Healthcare and Economic Stability

ABLE has launched a Medical-Legal Partnership addressing substance use disorder in rural northwestern Ohio. It is the first program of its kind in the state. Here how it has helped community members like Alex.

ABLE stands firmly opposed to these attacks on health care, immigrant rights, and constitutional protections that are presented in the Big Beautiful Bill. Read our full statement here.

After being unexpectedly unenrolled from both Medicare and Medicaid, Belinda faced uncertainty about affording essential medical care. With help from ABLE, she was reinstated in both programs and even enrolled in a more comprehensive Medicaid plan, ensuring her continued access to vital healthcare.

On Tuesday, May 2, ABLE Child Advocate Jennifer Behnfeldt joined with fellow advocates and community members in sharing testimony in the House Families and Aging Committee in support of HB 7. If passed by the Ohio Legislature, the bill would invest $63 million toward providing much-needed support for growing families throughout the state.

People with disabilities often want to work to contribute their skills to their community and experience the independence many of us take for granted. But even part-time paid work can result in losing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. Morgan, a client with ABLE, reached out to us when she started experiencing the common issue of “overpayments.”

17-year-old Adison lives with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a condition that causes muscle weakness throughout the body and severely restricts the use of his upper extremities. Read how ABLE assisted Adison in acquiring a specialized wheelchair and robotic arm to achieve independence.

The Toledo MLPC pairs legal aid attorneys with pediatric medical and mental health providers to improve the health and well-being of children whose needs may not be getting met due to socioeconomic factors.

A new collaboration between ABLE and the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County (MHRSB) aims to address the multi-faceted needs of people living with mental health issues in northwest Ohio.

"Working for Justice in an Unjust System: Moving Beyond the Legal System", published in Volume 55, Issue 2 of the UIC Law Review, discusses ABLE attorneys Kathleen Kersh and Matthew Currie’s analysis of how the community lawyering model can be used to promote community power to change unjust systems.

With the generous support of the Ohio State Bar Foundation, ABLE attorneys create valuable materials.

Navigating the Medicaid waiver system can be complicated and frustrating.  Hear how two of our clients navigated the system.