Des Moines, Iowa – State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald is celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is recognized on December 3, 2022. “This year’s theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Not All Disabilities are Visible,” said Fitzgerald. “At IAble, we know not being able to see someone’s disability does not make it any less impactful on their life. My mission for IAble is to provide everyone with a chance to achieve their better life experience, no matter the nature of their disability.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually to recognize the disabilities of people worldwide, while also promoting the importance of inclusion. “Being able to individualize how the funds are spent in an IAble account is one of the most appealing aspects of the Plan,” Fitzgerald said. “Whether saving for a new wheelchair, paying for personal support services or anything in between, people with disabilities can optimize their account to fit their needs.”

Administered by Fitzgerald, IAble is Iowa’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) plan and allows individuals with disabilities and their support systems to save up to $16,000 per year without compromising their eligibility for SSI, Medicaid and other means-tested benefits. Money in an account can be used for any expense that helps the account owner improve or maintain their quality of life or independence. Examples include rent, groceries, assistive technology, education and many other short- and long-term expenses.

IAble also offers tax advantages. Assets grow deferred from federal and state income taxes and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Additionally, any Iowa taxpayer contributing to an IAble account can deduct up to $3,522 in contributions from their 2022 state income taxes.

Visit IAble.gov to learn more and read the Plan Disclosure Documents for details about the Plan. Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on IAble and his other consumer programs.