Washington, D.C. —Today the House passed a bill to help people with disabilities achieve independence and plan for the future. Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) is an original co-sponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (H.R. 647), which allows Americans with disabilities to create tax free accounts to save for education, job training, health care and other expenses.

“People with disabilities have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else,” said McKinley. “They want to be independent and achieve their full potential, whether it’s pursuing an education or finding a good job.”

“We already have 401k accounts that help us save for our retirement, health savings accounts, and 529 accounts to save for our children’s college education,” added McKinley. “Why shouldn’t we give millions of Americans with disabilities similar opportunities?”

The ABLE Act will empower people with disabilities – who make up 19% of the population – to plan for the future and save for expenses like education, job training, retirement, living expenses, and health care.

The bill is supported by more than a dozen national organizations that advocate for the disabled, from Autism Speaks to the National Federation for the Blind.

“As the grandfather of a child with special needs, I am personally aware of the challenges millions of Americans with disabilities and their families face,” said McKinley. “The ABLE Act could improve his life and empower millions of others like him to lead fulfilling lives.”

“We should show compassion towards individuals struggling with disabilities and the families who care for them,” said McKinley. “I am proud to be a voice for others who often aren’t able to speak for themselves.”