Videos

Patty is from Alameda County. Her son, Alex, is an individual with autism. Alex is pursuing a BA Degree in Art with a concentration in video and animation at Cal State East Bay and works part-time. After Alex’s old laptop suddenly froze, he recently used his CalABLE account to purchase a new laptop so that he could complete and submit his homework assignment in a timely manner. Alex continues to be able to enjoy the benefits of having a CalABLE account for the different needs throughout his life.

Jennifer is 33 years old and from Los Angeles County. She has multiple health conditions that result from what she describes as a "body built of pieces from a generic parts junkyard and old carpenter's glue."

She became a CalABLE account holder as a result of an unfortunate experience that gave her unforeseen funds but threatened to remove the health insurance she can't be without because of her health. Jennifer wants to make sure she can help others in similar situations.

Trained in radio journalism in high school by an amazing non-profit, she loves food, music, dancing, animals, history, game shows from the Goodson-Todman library, and travel to wonderful places that makes life thrilling. If she has Minnie Riperton, ABBA, Marvin Gaye, or Ethel Merman on her record player, don't even knock--come back in 6 days!

Héctor is Apache & Mexican from Los Angeles County and resides in Yaanga, Tongva, the ancestral lands of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. He is an individual with autism, a psychiatric disability and is hard of hearing. Also, he is a systems impacted, formerly homeless, and a formerly institutionalized person.

Héctor uses his CalABLE account as a wellness and transformational tool in his life. The CalABLE account also helped him put a down payment on his house because of donations from friends and family for his birthday. When he is not working, Héctor co-parents alongside his sister for his niece and nephew, a time-consuming but rewarding responsibility.

Héctor is on the board of directors with Disability Rights California & the National Disability Rights Network where he provides oversight & accountability of the nation's only legally based advocacy organization established by Congress to protect the rights of all individuals with disabilities in every state and U.S. territory.

Dominika, who is 41 years old, is from Alameda County and works for a local government office. An immigrant from Poland, she has been disabled with a mobility impairment since birth. Recently, she used her CalABLE account to help fund her first home purchase and create an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. She also has a PhD in English and Disability Studies and is a writer and performer.

Meet the Class of 2022 CalABLE Ambassadors

ABLE accounts are a powerful tool for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to save money for future expenses without affecting their eligibility for government benefits. In this video, we will break down everything you need to know about ABLE accounts, including how to open one, how to manage and budget funds, and the tax advantages they offer.