Area Residents Advocate for People with Disabilities

Enfield residents Charlyne Olko and Zeb Olko, joined state Sen. John A. Kissel at the Connecticut General Assembly’s Program Review and Investigations Committee for a public hearing last week.

The Olkos testified before state legislators at a Feb. 27 public hearing in support of a bill that aims to allow eligible individuals with disabilities the ability to establish “ABLE accounts”’ at the state level that resemble the qualified tuition programs, often called “529 accounts”. At the same time, the legislation would protect individuals’ eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and other important federal benefits.

The proposal’s goal is to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families, providing them with a new avenue to save, and allow for greater independence.

Kissel represents East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor.

Contributed photo.