Dear Readers: 

Please help lead the change so that AmeriCorps members receiving SSDI benefits (with active ABLE accounts) can use the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for qualified, disability-related expenses. The ABLE ("Achieving a Better Life Experience") account is a long-term, financial ESSENTIAL for Americans with disabilities seeking financial security - without compromising continued eligibility for state and/or federal programs (i.e. Social Security Disability Income, Medicare, and/or Medicaid). ABLE National Resource Center

After three successful summer terms with the North Central Community Action Program’s AmeriCorps Team - Greater Wausau Area program, serving as a Tutor/Mentor with the Wausau School District, I am eligible for three Segal Education Awards (amounting to $3,773.55). Currently, as this award can only be applied to educational expenses and loan payments, it is a vital opportunity for students pursuing post-secondary education to keep finances in-check. However, as a 2013 graduate of UW-Madison with a B.S. in Cross Categorical Special Education - with no student loan debt due to the Total and Permanent Disability Discharge - my own Segal Education Awards are extremely difficult to use for their current, intended purpose.

For this reason, it is time to set a precedent - particularly for Americans, including myself - who have disabilities. With diagnoses of spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, brain cancer, epilepsy, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, I have significant disability-related expenses (including: medical care, housing, and transportation) that my Segal Education Awards would substantially cover if added as a third pathway to use this award. The ABLE account, which stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience, is the answer to that third pathway, which allows individuals with disabilities to save money without compromising SSDI, Medicare, and/or Medicaid benefits.

Again, please help lead the change so that AmeriCorps members receiving SSDI benefits (with active ABLE accounts) can use the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for qualified disability-related expenses. In addition, on behalf of all individuals with disabilities, please read the following article, printed on the front page of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, on the day I became a UW-Madison alumna. Why? Because the impossible is truly... possible!

Angela's Story

December 23 marks my 11th year as a brain cancer survivor. No words can ever express how thankful I am to be alive, alongside all of the family, friends, medical professionals, educators, coworkers - and, even students - who have guided me in my continued recovery. Please know that people with disabilities are capable, productive members of society, and that we are more alike than different in relation to our peers. At times, we may need a “hand up” - not a “hand out.” Allowing AmeriCorps members with disabilities (with active ABLE accounts) to use the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for qualified disability-related expenses is necessary in the climb to independence! 

Disability IS diversity! On behalf of Americans with disabilities, keep this diversity alive by signing, supporting, and/or sharing this petition. DisABILITY = ImPOSSIBILITY... one signature at a time! 

Warmly,

Angela Schoepke

aschoepke@uwalumni.com