ABLE Act’s 10th Anniversary celebration honors legislators and advocates

On December 4, 2024, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders gathered together in Washington, DC, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ABLE Act, a groundbreaking law that has empowered individuals with disabilities to achieve financial security. Autism Speaks was grateful to join ABLE today and the National Down Syndrome Society in their event highlighting the achievements of the ABLE Act, rallying support for future ABLE policy, and recognizing the dedication of its champions.

The event began with welcoming remarks from Sara Hart Weir (Senior Advisor of ABLE today & Executive Director of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities), Kandi Pickard (President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society), Keith Wargo (President and CEO of Autism Speaks), and Kayla Kosmalski (ABLE account holder and Miss Teen Delaware). They recognized the important role that collaboration between disability advocates has played in the history of the ABLE Act. Anna Perng from the White House Office of Public Engagement followed and also spoke, emphasizing the administration’s continued commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Honoring those who helped pass the ABLE Act

Throughout the program, distinguished legislators and advocates received recognition for their pivotal roles in the ABLE Act’s success:

• The Beck Family was honored for their advocacy efforts, especially the late Stephen Beck Jr. whose leadership as a parent advocate was instrumental. The family’s remarks highlighted the personal impact of the ABLE program.
• Stuart Spielman, former Senior Vice President of Advocacy at Autism Speaks, received recognition for his tireless work supporting disability rights. Read Stuart’s journey advocating for ABLE and his son. 
• Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers was celebrated for her enduring leadership as an original sponsor of the ABLE Act and for the last bill she introduced in Congress before her retirement being the ABLE Tomorrow Act, framing the future of ABLE policy.
• Former Senator Richard Burr, introduced by ABLE advocate Chip Gerhart, was applauded for his legislative leadership as an original cosponsor and subsequent leadership on ABLE policy like the ABLE to Work Act.
• Senator Chris Van Hollen was celebrated as original cosponsor and for his work to expand ABLE policy, including the House introduction of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act when he was serving in the House of Representatives.
• Senator Bob Casey was honored for introducing the original Senate bill as well as for his continued support of expanded ABLE policy, including his leadership on the ABLE Age Adjustment Act.
• Former Congressman Ander Crenshaw was honored for introducing the original House bill. While former Rep. Crenshaw was unable to attend the event, several of his former staff members accepted an award on his behalf. 

Recognizing leaders working on ABLE today

Several members of Congress took the stage to reflect on the journey of the ABLE Act, why they fought for its passage and what they hope for future ABLE policy. Highlights included remarks from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congressman Pete Sessions, Congressman Steny Hoyer, and Congressman Don Beyer. They each underscored the importance of bipartisan collaboration in achieving progress for the disability community. Senator Eric Schmitt shared his personal motivation, as a father to an autistic son, for introducing the ENABLE Act earlier this year and to improving financial opportunity for people with disabilities.

The Wells Fargo Foundation was also recognized with an award for its contributions to promoting the accessibility of ABLE accounts for individuals with disabilities, further solidifying the public-private partnership that has underpinned the success of the ABLE program.

Looking Ahead

As advocates across the country continue to fight for increased opportunities for our communities, join us & become an advocate today.