Weekly Edition - 1.14.25

👨‍👩‍👦 New doors are opening for families touched by autism - from more welcoming skies to accessible national parks - while financial and travel support grows through expanded ABLE accounts and Ohio's innovative rest areas.

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The Big Idea

This week’s featured story: a closer look at developments making waves in the I/DD community

💰️ Money shouldn't cost you your benefits – that's the foundational principle behind ABLE accounts, and it's getting stronger. The IRS has just increased the annual contribution limit to $19,000 for 2025, marking another step forward in the financial empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

Think about what this means for families: A parent can now set aside nearly $1,600 monthly without jeopardizing their loved one's access to critical benefits like Medicaid and Social Security. For working individuals with disabilities, the opportunity is even greater – they can save an additional $15,060 of their earnings (more in Alaska and Hawaii), potentially exceeding $34,000 in annual savings while maintaining their benefits.

The ABLE program is about to undergo its most significant expansion yet. Starting in 2026, eligibility will extend to anyone whose disability began before age 46, up from the current age-26 requirement. This monumental shift will welcome an estimated 6 million more individuals into the program. With 47 states now offering ABLE accounts (most accepting nationwide enrollment) and current assets exceeding $2.1 billion across 187,210 accounts, the program's impact continues to grow.

ABLE accounts represent more than just savings – they're a pathway to greater autonomy and security. These accounts can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI benefits, and there's no cap for maintaining Medicaid eligibility. Every dollar saved can be used tax-free for qualified disability expenses, from daily necessities to long-term investments in education, housing, and healthcare. As the program continues to evolve and expand, it's creating unprecedented opportunities for families to build financial stability while maintaining access to vital support services.

For more information about ABLE accounts and how they can benefit your family, visit the ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC).

Across The Nation

From Capitol Hill to community centers: the national updates shaping our collective future

🛫 Thirty thousand Emirates staff members are undertaking specialized autism training, marking a revolutionary shift in accessible air travel as the airline pursues the world's first Autism Certified Airline™ designation. The comprehensive initiative, backed by research from 14,000 individuals with disabilities and 1,200 industry professionals, introduces sensory guides and specialized support tools for flights. This certification addresses the estimated 78% of autism families who avoid travel, creating a blueprint for truly inclusive aviation that extends from check-in through landing. Parents and caregivers can now envision international travel without the typical anxiety and barriers that have historically limited their families' horizons. If you would like to read more, check out the original article.

State Spotlight

Local developments that matter: how local policies and changes impact your community

🧱 The walls of America's oldest masonry fort are breaking down barriers for the autism community. Castillo de San Marcos' new Certified Autism Center designation isn't just about staff training – it's about reimagining how national parks can serve all visitors. This pioneering certification is part of St. Augustine's broader vision to become a fully Certified Autism Destination, creating a model for inclusive tourism that could reshape how families in the I/DD community experience our nation's treasures.

🚻 Parents mobilizing for change have transformed Ohio's rest stops, starting with a groundbreaking universal changing station in Jeffersonville. Sparked by two mothers' advocacy, the state is rolling out 29 height-adjustable facilities by 2026, complementing 136 existing stations across libraries, zoos, and community spaces. This positions Ohio as the national leader in universal changing accessibility, with mobile units now serving 16 counties' events and gatherings. For more details and implementation schedules, check out the original article.

Walking into an IEP meeting can feel like stepping into a courtroom – intimidating, formal, and high-stakes. As parents and caregivers, we know these meetings shape our children's educational journey, yet many of us feel underprepared when sitting down at that conference table. Whether it's your first IEP meeting or your fifteenth, having the right tools and knowledge can transform you from an anxious participant into a confident advocate for your child's needs. To help you navigate this crucial process, we've gathered several comprehensive checklists that will ensure you're ready to actively participate in these important discussions.

1. National Autism Association

2. National Center for Learning Disabilities