Law aims to help people with disabilities live independently

LAKE STEVENS — Emma Patterson, 13, already is planning for college. She wants to study art, work at Starbucks and have her own place in Seattle.

It’ll be an uphill battle for the energetic teen with purple streaks in her hair and an infectious smile. She has Down syndrome, a developmental disability and the most common genetic disorder in the U.S.

Emma has a solid start on her goals. The day before her 13th birthday, she watched Gov. Jay Inslee sign into law a bill geared toward letting people with disabilities live independently without losing public benefits. The legislation creates a work group to plan Washington’s version of the national Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program, approved by U.S. lawmakers in 2014.

It’s something Emma’s mom, Amy Patterson, 45, has been pushing for at the federal and state level for five years. She’s president of the Down Syndrome Association of Snohomish County and home-schools Emma.

Emma had the ultimate civics lesson this year, Patterson said. The teen testified in front of state lawmakers, urging them to approve the program. The bill passed 89-8 in the House and 46-2 in the Senate. Inslee signed it Friday.

The ABLE program creates a tax-exempt account for people with disabilities to save money, similar to federal 529 plans for college savings, according to the bill. Having more than $2,000 in cash or savings normally disqualifies people from public benefits like supplemental security income, food stamps or Medicaid.

People can save up to $14,000 each year and $100,000 total in an ABLE account without losing benefits. The money can be used for things like special education and job training, assisted transportation and housing, or medical bills.

The state also has an endowment trust fund that allows disabled people to save without losing benefits. However, the trust is for people with developmental disabilities — disorders that slow mental and physical development and are diagnosed by age 18.

The ABLE program is open to people with any disability, said Luke Wickham, who advises the state’s Early Learning and Human Services Committee. For example, people who are blind or deaf would qualify for ABLE but not the trust fund.

“They’re two different ways to save money, but they’re both wonderful for people with disabilities,” said Sue Elliott, executive director of Arc of Washington, an organization that works with developmentally disabled people.

A national committee is set to work out details of the U.S. ABLE Program this summer, she said. A state work group is being formed to design Washington’s version by Nov. 1. Once details are ironed out, the Legislature will consider a bill next session to finalize the program.

“We’re hoping that within a year from now, families or adults with disabilities will be able to open an account,” Patterson said. “These days, obstacles generally come in the form of money. Money will be needed to start the program and get staff in place, and budget has been contentious in Washington.”

The state Office of Financial Management estimated it would cost more than $1 million in the 2015-17 biennium to fully implement the ABLE program. The cost of a work group is about $125,000, and a more detailed look at funding is on the group’s to-do list.

Emma is excited to talk to legislators again, she said. She’s not nervous. Her mom is, but she’s not. That makes Emma laugh and her mom smile.

“The hardest part of having a disability in our society isn’t the disability, it’s the society,” Patterson said. “I always thought it was my job to be her voice until she can speak for herself, and now it’s so exciting to see her speak.”

Emma told legislators she has to work hard but can do anything she sets her mind to. That’s not the most important thing she had to say, though.

“I want to go to college,” Emma said firmly, looking up from her polka-dot painted fingernails during an interview Tuesday.

“Is that the most important thing you told them?” her mother asked.

“Yeah. I want to go to college.”

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.

Learn more

For more information about the Down Syndrome Association of Snohomish County, visit www.dsasc.org or email Amy Patterson at director@dsasc.org.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Rick Steves launches $1M match challenge for Lynnwood Neighborhood Center

The $64.5 million Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will house several community spaces and partner with local nonprofits.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Council denies latest Eastview Village appeal

Council members affirmed previous approvals of the development planned off Cathcart Way near Highway 9.

Everett
Everett police: Man sold drugs to woman prior to fatal overdose

The man, who faces a charge under the state’s controlled substance homicide law, remains in Snohomish County Jail on more than $1M bond.

Missing Marysville boy, 10, found safe and sound

Police said the boy was last seen Sunday morning before leaving to go for a run at a nearby middle school.

Red tape hangs in the front of the entrance to a burned down Center for Human Services building along 204th Street on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood fire destroys behavioral health nonprofit building

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The building housed an intensive mental health support program for youth and families.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.