National Disability Institute Champions Reintroduction of
ABLE Act in Congress as Vital Step Toward Economic
Advancement for People With Disabilities

Legislation Essential to Promoting Financial Stability for
Nearly 1 in 3 Individuals With Disabilities Living in Poverty

WASHINGTON, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Congress helped
advance economic stability for Americans with disabilities last week by
reintroducing the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act,
legislation long championed by National Disability Institute as a key
to economic advancement for people with disabilities and their
families.

Amid strong bipartisan support from more than 70 original cosponsors,
Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) in the U.S. House of Representatives and
Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA) in the U.S. Senate reintroduced the
legislation (as H.R. 647 and S. 313) that would amend Section 529 of
the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, allowing individuals with
disabilities and their families to set funds aside in tax-free savings
accounts to be withdrawn for qualified costs for education, housing,
transportation, technology assistance, and employment without adversely
impacting means-tested Medicaid and Social Security benefits. The funds
will supplement but not replace benefits provided through Medicaid,
Social Security and private insurance, allowing adults with
disabilities or families with sons or daughters with significant
disabilities a means to help cover additional costs associated with
daily activities and community participation.

"The ABLE Act and ABLE accounts are crucial components to advancing
economic stability and self-sufficiency for the nearly 1 in 3 people
with disabilities living in poverty and their families," said Michael
Morris, executive director of National Disability Institute. "Much like
a 529 plan helps students and families provide for the high costs of
college education, the ABLE Act will help individuals with disabilities
and their families cover essential costs and take steps toward greater
financial stability and their American dreams."

"The time has come for this important legislation to be passed to
provide a pathway to a better economic future for millions of Americans
with disabilities and their families," Morris added.

National Disability Institute joins several other disability
organizations in supporting the reintroduction of the ABLE Act,
including the National Down Syndrome Society, The ARC and Autism
Speaks.

In 2012, the ABLE Act received widespread bipartisan support -- its
highest levels ever -- with more than 270 cosponsors from the 112th
Congress signing on to the bills in both the House and Senate. Despite
the extensive support, the ABLE Act was not included in the final
fiscal cliff deal passed on Jan. 1, 2013, as that legislation only
addressed existing tax provisions and spending sequester cuts.

As the first national organization committed exclusively to championing
economic advancement, financial education, asset development and
financial stability for all persons with disabilities, National
Disability Institute supports the passage of the ABLE Act and continues
to promote public policy changes that encourage work, saving, and asset
development for people with disabilities and that reduce dependence on
public benefits.

About National Disability Institute

National Disability Institute (NDI) is national non-profit organization
dedicated to building a better economic future for people with
disabilities. The first national organization committed exclusively to
championing economic empowerment, financial education, asset
development and financial stability for all persons with disabilities,
National Disability Institute effects change through public education,
policy development, training, technical assistance and innovative
initiatives. Since 2005, National Disability Institute and its Real
Economic Impact (REI) Network of more than 900 partners in more than
100 cities nationwide have helped 1.5 million people with disabilities
receive more than $1.4 billion in tax refunds. To learn more, visit
www.realeconomicimpact.org