Denise Gehringer
Since the pivotal moment when her fourth son entered the world with Down syndrome, Denise’s life's trajectory became dedicated to seeking opportunities for him and others facing similar challenges, empowering them to live life to the fullest. She worked on ENABLE program development and her son was the first ENABLE account owner in Nebraska. To date, Jacob has used his ABLE funds to purchase a modified bike, travel expenses, and for housing expenses he had when he moved into his own apartment in December 2023.
“As a parent, I want to make sure that the resources are available for Jacob to live as independently as possible. Additionally, when the time comes for this siblings to become his primary support, when my husband and I are no longer able, we want to make preparations so their lives will not be burdened financially.”
Denise Gehringer is a mother of four whose youngest son, Jacob, is a 28-year-old intern training as an office assistant at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Denise helped Jacob open his account in June 2016. She contributes regularly to Jacob’s ABLE account and serves as Jacob’s guardian and conservator.
Founding the BSC TOPSoccer program in Omaha, Nebraska, Denise aims to provide players with special needs access to the world of soccer. Serving concurrently as the Nebraska State Soccer Special Needs Commissioner, she recruits volunteers to support players, fostering a sense of belonging and life lessons inherent in team sports.
Driven by values of service and justice, Denise’s commitment to assisting those with special needs extends across various roles. As the previous past-president and current Legislative Advocacy Chair at the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands and a Board member at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, she advocates for inclusion and support. Additionally, serving on the Education Rights Counsel and the Nebraska State ADA Task Force, among others, she works towards educational equity and disability rights.
Her previous professional work in the disability field with the Arc of Omaha led to her service as Executive Director at Sheltering Tree, Inc., for the past 5 years, focusing on providing safe, affordable, and community-centered housing for adults with developmental disabilities.
Denise states that she is honored to be recognized and contribute as an ABLE National Resource Center Ambassador since 2019. She has received many accolades for her advocacy efforts, including the 2017 South Omaha Community Care Council Outstanding Community Partner in Advocacy and the 2019 Arc of Nebraska Legislative Advocate Award for contributions to the passage of the Achieving a Better Life Act (ABLE) at both national and state levels.
Spotlights and Links to ABLE Activities
February 2019 AchievABLE Newsletter – ABLE National Resource Center (ablenrc.org)