At STARability Foundation, we’re a family bound together by having someone very special to us with a developmental or intellectual disability. Families started the organization more than 30 years ago to support one another and create opportunities for their loved ones. Continuing that tradition, we offer semiannual Family Forums, featuring engaging presentations, open discussion, networking, and valuable takeaways.

You are invited to join us for our next Family Forum on ABLE United Accounts. You’ll learn how ABLE accounts provide an opportunity to save tax-free without impacting eligibility for public benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. You can contribute what you can, when you can, all with the help of family and friends – and the funds can be used at any time to pay for qualified disability expenses like doctor’s appointments, transportation, housing, education and even everyday living expenses like groceries.

Guest Speakers

★ Cody Bowman
ABLE United Ambassador

Cody is passionate about advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. As an ABLE United Ambassador, she has the opportunity to educate individuals on the benefits of the program. An ABLE United account holder herself, Cody is determined to be both personally and financially independent. As a Supplemental Security Income recipient, she is only allowed $2,000 in resources. However, her ABLE United account has enabled her to save up to buy her first car, a 2020 Toyota Corolla, and she now has her sights set on purchasing a home.

Cody is studying Professional and Technical Communications at the University of South Florida and is employed as a cashier at Bealls in Sarasota.

★ Edward Smith
Partner, Wollman, Gehrke & Associates

Ed is a Partner at Wollman, Gehrke & Associates and focuses on estate planning, estate administration, probate, elder, and special needs planning. He helps clients make the challenging decisions needed to navigate and plan for life’s inevitable and unexpected events.

Ed earned his Juris Doctorate from Ave Maria School of Law, where he was President of the Moot Court Board. He is heavily involved in the community and is Past President of STARability Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Each forum features a topic of interest involving different areas of community resources, information and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we’ll explore resources, issues and pathways to enhance the quality of life for these individuals and their families.

The deadline to register for this free event is Friday, April 1, at noon.