A Huge Win for Virgin Islanders, The ABLE Act was Signed into Law on July 9th!

In April of 2025, AARP stood alongside Virgin Islands leadership and advocated for and testified in favor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in the US Virgin Islands. Sponsored by Senators Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Avery L. Lewis, and Kurt A Vialet, the ABLE Act (Act no. 9000) was signed into law by Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. on July 9, 2025. The ABLE Act works to create a program for financial security for individuals with disabilities, without penalizing families for saving for the future.

Troy de Chabert-Schuster, AARP State Director of the Virgin Islands testified in support of the establishment of the ABLE Act, “The ABLE Act addresses long-standing inequities in income and asset limits for individuals with disabilities, that often discourages saving. AARP stands on the principles that support reforms to these outdated financial eligibility rules, that will allow people to enjoy a fuller life. The ABLE Act represents a step forward by allowing individuals to build resources without the fear of losing access to critical health and income assistance.”

AARP stands with individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers in support of policies that promote independence, financial security, and quality of life. As an organization dedicated to empowering individuals as they age, AARP represents the interests of over 100 million Americans aged 50 and over, including the more than 22,000 members living here in the Virgin Islands. AARP urged the committee to act in favor for advancing the financial security for disabled Virgin Islanders and their families, by ultimately passing this legislation.

“We commend Senators Novelle Francis, Avery Lewis, Kurt Vialet, and the Bill Co-Sponsors for recognizing the value of this legislation and for his leadership in ensuring that all Virgin Islanders – regardless of their ability - and those who care for them – can thrive and age with dignity and financial security,” stated Troy de Chabert-Schuster.

AARP would also like to thank Senators Marise C. James, Ray Fonseca, Hubert L. Frederick, Angel L. Bolques Jr, Clifford A. Joseph Sr, Milton Potter, and Marvin A. Blyden for Co-Sponsoring the ABLE Act, and would also like to express gratitude to Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. for signing Act into law.

Signing the ABLE Act into law is a huge win for Virgin Islanders and coincides with the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA was signed into law 35 years ago on July 26, 1990. This historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities in all areas of public life; including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

If you are interested in learning more about the ADA, AARP Movies for Grownups is offering a free virtual screening of Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act on Monday, July 28th at 8:00 pm. This is the dramatic story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps of Congress. Sign up for your free screening HERE.