Rep. Avelar’s Bill to Support Students with Disabilities Signed Into Law

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, to provide students with disabilities information about the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The ABLE program encourages and assists individuals and families with saving private funds for supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain their health, independence and quality of life. ABLE accounts provide funding for disability-related expenses without replacing benefits provided through private insurance, the beneficiary’s employment or federal benefits.

“The ABLE program provides individuals with disabilities a way to save money to fund their futures without losing other benefits,” Avelar said. “By helping people with disabilities achieve financial wellness, we are helping them live healthier and more independent lives.”

Senate Bill 3474 requires schools to share materials about the ABLE account program with the parents or guardians of a student with disabilities at their annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) review meeting. The State Treasurer’s Office will prepare and deliver the informational material to the State Board of Education, which will then distribute the material to school districts.

“Illinois provides a multitude of services and resources to improve the lives of people with disabilities, but families need to be educated about these programs to take advantage of them,” said Avelar. “This new law informs students with disabilities and their families of a valuable resource they can use to support themselves throughout their lives.”

This new law is effective immediately. For more information, please visit www.ilga.gov.