The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, or ABLE Act, created tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities and their families. The ABLE Act permits people with disabilities to save money without the risk of losing their eligibility for benefits, such as Social Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and food assistance. This makes tax-free accounts available to cover qualified expenses such as medical and dental care, education, housing, transportation, assistive technology, employment training, and other community-based supports.

ABLE Advisory Board

Provisions of the Able Advisory Board stipulate that it must include the director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities or a designee, one member of the Ohio House of Representatives, and one member of the Ohio Senate as well as members appointed by the governor, including

• representative of a developmental disability advocacy organization
• representative of a service provider for people with disabilities
• parent of a child with a disability and who has significant experience with disability issues
• person with a disability and who has significant experience with disability issues
• two members with significant experience in finance, accounting, investment management, or other areas that may assist the board in carrying out its duties

• Charles Gerhardt, chairman
• John Eklund, state senator
• Jonathan Dever, state representative
• John Martin, director, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
• Marge Barnheiser, member representing an intellectual or developmental disability advocacy group
• Diane Beastrom,  member representing a service provider for individuals with disabilities
• Jennifer Cunningham, advocate
• Blaine Brockman, member who has significant experience in finance, accounting, or investment management
• Matthew Curoe, member who has significant experience in finance, accounting, or investment management