On the recordJuly 25, 2013
This is the 31st anniversary of the creation of the National Council for Independent Living. NCIL is the leading organization for persons with disability. Thirty-two years ago, I began my career and life passion serving individuals who were living with life-changing disabilities. I'm proud to be one of the 214 cosponsors of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act. The ABLE Act will ease the financial strains for individuals with disabilities. I'm also proud to be the author of the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act of 2013. This legislation removes the current barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from independently creating a special needs trust. What we're talking about is individual independence and making sure that public policy is a tool, not a barrier, in achieving this goal. Once again, I want to thank the National Council for Independent Living for their leadership and service. Working with advocates such as the National Council for Independent Living, we will accomplish independence, dignity, and success for individuals living with disabilities. ____________________
