Insider Tips on PA ABLE

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

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Description: Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) gives families and individuals an opportunity to talk about money issues and set goals. The creation of the ABLE savings program in 2014 was a monumental win for people with disabilities. For the first time ever, people with disabilities have a safe way to save without jeopardizing their benefits. Diana Fishlock of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will discuss some of the details of Pennsylvania’s ABLE program, and Dr. Josie Badger and Susan Tachau will share their first-hand experiences with using ABLE accounts.

Join us to learn about:

• Eligibility requirements for opening an ABLE account in Pennsylvania,
• Advantages of investing in an ABLE account,
• Real life experiences with using your ABLE account,
• What you can purchase with your ABLE savings,
• Insider tips for making large purchases (home, vehicle, vacation), and
• Setting up ABLE investment strategies for your goals.

This session is part of Money Talks, a free webinar series on financial empowerment for people with disabilities hosted by Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF). Learn more at patf.us/MoneyTalks.

Presenters:

• Dr. Josie Badger, President of J Badger Consulting Inc. and Director of the national RSA-Parent Training and Information Center technical assistance center (RAISE) – Dr. Josie Badger received her Bachelor’s degree from Geneva College in Disability Law and Advocacy, a Master’s from the University of Pittsburgh in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Doctorate from Duquesne University in Healthcare Ethics. In 2014 Josie founded J Badger Consulting Inc. where she provides youth development and disability consulting services for organizations, on transition and leadership development. She is the Co-Director of the national RSA-Parent Training and Information Center technical assistance center (RAISE). She is the Campaign Manager of the #IWantToWork Campaign, to improve the employment of people with disabilities and is a Field Organizer for Denny Civic Solutions for the Family Care Act, a bill that supports paid family leave. She serves as a board member of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, The Woodlands Foundation, the Mary Grace Hospice Foundation, and FISA. In 2012, Dr. Badger was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America.
• Diana Fishlock, Field Representative, Pennsylvania Treasury Department – Diana Fishlock is the PA ABLE Savings Program Field Representative for the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. She served as a writer and editor for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and its Office of Developmental Programs. She was also a reporter covering disability issues and other topics at Pennsylvania newspapers. She is the mom of two teens with disabilities.
• Susan Tachau, Chief Executive Officer, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation – Susan Tachau, a founding member of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation’s Board of Directors, is currently the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. Susan is passionate about expanding financing opportunities for people with disabilities in order to access assistive technology. A proven leader and program developer, Susan is responsible for the overall management, advocacy efforts and fundraising activities of PATF. Susan serves on a several Boards of Directors and advisory committees, including as a Director of the National Disability Finance Coalition and the National Disability Institute. Susan is married and the mother of three adult children, two of whom have disabilities. She has a B.A. from Colorado College, a M.A. from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, and a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Colorado College.