Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek visited Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop this morning to highlight the resources and opportunities available for individuals with disabilities. Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop is one of 89 workshop corporations located around the state of Missouri, which collectively provide employment for approximately 6,100 people with disabilities.

"I am pleased that Mr. Malek chose the Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop to visit and tour," commented Devin Miller, Executive Director of the Workshop. "These people are like family and really enjoy coming to work each and every day.  They are very proud of what we do here and I just think they are great!"

During the visit, Treasurer Malek shared information about the MO ABLE program: “Achieving financial independence is a goal that all Missourians deserve to strive for. MO ABLE can help people with disabilities achieve this goal by saving money on qualified expenses, growing their savings through investments while preserving eligibility for the benefits they rely on every day.”

Through MO ABLE, eligible Missourians with disabilities have the opportunity to open an investment account and save money without losing eligibility for other benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Money from MO ABLE accounts may be spent for qualified expenses, including basic living costs, housing, transportation, employment training, education, health and wellness, and financial management. Earnings from these accounts are not subject to federal and state income tax when spent on qualified expenses.

In recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Treasurer Malek continues a month-long effort to promote the MO ABLE program. He is visiting sheltered workshops across Missouri, and attended the Special Olympics “State Indoor games” in Saint Louis this past Saturday.

For more information about the MO ABLE program, please visit moable.com or contact (800) 439-1653. To learn more about Missouri’s sheltered workshops, visit moworkshops.org or contact the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) at dese.mo.gov.

Pictured are Vivek Malek and Devin Miller, Executive Director of the Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop.