About ABLE NRC  

What is the ABLE NRC?  

The ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) provides all the ABLE information you need in one place. ABLE NRC shares reliable information about ABLE plans, including plan comparisons, best practices and strategies to increase savings for now and into the future. Our mission is to educate, promote and support the positive impact ABLE accounts can make on the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities and their families. We want to drive action to help people open and manage ABLE accounts as a tool to secure their financial future.  

ABLE NRC is a collaborative effort that unites the support and resources of ABLE plan representatives and some of the country’s largest and most influential national disability organizations. Together, we promote self-determination and the rights of individuals to learn, practice and exercise money management skills, as well as to save and invest for their future. 

Our pioneering work in this area, and subject matter expertise, makes us the leading authority on topics related to the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, ABLE accounts, ABLE programs, related policy developments, the integration of ABLE with public benefits and the use of financial capability strategies for people with disabilities.  

Founded and managed by National Disability Institute (NDI) since 2015, the ABLE NRC’s website has become the premier source for all information on ABLE for people with disabilities and their families, employers, state and federal agencies, service providers, educators, tax practitioners, financial planners, attorneys and benefits counselors.  

The ABLE National Resource Center is a privately-owned website and is not affiliated with the U.S. federal government. While we provide a wealth of targeted resources and best practice guidance to support the use of ABLE accounts, our staff does not provide case management on Social Security benefits or advice about investing in specific ABLE programs. For safety and security, please do not send us any sensitive personal information in emails, including Social Security numbers.  

 

The ABLE NRC Team:  

Jody Ellis, Director of ABLE NRC  

I oversee the day-to-day operations of the ABLE NRC. I help curate the library of materials developed since the ABLE NRC was established in 2015. I manage project contracts and connect with new partners and opportunities to raise awareness of ABLE across the United States. I connect with ABLE NRC ambassadors, convene the ABLE Supporters Network and collaborate with all stakeholders to help individuals with disabilities, their family members and their supporters to take advantage of all that ABLE accounts can offer.      

Cheyenne Rivers, Project Coordinator  

I ensure our program activities are organized and run smoothly. I coordinate calendars, organize team meetings and ensure we meet project deadlines. I manage ambassador stipends, arrange travel and coordinate with our communications team on marketing items. In addition, I set up Zoom meetings and webinars, track our projects and respond to emails. Outside of ABLE NRC, I enjoy teaching and practicing yoga, graphic design, photography, painting watercolors and hiking in Montana.

 

Laurie Schaller, Subject Matter Expert on Assistive Technology Financing, Public Benefits and Housing  

I am familiar with assistive technology (AT) finance programs and how they can help people find grants, use their work supports and ABLE account to purchase AT like a modified vehicle, vision or hearing aids and more. I help people learn how to save regularly to reach their financial goals and improve their credit. I understand the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSD)I work supports and how employment can improve a person’s financial future. I provide technical assistance, ABLE education and serve as a technical expert on the ABLE NRC team. I look forward to your questions about owning an ABLE account! 

 

Marlene Ulisky, Subject Matter Expert-Public Benefits  

As a subject matter expert on public benefits, I work with federal and state agencies to understand the intersection of ABLE policy with multiple public benefit programs. I share knowledge about ABLE accounts and benefit issues on our website, in the AchievABLE™ newsletter and through webinars for individuals with disabilities, their families and supporters to increase their understanding of ABLE and enhance financial well-being. I serve as a technical expert to my ABLE NRC team and to NDI staff with complex benefits issues. Outside of ABLE NRC, I enjoy travel in the U.S. and abroad, gourmet and ethnic cooking and interior design. 


For assistance with non-ABLE related resources please contact:  

Explore our online resource center, access the materials the ABLE NRC has curated for you and explore the power of ABLE!