Faces of the
Disability Crisis
Able Americans introduces the Faces of Disability Crisis campaign—a powerful, people-first initiative that shares real stories from Americans with disabilities and their families. These are not just stories of challenges, but of courage, contribution, and the desire for freedom, independence, and opportunity.
Jesi's Story
After a devastating motorcycle accident left Jesi paralyzed, her world changed overnight. As she rebuilt her life, she discovered that disability benefits like SSDI often trap people in poverty by limiting their ability to work and save. Jesi made the courageous decision to leave SSDI, but still relied on Medicaid to cover her high medical costs—only to find that marriage and modest savings could put her care at risk.
Through perseverance and entrepreneurship, Jesi found renewed joy and purpose in her work and businesses. Her story—and the friendship that grew with Bri, who faced her own paralysis—reveals the hope, freedom, and meaning that come when people with disabilities are empowered to live and work without limits.
Jesi's journey demonstrates the urgent need to reform systems that penalize Americans with disabilities for working, saving, and building the lives they deserve.
Whit's Story
Whit's story is one of survival and strength. Living with autism, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts, she's been hospitalized many times—care that she says has saved her life. She wasn't sure if she could ever get out of the cycle.
For Whit, ABLE Accounts have been a lifeline—helping her find stability, plan for her future, and live with greater independence. When she started out on her own, she lived on government assistance programs for five years. She used her ABLE account as a tool to protect her benefits as she transitioned into work.
Today Whit excels in her job and turned her passion into advocacy for others. She wants other people like her to know: "Living a life that has meaning and purpose is possible."
Whit's journey shows how the right support tools—like ABLE Accounts—can transform lives and open doors to independence and meaningful work.
Rachel's Story
When Rachel Barkley gave birth to her first child, she never imagined that just weeks later, she'd be fighting to walk again. A tumor on her spine left her paralyzed—and suddenly navigating a world that isn't built for people with disabilities.
In this powerful video, Rachel—now Director of Able Americans—shares her story of unexpected disability, the staggering financial costs of treatment and mobility, and the daily barriers millions of Americans face. From accessible housing to medical equipment to navigating outdated government systems, her story is one of courage, resilience, and a call for change.
Rachel's journey from patient to advocate drives our mission to break barriers and build solutions for all Americans with disabilities.
Jonathan's Story
Jonathan has lived with a disability his entire life. His father is his sole caregiver—loving him, advocating for him, and ensuring his needs are met every single day.
At Able Americans, we believe every life has dignity and every family deserves support. Jonathan's story is one of the many faces of disability we represent—people often unseen, yet deeply worthy of care, compassion, and a voice in policy conversations.
We're working to build a culture and a country where families like Jonathan's aren't left behind.
Share Your Story
Your voice matters. Help us break barriers and build solutions by sharing your experiences. Together, we can advance freedom and opportunity for all Americans with disabilities.
Share Your StoryJoin thousands who are making their voices heard