ABLE TODAY SHOW

Hannah Olson had just graduated from college and she thought she had her “dream job.” But the dream quickly became a nightmare when her new employer refused to understand or make any accommodations for Hannah’s chronic condition (Lyme disease). But others were understanding and Hannah used that support to found two companies–Chronically Capable and Disclo.  She joins our hosts Sara and Mark on our...

Alabama Treasurer Young Boozer is one of the most experienced financial minds you will find and he joins Sara and Mark, and Anita Kelley, Director of Savings Division at State of Alabama Treasurer’s Office for this week’s episode. 

There are more than 180,000 ABLE account holders, but somebody had to be first. Mark and Sara chat today with Anne Gerhardt - the first ABLE account holder in the world. Along with Anne is her dad Chip and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague. 

John Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, was about to graduate high school and he didn’t like his job prospects. But he knew who he wanted to work with. His dad, Mark Cronin. After throwing out a few ideas, they landed on John’s Crazy Socks, launching in 2016. They then proceeded to break every marketing rule there is, and somehow this social enterprise became a smash hit with people. 

Like most parents and caregivers, Laura Castillo had never heard of the rare neurological condition, 5 Minus P, until her daughter, Katie, was diagnosed with it. The news from the doctor overwhelmed her at first, but since then, Laura has gone on to become a fierce advocate for people and families living with the syndrome, serving for many years as the Executive Director of the 5P Minus Society. S...

In episode 22, Mark and Sara talk to Daniel Garcia, a blind ABLE account holder. Daniel discusses how he used his ABLE account to save up and buy a house.

In episode 21, we have Shaun Snyder, CEO of the National Association of State Treasurers, discussing the importance of financial education and the role of NAST and ABLE Accounts. Shaun shares insights on leadership, relationships, and his efforts to promote ABLE accounts through free legal education.

Senator Schmitt recently sat down with our hosts Mark and Sara to talk  about how his family’s experience pushed him to become a disability advocate and a legislative champion for ABLE accounts.  When his infant son, Stephen, was diagnosed with a rare condition, Tuberous Sclerosis, Schmitt was a partner in a law firm, married and leading a great life, but Stephen’s diagnosis made him realize that,...

Part 2 of our living history with the unstoppable Sandy Swift Parrino and how the Disabilities Act ♿ (ADA) came to be. Through Sandy’s leadership as Chair of the National Council on Disability [IG @ncdgov] (NCD), the group had written the report, “Toward Independence,” which Sandy describes as the “birth of the ADA,” and had a meeting in 1986 with then Vice President George H.W. Bush.  Suddenly N...

In this two part episode, Mark and Sara get in depth with Sandy Swift Parrino, founder of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ♿. As a parent with a disabled child, Sandy was already very familiar with the frustrations and senseless roadblocks thrown up by the government when President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the National Council on the Handicapped (now the NCD). It was 1981 and the A...

In episode 18, Mark and Sara chat with Lindsey Zurbrugg and Becca Murray – two outstanding players on the US 🇺🇸 Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team who will be competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris this year. 

In episode 17, mark and Sara have a great conversation with Mary McDirmid. Growing up with a dad, who had Parkinson’s, Mary was already familiar with caretaking, but when her daughter Ruth was born, she decided to become a Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) to have a better understanding of her family’s needs and also help other families. And she started a firm, All Needs Planning to work...

In episode 16, we chat with Nebraska’s Assistant State Treasurer Stacy Pfeifer. When she became assistant treasurer, she also became the state’s Director of the Enable Savings Plan.  Stacy is an ABLE expert, making connections across her state and the nation and meeting with many individuals and families committed to disability rights.

In episode 15, Mark and Sara chat with the Editor in Chief of Exceptional Parent Magazine, Faye Simon. Faye has been working in disability journalism for many years and the magazine, which is available online or in print, has proven to be a strong resource for people living with disabilities, parents, caregivers and supporting organizations. 

In episode 14, Mark & Sara have their longest conversation yet with Theo Braddy, who is Executive Director of the  National Council on Independent Living .  Mark and Theo both became quadriplegics at a young age, and both men have selflessly dedicated their lives to getting more resources and independence for people living with disabilities. 

In episode 13, Mark and Sara chat with Hannah Cvancara -  a dedicated nurse, superior athlete, and unstoppable Disability Advocate. Hannah has lived with a prosthetic leg almost her entire life and it hasn’t limited her at all.

In episode 12, Sara and Mark are honored to speak with New Mexico’s State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya. Laura has broken her share of glass ceilings: she’s the first female state treasurer in New Mexico and the nation’s first Latina state treasurer! 

In episode 11 we feature an incredible partnership between Washington State’s ABLE Program and the the Sound Transit. Sara and Mark have a great conversation with Kari Sample, from Washington’s Disabilities Workgroup Program,  and Lorena Jones, senior benefits program manager for the Sound Transit, the public transit agency serving the Seattle metro area. 

Joining Mark and Sara in episode 10 is  Linda Fernandez, the Director of the Texas Comptroller’s Educational Opportunities and Investments Division and Ashley Melero, who works with The Arc of Texas, serving to provide financial security to all people with disabilities. Ashley is also an ABLE participant.

In episode 9, Mark and Sara have a great conversation with the leadership at Job One, a forward-thinking leader in providing employment and community support services for individuals with disabilities in the Kansas City area. On today's episode we hear from Aaron Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer and Anne Hochstein, Chief Operating Officer. 

In episode 8, Mark and Sara were honored to have the new Chief Accessibility Officer of WellsFargo - Andrew Holbrook on the latest episode! Andrew has his own story behind his passion for workplace inclusion.

In episode 7, we had a great conversation with leaders from Autism Speaks.  Stuart Spielman, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Josh Cobbs, Senior Manager of Employment Initiatives.

In episode 6, we did a live podcast recording with Lousiana Disability advocates: Bambi Polotzola - the Executive Director of Governor's Office of Disability Affairs, Kelly Monroe - Executive Director of The Arc of Louisiana and Terri Underwood - Director of START Programs.

In episode 5, we had a great conversation with Keely Cat-Wells - a leading advocate in the national disability space. Keely is the Founder & CEO of Making Space, a Presidential Leadership Scholar and was selected to be on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.