PRESS RELEASE
Treasurer Fitzpatrick Highlights National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Jefferson City, MO
– Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick today announced plans to recognize
National Disability Employee Awareness Month with activities across the state
throughout October. Treasurer Fitzpatrick will participate
in a number of events including visiting businesses and organizations who employ
and provide job-training for individuals with disabilities, meeting with
business leaders to encourage adding payroll deductions for MO ABLE accounts to
company benefits packages, and providing MO ABLE presentations to disability
groups across the state. “MO
ABLE makes it possible for Missourians with disabilities to save money without
losing access to federal benefits like Medicaid and SSI—essentially, it makes
it possible to have a job and financial independence,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am
pleased to recognize the important contributions of Missourians with
disabilities to the state’s workforce, as well as encourage our business
leaders to help make it easier for those with disabilities, and their families,
to save money.” “One
of the biggest barriers to employment for people with disabilities, is a fear
of losing federal benefits. MO ABLE helps eliminate that barrier,” Vicky
Davidson, Executive Director of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council
(MODDC) said. “MODDC is proud to work with Treasurer Fitzpatrick to increase
participation of Missourians with disabilities in MO ABLE. We encourage
businesses to hire individuals with disabilities and benefit from the many
talents these individuals will bring to your businesses.” The Treasurer’s
Office administers MO ABLE, Missouri’s ABLE plan. MO ABLE allows individuals
with disabilities, and their families, to save and invest, tax-free, without
losing their federal benefits like Medicaid and SSI. With nearly 1200 MO ABLE
accounts, Missouri has one of the largest programs in the country. National Disability Employment
Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about disability employment
opportunities and issues as well as celebrate the contributions of workers with
disabilities. Treasurer Fitzpatrick will be in
the Kansas City area today visiting Ability KC Industries and participating in
MO ABLE presentations at Hocker Heights and Pleasant Heights with the
Independence Housing Authority. Details about future events will be sent out as
media advisories. Follow the Treasurer’s Office on Twitter,
Facebook, and Instagram @motreasurer. ###
