This is an action alert from the NDSS, but anyone can call in…it is not just for people w/down syndrome..this bill has huge implications for individuals with disabilities and their families…it was just introduced last week. Please call your members of Congress..pass the message on to family, friends, neighbors, your church, etc..anyone can call in.
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Call Your Members of Congress Today! Take Action!

Ask Them to Cosponsor the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2009 (S 493/HR 1205)

The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2009 (S 493/HR 1205) was introduced last week in both the Senate and House. The ABLE Act will give individuals with Down syndrome and their families the ability to save for their child's future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities.

The ABLE Act will allow individuals with Down syndrome to create a disability savings account that would accrue interest tax-free. The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for the individual, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation. The legislation prohibits amounts held by, or paid or distributed from any ABLE accounts from being treated as income or assets when determining eligibility for benefits provide by any Federal benefits program.

Asset development is one step towards improved economic self-sufficiency, and the legislation's focus on encouraging asset development will greatly incentivize people with disabilities to live more productive lives through earning and saving assets.

Talking Points to Call Your Senators and Representative:

I am calling to ask my [Senator/Representative] to cosponsor the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2009 (S 493/HR 1205) led by Senators Casey (D-PA), Hatch (R-UT), Dodd (D-CT), Kennedy (D-MA), Brownback (R-KS), and Burr (R-NC) and Representatives Crenshaw (R-FL), Meek (D-FL), Kennedy (D-RI), and McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).

The legislation encourages persons with disabilities to save in order to live an independent and meaningful life while reducing their dependency on public benefits.

This legislation allows for the establishment of tax-exempt financial security accounts for individuals with disabilities to pay certain expenses, including: medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation.

The legislation prohibits amounts held by, or paid or distributed from any ABLE accounts from being treated as income or assets when determining eligibility for benefits provide by any Federal benefits program.

If your boss is interested in signing on as a cosponsor, please contact:
• o Bryn McDonough (202-224-6324) in Senator Robert Casey's office
• o Dustin Krasny (202-225-2501) in Representative Ander Crenshaw's office



If you are not on the NDSS action alert email list and would like to receive these alerts and information bulletins, please subscribe at: http://capwiz.com/ndss/mlm/signup/
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National Down Syndrome Society
666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (800) 221-4602; Fax: (212) 979-2873
Web site: http://www.ndss.org

NDSS National Policy Center
5505 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. # 239
Washington, DC 20015-2601
Phone: (800) 743-5657
e-mail: advocacy@ndss.org
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