THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM STATE SENATOR PAUL FARACI’S OFFICE
SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois, countless parents of students with disabilities are missing a powerful opportunity to plan for their child’s future – simply because they do not know it exists. An initiative backed by State Senator Paul Faraci aims to change that by reshaping how information about critical resources reaches families who need them most.
“Families navigating disabilities shouldn’t have to dig to find resources that can change their child’s future,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We’re making sure critical information finds them – early, directly and without exception.”
Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability, offering greater financial independence while preserving vital public health benefits – like SSI or Medicaid. The Illinois ABLE program promotes independence, reduces reliance on public assistance and encourages greater economic participation by individuals with disabilities.
Under Faraci’s measure, the Illinois State Treasurer’s office would be required to issue Illinois ABLE materials to the parents or guardians of students with new or existing 504 Plans by the 2026-2027 school year. Students with 504 Plans often have disabilities that may not be immediately visible or widely recognized. Distributing Illinois ABLE program information ensures all eligible families, regardless of the nature of the disability, are aware of the financial resources available to them, promoting equity and inclusion.
“Too many families never hear about the Illinois ABLE program until it’s too late to fully benefit from it,” said Faraci. “By ensuring every parent of a student with a 504 Plan receives this information, we’re removing barriers to long-term financial security and independence.”
House Bill 3500 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.
