Self-advocate, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Council Member, and IL ABLE Account Owner Bridget Brown is a powerhouse. An actor and keynote speaker, Bridget also co-founded Butterflies for Change, an organization dedicated to advocating for inclusive communities and expanding access to inclusion support – to name just a few of her accomplishments.
At the 2026 Speak Up, Speak Out Summit in Bloomington, IL, the IL ABLE team had the opportunity to sit down with Bridget and her mom, Nancy, to talk about Bridget’s experience with her IL ABLE account and what financial independence means to her. Enjoy reading!
L-r: Nancy Brown, Stephanie Kanter, Bridget Brown, Elizabeth Campos Hamilton
IL ABLE: Tell us about the ways you use your IL ABLE account.
I put money from my work into my ABLE account. I use it for my living expenses, like clothes, trips, transportation, and my train ticket to work downtown.
IL ABLE: Do you take money out of your IL ABLE account every day or every week?
I take money out when I need it. I can write a check to my sister or someone providing extra support. I also buy things I need, or go out to dinner, see a movie, or do other recreational activities.
IL ABLE: Do you have support to manage your IL ABLE account, or do you do it on your own?
My dad is my ABLE support person, and I work with him as my Interested Party. My dad and I work as a team and sit down together to go over everything, see where my money is, and what I am depositing, etc. I definitely need help with that, and I am glad that he can help me.
IL ABLE: What do you like best about your IL ABLE account?
I can make decisions about what I want to do, and I have money to pay for it. I also learn about my own finances. I feel like I am [just like] everyone else in the world who can make money and use it to do what they want or buy what they need.
IL ABLE: What do you think other people should know about ABLE accounts?
I recommend that people with disabilities [open] an ABLE account so they can keep their money. It gives them independence and self-determination. The ABLE account is a huge step toward helping people with disabilities live fully inclusive lives, and that is my dream for everyone with a disability.
A mighty big thank you to Bridget and Nancy for sharing their story!
Resources from this article
- Learn about how working Account Owners may be able to contribute more to their IL ABLE account.
- Learn more about Butterflies for Change.
- Learn how an IL ABLE Account can be a powerful tool in your financial toolbox at illinoisable.com and read the Plan Disclosure Booklet.