TAKE ACTION!

Dear Down Syndrome Indiana families,

 

I am writing to you today on a very important matter to the Down syndrome community, the ABLE Act. This is the most important piece of legislation to be introduced in years. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, please take a moment to contact Senator Dan Coats and encourage him to support the ABLE Act.  Below is sample text that you can use:

 

SAMPLE LETTER

 

The Honorable Dan Coats

United States Senate

493 Russell Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510

 

Today’s Date

 

 

Dear Senator Dan Coats,

 

As a resident of Indiana that cares about individuals with a disability and their well-being, I am writing to you today to ask you to co-sponsor the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2011 (S. 1872/H.R. 3423).

 

The ABLE Act, when enacted into law, will give people with Down syndrome and their families the ability to save for the future just like every other American family. Currently, barriers to employment, independent living, and ultimately, economic self-sufficiency, exist because individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities must rely on services like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) proved, however, to qualify for these services individuals with Down syndrome may not have more than $2,000 in assets, and earn no more than $674 in a monthly income.

 

The ABLE Act will eliminate barriers to work and saving by preventing dollars saved through ABLE accounts from counting against an individual’s eligibility for any federal benefits program. The legislation also contains Medicaid fraud protection against abuse and Medicaid pay-back provision when the beneficiary passes away. The ABLE Act has been endorsed by over 50 national disability, religious, and nonprofit organizations. By cosponsoring and passing the ABLE Act, you will give more individuals with a disability and their families the ability to save for their child’s future just like every other American family!

 

Sincerely,

 

[Insert your name and contact info]

 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to make your voice heard!

 

P.S. Down Syndrome Indiana will also have preprinted postcards on this topic that you can sign and send in at the Buddy Walk® on October 13^th. Look for them in the info tent!