Achieving a Better Life Experience Act:  Able Act

The Rose Lee Show traveled to Tallahassee to join hundreds of Florida families for the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day.  The Florida Developmental Disability Council,  The Arc of Florida,  and the Agency for persons with disabilities rallied during a Press Conference.  Legislators, and self-advocates from around the Florida attended to show their support for important legislation. 

The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (or ABLE Act) is federal legislation that aims to ease financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by creating tax-free savings accounts available to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, and transportation. 

Rose Lee asked Barbara Palmer, Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities why she is so passionate about fighting for services of Floridians with disabilities and those who care for them.  Palmer stressed the need of changes in how the agency must increase employment opportunities and gain needed funding to advance provider services.  Florida's Lieutenant Governor, Carlos Lopez-Cantera who stressed the importance of state funding to eliminate the critical needs wait list and put the resources necessary to care for those in need.

Democrat and Republican leaders across the state expressed their concern for the  future of Floridians with disabilities. Florida House of Representative, Alan Williams, District 8 Gadsden & Leon County expressed the importance for the inclusion of all voices of Floridians.  State Representative Mark Pafford, House District 86, Palm Beach County compelled to the crows to treat his constituents with disabilities with respect and dignity that they deserve.  Barbara Palmer, APD Director wrapped up the rally with a pep talk to the supporters to always persevere in life and Never Never, Never, give up.

Rose Lee shared with her audience her enthusiasm that the Able Act in Florida was passed and now provides a mechanism for individuals with disabilities to save funds needed for future services and care without losing their eligibility for state and federal benefits.