you decide how funds can be used.
The ABLE Visa Prepaid Card not only provides flexibility, but it also provides an opportunity to teach children or young adults the importance of saving, budgeting and keeping track of their expenses. With the account administrator having control and managing the prepaid card, young adults will have the freedom to practice their financial independence – all while having the proper measures in place, knowing that only the amount set can be spent.
Sign Up Today
There is a $2.50 per month fee if you choose to sign up for the optional ABLE Visa Prepaid Card. Additional prepaid card fees may be assessed based on how you use your Visa Card. For more information, visit the Cardholder Agreement.
The ABLE Visa Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., St. Paul, MN 55103, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Cardholder Agreement.
True Link Financial, Inc. is required to periodically report certain Card information to the Visa Prepaid Clearinghouse Service (PCS) to assist in fraud prevention. Please contact PCS Customer Service for details regarding the information reported and on file with PCS. PCS Customer Service Department’s business hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Visa Prepaid Clearinghouse Service Customer Service Department
5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600-27 Independence, OH 44131 PH
Phone 1-844-263-2111 Fax 1-844-432-3609
2019 in Review
As we near the end of the year, it’s important to take time and reflect on all that has been accomplished and set the tone for what’s to come.
We have provided more than 4,000 Floridians with a way to save without affecting public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid – an opportunity that was not available before ABLE United launched in July 2016. During 2019, we took this opportunity even further by enhancing many ABLE account features.
Introduction of Account Enhancements
In March, ABLE United transitioned its Customer Service and Records management to Sumday Administration, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon. This transition allowed for additional program enhancements including an FDIC-insured savings fund option, live chat with customer service and an enhanced gifting portal to allow others to support account holders in reaching their savings goals.
Additionally, the ABLE to Work integration was added, which allows a beneficiary who is working and not contributing to a retirement plan the ability to contribute more than the $15,000 annual contribution limit.
Removal of Medicaid Recovery
Our most significant achievement was advocating the Florida Legislature to pass HB 6047, which was signed by Governor DeSantis in June. This bill eliminates Medicaid recovery from ABLE United accounts and clarifies that all outstanding funds in an ABLE United account, after Qualified Disability Expenses are paid, go to the beneficiary’s estate. Now, ABLE United account owners will no longer be treated differently than any other individual who receives Medicaid.
In addition to the significant account enhancements, we also celebrate you – our account holders.
Three years ago, we began the Faces of ABLE campaign to share the overwhelming number of inspiring stories we hear every day – this serves as a constant reminder to us about why we do what we do.
Thank you to this year’s Faces of ABLE who have openly shared their stories and how ABLE United is allowing them to truly Achieve a Better Life Experience:
March – Samantha
May – Natalie Jesselle
June – Sean
October – Samantha
It was a great year for ABLE United and our account holders – but we are even more excited for what 2020 holds!
Making Education Truly Special: What This Special Needs Teacher Wants You to Know
Samantha Fox never imagined that she’d be entering her fourth year of educating children with autism at Loretto Elementary School in Jacksonville, Florida. Though she knew teaching was her calling, according to Fox, she didn’t think she was patient or smart enough to work with kids who had special needs. It didn’t take long for her to realize that none of that mattered.
“If you get right down to it, no matter what the child’s disability, underneath it all they are just a kid like all the rest. They just want to be supported, loved, included and not looked at like they are any different than everyone else,” Fox shared.
This is the chorus Fox and others sing when it comes to addressing the special needs of those with disabilities. When asked whether the general public is well equipped to understand this message, she said “not yet, but we are headed in the right direction.” Fox referenced how technology, the internet and our ability to connect provide the opportunity for people to learn about disabilities. The more knowledge and understanding that exists, the easier it will be for everyone to have a seat at the table.
For Fox, it’s all about normalizing inclusion. We’re lucky to be living in a generation that now includes a character with autism on Sesame Street and movies starring actors with Down syndrome. It’s our duty to continue to raise children who are inclusive and this is the best way to start. Another perhaps less obvious way to look at special education is how we can integrate those lessons into every curriculum. With anxiety disorder rates soaring among younger and younger children, we should consider including social and emotional health lessons in every classroom.
“It boils down to making adjustments in what we consider the norm, in order to make it so that all kids and adults are able to access what you and I can, like going to college or getting job training, eating at a restaurant, or buying groceries. We need to continue learning about inclusion in everyday life and what that can look like,” said Fox.
When ABLE United decided to feature a special needs teacher, we couldn’t have imagined just how powerful her testimony would be, or how it would align with our own goal—of making it possible for those with disabilities to thrive in every aspect of their lives. By taking time to understand and be inclusive of those with disabilities and by making sure resources are available to them, we can help to create a bright future in which everyone has a safe place.
If you have any questions about the only savings account created especially for persons with disabilities, you can call us directly at 1-888-524-2253. To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for an ABLE United savings account, try our eligibility wizard.
7 Things People Get Wrong About Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts in today’s culture. We’re glad that more people are making autism a part of everyday conversation, and ABLE United is dedicated to bringing awareness to the daily experiences and struggles of those with ASD.
We’ve found that there are a number of ideas out there about what it’s like to live with autism that just aren’t true and we’d like to dispel them. Here’s an exercise of True or False to test your knowledge of autism, assistance offered and the human experience of those diagnosed with the disorder.
1. True or False? People with autism are unable to feel emotion.
False. Very false, in fact. Happiness, sadness, frustration, joy and anger are felt as vividly by those with autism as they are by someone who is not on the spectrum. Sometimes those with autism will have different ways of expressing emotion, but the feelings are certainly there.
2. True or False? Insurance covers all the therapies required for those with ASD.
False. Unfortunately, yearly expenses can range from $17,000 to $21,000, and most insurance companies do not cover everything.1 ABLE United savings accounts are specifically designed to allow people with disabilities to save up to $15,000, tax-free, per year and can be used for a variety of expenses, including therapies.
3. True or False? Autism can be connected with physical ailments, as well as mental faculties.
True. Though largely neurological, there are other illnesses and disorders to which those with autism are more prone. Children with autism are eight times more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. And epilepsy impacts more than 30% of those with autism, while only around 2% of the rest of the population experiences it.
4. True or False? Those with autism should not drive a car.
False. Driving obviously requires a complex set of skills and can take time to master for those with autism, but the disorder alone does not preclude anyone from pursuing their goal of obtaining a driver’s license. The Interactive Autism Network published a helpful article with guidelines for those with ASD navigating the road.
5. True or False? ASD is caused by a complex combination of multiple factors.
True. Researchers have identified a wide range of genetic factors that can increase a child’s susceptibility to ASD. Unfortunately, since they have not isolated a single cause, it can make diagnosis and treatment a complicated effort of trial and error.
6. True or False? More and more people are being diagnosed with autism each year.
True. Improved diagnostic capabilities and increased attention can certainly account for the uptick in ASD cases throughout America, but the numbers do seem to be increasing exponentially. According to the CDC, 1 in 59 children are somewhere on the spectrum. When considering treatment from such an early age, it’s helpful to also consider an ABLE United savings account. Whether therapies and medication or educational activities, we want to ensure that those with ASD are armed to live their most fulfilling life.
7. True or False? People with ASD are less intelligent than those without.
False. Those with ASD are definitely not predisposed to have below-average IQs. In fact, many people with autism have high IQs and excel in things like math, engineering or music.
Sadly, many of these myths and misconceptions are still prevalent in our society today. It’s our hope that increasing awareness and fostering conversation is one step in the right direction for a better understanding of what it’s like to live with ASD.
ABLE United is committed to helping those with ASD prepare financially for their future, to learn more about the only savings account created specifically for those with disabilities browse this website or call 1-888-524-2253. Use our eligibility tool to see if you, or someone you know, qualifies for a savings account that won’t make you sacrifice your eligibility for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.
1National Conference of State Legislatures, Autism and Insurance Coverage
2Autism Speaks, Associated Medical Conditions
$50 Summer Promotion
Question: What should every individual with a disability have?
Answer: If they qualify, an ABLE United account.
ABLE United accounts offer the ability to save while maintaining SSI and Medicaid. Family and friends can contribute to the account as well, and earnings are tax-free when used for qualified expenses. Now, to help you get started, we are kicking off the summer season with a special offer for new account holders.
If you open a new account anytime between May 1 – July 31, 2019, ABLE United will contribute $50 into your account to help you get a head start on saving!*
Did you know that we recently introduced new account features to ensure that individuals with a disability can save for a better life experience in the way that best fits their needs and goals?
New features include:
- FDIC-insured savings option for peace of mind
- Ability to choose how you withdraw funds to allow you to use your account your way
- Enhanced gifting page to allow others to support you in reaching your savings goals
- Live chat with Customer Service to answer all your questions
Opening an account is quick, easy and free – below is the information you will need to get started:
- Personal identifying information of the account owner and if necessary the person opening the account on their behalf
- Banking information
- Selection of savings or investment options
- A contribution as little as $25 to get started.
There’s never been a better time to start saving than now. Open your account today
*Promotion Guidelines:
Enroll in a new ABLE United account between May 1, 2019 and July 31, 2019 on ableunited.com, and you will receive a $50 contribution into your new ABLE United account. This offer only applies to new accounts opened between May 1, 2019 and July 31, 2019. Funds earned will be deposited directly into your ABLE United account by October 31, 2019. ABLE United is a savings and investment plan that may be used to set aside funds for qualified disability expenses. Funds may be used tax-free to pay for any qualified disability expense. This promotion is limited to the first 5,000 accounts. ABLE United reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be in violation of the guidelines or any laws, or to be attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the promotion by cheating, hacking, deception, or any other unfair practices. Please review the Program Description and Participation Agreement before opening an account.
Account Enhancement Highlight: FDIC Savings Fund
At ABLE United, we offer account holders professionally managed savings and investment options. These options include predesigned portfolios and individual funds from which customers can build a custom portfolio.
With the recent transition of our Customer Service and Records Management to Sumday Administration, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon, we are excited to introduce an FDIC Savings Fund to the investment and savings options available to our customers.
The FDIC Savings Fund is an FDIC-insured savings account option with funds placed in a demand deposit account established by the Trust at the Bank of New York Mellon (Bank). FDIC insurance generally protects up to $250,000 of your deposits at the same bank in the same ownership right and capacity. The funds in your ABLE account invested in the FDIC Savings Fund, along with other deposits you hold at the Bank, will be insured up to $250,000.
This transition also provides more flexibility for customers by allowing the account holder to select which fund(s) to withdraw money from – an easy way to manage your investments separate from your savings.
It’s important to know that any new contributions can be directed toward any of the available savings and investment options, and all current investments can be transferred between savings and investment options up to two times per year. To make changes to your current investments, simply sign in to your account, click on the Investments tab, and look for the Change Strategy link under the Total Balance section.
We provide performance summaries for each of the eight savings and investment options on a monthly basis, which consists of the investment returns for each option net of the Investment Administration Fee (note: there is no Investment Administration Fee for the FDIC Savings Fund).
Have questions? Contact Customer Service through live chat or by calling toll free at:
1-888-524-ABLE (2253) (Monday – Friday, 9am – 6 pm ET)
1-844-888-2253 TTY (Monday – Friday, 9 am – 8 pm ET)
New Account Features Delivered!
With the recent transition of our Customer Service and Records Management to Sumday Administration, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon, we are excited to share the account enhancements now available to our customers.
• FDIC-insured savings option to give you peace of mind
• Live chat with customer service
• New gifting page to allow others to support you in reaching your savings goals
Manage Your Money Your Way
The FDIC Savings Fund is an FDIC-insured savings account option. The funds in your ABLE account invested in the FDIC Savings Fund, along with other deposits you hold at the Bank, will be insured up to $250,000. This option allows you to earn interest generally comparable with a traditional bank savings account.
Customers now have greater flexibility to manage their money their way – by allowing the account holder to select which fund(s) to withdraw money from – making it easy to manage your investments separate from your savings.
Connect with Us
We want to hear from you! You can now reach our customer service team via online chat, as well as by telephone.
More Ways to Save
Anyone may contribute to an account on behalf of the individual with a disability, including family and friends and other community support organizations, like a church or civic group.
Now it is easier than ever to contribute to an individual’s ABLE United account with the enhanced ABLE United gifting page. The unique gifting page allows the individual to show a savings goal if desired, and provides for easy sharing through social media and email.
We encourage account holders to take advantage of the new, enhanced gifting page to continue to build their savings for a better life experience.
Spring and Summer Events 2019
This spring, the ABLE United team is hitting the road and will be at a number of events across the state to answer your questions. Stop by our booth at any of the events below to speak to one of our team members and learn why an ABLE account is right for you or your loved one – there’s never been a better time to start saving.
Treasure Coast Down Syndrome Awareness Buddy Walk
March 23, 2019
Indian Riverside Park
Jensen Beach, Florida
Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Gainesville
March 24, 2019
University of Florida’s Flavet Field
Gainesville, FL
Seminole County Public Schools – Transition Fair
March 30, 2019
Winter Springs High School Cafeteria
130 Tuskawilla Rd.
Winter Springs, FL 32708
FGCU CARD Center: Annual Conference on Best Practices in Autism Spectrum Disorder
April 6, 2019
Florida Gulf Coast University Cohen Center
Fort Myers, FL
Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Tallahassee
April 13, 2019
Lake Ella
Tallahassee, FL
SportsAbility
April 12, 2019
Tallahassee Community College Lifetime Sports Complex
Tallahassee, FL
Autism Notebook Connections Conference & Expo
April 13, 2019
Renaissance Hotel
1230 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324
Autism Society of Greater Orlando 2019 Autism Walk & Family Fun Day
April 20, 2019
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL
Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Central Florida
May 4, 2019
Lake Eola Park
Orlando, FL
Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Jacksonville
May 4, 2019
Seawalk Pavilion
Jacksonville Beach, FL
Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Tampa Bay
May 4, 2019
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, FL
Nathaniel’s Hope Make ‘Em Smile
June 1, 2019
Lake Eola Park
Orlando, FL
Family Café
June 7 – 9, 2019
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Orlando, FL