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September 5, 2025

Title: ABLE ACCOUNTS 3.0: HELPING AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES LIVE WITH DIGNITY
Topic: Americans with Disabilities

Discussed by Rachel Barkley
with Able Americas (National Center for Public Policy Research)

One in four adults in the United States lives with a disability. That is 61 million people. There are many programs available to help those with disabilities and many laws have improved their day-to-day lives. But does more need to be done?

Today, Rachel Barkley discusses ABLE Accounts 3.0: Empowering People with Disabilities to Save, Invest, and Thrive. Rachel is the Director of Able Americans, a non-profit/non-partisan project of the National Center for Public Policy Research.

Click here to read more on this issue.

Click here for more information about Able Americans.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is a “disability”? Rachel discusses those who live with intellectual, developmental, mental, and physical disabilities.

Do many living with a disability have difficulty paying for their health care needs?

Do First Responders have the proper training to handle a situation with someone who is severely disabled – specifically with a mental challenge?

What are ABLE Accounts 3.0? Rachel Barkley explains the ins-and-outs of the program, who qualifies, and how they can help. Click here for more details.

Click here to help support the National Center for Public Policy Research.

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August 19, 2025

Title: THE ADA’S PROMISE AT 35: A PROGRESS REPORT AND A CALL TO ACTION
Topic: Americans with Disabilities

Discussed by Rachel Barkley
with Able Americas (National Center for Public Policy Research)

Part 1 of 3

Do barriers still keep those with disabilities from living fulfilling lives in America?

Rachel Barkley is the director of Able Americans, a program with the National Center for Public Policy Research. Today, Rachel reflects on where we are now and where we need to go to further enable all Americans to pursue their dreams.

The Able Americans program is designed to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities by removing the barriers created by government programs and advancing free-market solutions that lead to better outcomes.

Click here  to read more on this very important topic.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Leading up to the passage of the Americans with Disability Act, what were some of the barriers that hindered those with special physical needs, chronic mental and developmental health challenges, and substance abuse problems from living a fruitful life?

Prior to the passage of the ADA, did many with disabilities have difficulty finding employment because of health insurance complications?

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Title: PART 2 OF 3 - THE ADA’S PROMISE AT 35: A PROGRESS REPORT AND A CALL TO ACTION
Topic: Americans with Disabilities

Discussed by Rachel Barkley
with Able Americas (National Center for Public Policy Research)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are ALL disabilities covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Has our government created some of the challenges those with disabilities face? Rachel discusses some of the history of other government or state-sanctioned programs that were appalling and absolutely heart-breaking.

Are there still many barriers and challenges within businesses that make life difficult for those with disabilities to navigate?

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Title: PART 3 OF 3 - THE ADA’S PROMISE AT 35: A PROGRESS REPORT AND A CALL TO ACTION
Topic: Americans with Disabilities

Discussed by Rachel Barkley
with Able Americas (National Center for Public Policy Research)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Rachel was a young, active woman. She was married and living life to the fullest. She had just given birth to her first baby when the unthinkable happened. Rachel shares a little bit of her story in this segment, but more can be found here.

What has Rachel learned about the disabled community over the past six years?

What changes need to be made to improve access to care and remove the barriers that still exist in the disabled community?

Click here to help support Able Americans.

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