Congress recently passed a law referred to as the ABLE Act. ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience and in California we're calling it CalABLE. It's a program that allows people with disabilities to establish a tax-advantage (ABLE) account that allows them to save up to $14,000 per year and up to $100,000 in total without losing critical disability benefits like Medi-Cal, SSI or SSDI. Money that is put in an ABLE account is not subject to federal income tax or California state income tax, as long as money in the account is spent on "Qualified Disability Expenses" such has assistive technology, housing, food, etc. 

ABLE accounts in California haven't opened yet, but that means we have an opportunity to shape what our accounts could end up looking like. For example, we want accounts that individuals can apply for online and over the phone that don't require any up front costs and that include debit cards so we can access or money when needed, for disability related expenses. 

YO! Disabled & Proud, the DOnetwork and Independent Living Centers across the state are working in collaboration with the CalABLE staff to host ABLE outreach events and get input from community members; youth with disabilities, adults with disabilities and families are encouraged to attend an event and share with us what they would believe ABLE accounts should include when they become available in the summer of 2017. We invite you to join us at an upcoming outreach event or contact us if you'd like to organize an outreach event in your area.
We will share new dates and event locations with you as they become available. Below is a list of November outreach events coming up in Alameda County. 

Today - Friday, November 4th from 3PM - 4PM 
San Leandro - Public Health Building - Redwood Conference Room
1100 San Leandro Blvd., San Leandro, CA

Tuesday, November 8th from 2PM - 3PM
Berkeley - Ed Roberts Campus - Osher Conference Room 
3075 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA

Wednesday, November 9th from 3PM - 4PM 
Fremont - Family Resource Center - Pacific Conference Room, H800
39155 Liberty St., Fremont, CA

Thursday, November 10th from 6:15PM - 7:15PM 
Pleasanton - Thomas S. Hart Middle School - Multipurpose Room 
4433 Willow Road, Pleasanton, CA