Empowering Families & Clients: How ABLE Accounts Support Financial & Special Needs Planning
Includes a Live Web Event on 12/15/2026 at 12:00 PM (MST)
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This presentation is designed to educate financial advisors and special needs planners how to use ABLE accounts strategically in real-life planning scenarios for their clients in the disability community.
Advisors will hear directly from peers who “live and breathe” special needs planning, illustrating how ABLE accounts can fit into larger financial strategies for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Competency Level: Foundational
FPA Competency: Critical Thinking, Interpersonal Impact
CFP Board Topic: General Principles of Financial Planning
CFP Board CE Credit Hours:
- Recognize when ABLE accounts add value in a client’s financial plan and how ABLE can support families during different financial planning stages.
- Explain the purpose, eligibility requirements, principal benefits, identify qualified disability expenses, and program features for ABLE accounts.
- Strategically coordinate ABLE accounts with Special Needs Financial Planning, Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) and 529 College Savings accounts.
- Incorporate ABLE accounts into financial, benefits, education, workplace, and estate-planning conversations.
- Direct clients to appropriate ABLE programs and additional resources.
Eric Ochmanek
Program Director
ABLE Today
Eric Ochmanek leads ABLE today, a national public service initiative focusing on the increased awareness of ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. In 2016, Eric worked to launch the first ABLE program and developed its in-state and national outreach. Before joining National Association of State Treasurers, Eric was a member of the Senior Staff in the Ohio Treasurer’s office, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff from 2015-2019. Eric is a graduate of Adrian College (Adrian, MI). He and his wife enjoy volunteering at their sons' school and for their sports teams.
Mary McDirmid, ChSNC, ChFC
Chief Financial Planning and Growth Officer
All Needs Planning
Before helping found All Needs Planning, Mary McDirmid spent two years as a managing director for the financial firm, MassMutual Northwest in Spokane Washington. Before that, and for three years concurrently, she ran her own special needs financial planning firm. In addition to her leadership role at All Needs Planning, Mary is also a volunteer advocate for children with rare diseases. She is also the parent of a special needs child.
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