This year marks the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark civil rights law that protects access and opportunity for people with disabilities across community life, including employment.
In recognition of the anniversary, the Aurora Advisory Commission on Disabilities is collaborating with the City of Aurora Mayor’s Office and the Illinois State Treasurers Office to dialogue about people with disabilities and their families can build greater financial independence while preserving benefits.
Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin will be host to a conversation with Illinois State treasurer Michael Frerichs about the IL ABLE accounts at noon Tuesday, Oct. 20. The conversation can be watched on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofAuroraIL and website at www.aurora-il.org.
IL ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without losing, or losing access to, federal means-tested benefits such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid.
“IL ABLE accounts solve a long-time predicament that many people with disabilities face – how to build financial wellness without risking much-needed federal government benefits,” said the Illinois Treasurer’s Office.
State Treasurer Michael Frerichs will also discuss how college savings accounts can merge with an ABLE account.
“The anniversary of the American s with Disabilities Act reminds us of the importance of maintaining and increasing access to all opportunities for people with disabilities and their families,” said mayor Irvin. “With the support of the Aurora Advisory Commission on Disabilities, the City will keep our commitments at the forefront of conversations and comprehensive plans.”
The Aurora Advisory Commission on Disabilities is committed to ensuring that every Aurora resident is afforded an equal opportunity to access and participate in programs, services, facilities and communications. The commission assists the City in fulfilling its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Employment and engagement are so important to those with disabilities,” said Lori Price, chair of the Aurora Advisory Commission on Disabilities. “It is cities like ours that embrace opportunities to employ and engage people with disabilities that make all the difference.”
During the Aurora City Council Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, mayor Irvin issued proclamations for both National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National Down Syndrome Month.
-City of Aurora government