National Disability Institute Blog

National Disability Institute is a nonprofit organization that works to create a better financial future for all Americans with disabilities.

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5 Holiday Mistakes That Could Cost You

by America Saves

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to enjoy vacations, catch up with family and old friends, and eat great food. While the holidays are about quality time and making memories, it’s easy to get caught up with spending money. Here are five holiday mistakes to avoid this year so you can enjoy the season with your finances intact:

1. You’re shopping without a budget or list.

It’s incredibly kind to get each of your relatives, colleagues, and in-laws thoughtful presents and cards to show them your appreciation, but your wallet might be crying for help after your first few purchases. One of the biggest financial mistakes you can make during the holidays is shopping without a spending plan.

When you’re shopping for loved ones, you’re imagining how happy they’ll be when they receive your gift. But remember, financial responsibilities don’t go on vacation during the holidays. Create a budget for your holiday spending. Once you know how much you can afford to spend, create a list that fits your budget.

This way, you’ll be able to purchase the items you plan for and know for sure that you didn’t bust your budget. Here’s a free holiday budget printable to get you started.

2. You’re volunteering your home, food, and car to everyone.

If you’re the person that always offers food, transportation, and lodging to everyone, you might want to try a new approach this year. It’s thoughtful to go the extra mile during the holidays, but don’t stretch yourself or your pockets too thin.

Consider splitting the responsibilities with your friends and family. You might not think you’re overspending by being so accommodating, but the more people there are in your home, the more likely you are to receive a high utility bill at the end of the month. You’ll also be surprised at how many trips you might have to make to the grocery store to restock on food, drinks, and toiletries.

You can suggest hosting a potluck style gathering this year. With a potluck, each guest is responsible for bringing at least one dish, beverage, or party supply. At a minimum, you’ll save money on food and drinks. If you need napkins or disposable utensils and plates, you can make one guest responsible for those items as well.

If you have a ton of relatives who need to be picked up from the airport or train station, see if you can rope in other family members to help with pick-ups and drop-offs. This will help you save on gas, time, and energy.

Splitting responsibilities will help you enjoy the holidays without being completely stressed out.

3. You’re shopping too late.

So you’ve created your list and a tight budget, that’s great! Don’t wait until the last minute to actually make your purchases. By then, sales may be over and supplies will be limited.

Start your shopping early so you can snag deals while they’re still available. When you have ample time to cross items off your list, you’ll have time to compare prices and bargain hunt. Some stores offer price matching, so keep that in mind as you start shopping and placing your online orders.

Time is of the essence. Shopping early will give you time to figure out what you actually need and get those items at the best price. When you wait until the last minute, you’re much more likely to bust your budget because you’ll just be rushing to cross people off your list instead of specific items that fall within your budget. Here are some tips to help you save while you shop.

4. You’re relying on your credit cards.

Do your best NOT to rely on your credit cards during the holidays. If you can’t afford to buy it now, don’t create a bill for yourself later. Once the holidays are over, you’ll be faced with a potential mountain of debt that you’ve built.

The holidays are a great time to enjoy the company of your loved ones, but you shouldn’t feel like the only way to show your love is through expensive presents and festive decor. Enjoy the holidays in a way that doesn’t destroy your finances. This year, make it a goal to spend quality time.

If an unplanned expense does occur during the holidays and you have to use your credit, here are some tips for using your credit card.

5. You’re trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Don’t make the holidays a competition about who can wear the most expensive clothes, buy the flashiest gifts, or serve the swankiest dinner. Make the holidays about creating lasting memories and enjoying time with your loved ones, or simply yourself.

Darlene Aderoju works for America Saves, managed by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA), which seeks to motivate, encourage, and support Americans to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Learn more at AmericaSaves.org.

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Easterseals Military and Veterans Services Ensure Inclusion and Empowerment for Our Nation’s Heroes

By Sydney Palese, Digital Marketing and Analytics Manager, Easterseals

Easterseals’ formal commitment to serving veterans and their families began in World War II. Though Easterseals was originally formed in 1919 to provide necessary supports, services and advocacy for children with disabilities, we saw there was a gap in the assistance available to veterans who had served our country. Since then, we have been committed to breaking down barriers and paving pathways to success for our nation’s heroes. We know that the obstacles veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life are as unique as the individual before us, so our programs are designed to look at the whole person and their family. Our programs also include services for veterans with disabilities that may or may not have been acquired during military service.

While the unemployment rate for veterans is declining, there still exists a need to bridge the unemployment gap for the 3.7 percent of veterans ready to join the workforce. For veterans with a service-related disability, this unemployment rate is slightly higher at 4.3 percent (via the Bureau of Labor Statistics). We’re working with veterans and potential employers to prepare for – and find – meaningful, steady employment. We accomplish this by offering on-the-job training and job search assistance. Across the country, select Easterseals affiliates are ensuring veterans can smoothly transition the skills they learned while serving our country and apply them to careers where they can thrive.

Currently, one in four female veterans experience military sexual trauma and have a higher incidence of homelessness than their male counterparts. Easterseals has a female veterans initiative to provide support and programs to meet the unique needs of this population. This initiative has helped veterans like Sonya, a Purple Heart recipient and the mother of four boys, one of whom has special needs. After her home was flooded for the second time in two years following Hurricane Harvey, Easterseals Greater Houston stepped in to support Sonya and her family to ensure they could rebuild in the aftermath.

In addition to our employment and specialized veterans’ services, we also offer a summer camp for military children called Camp Yellow Ribbon in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin camp started three years ago to provide emotional support to children in military families, facilitated through recreation and play. "The kids can play on rope courses, canoe, swim, make art and crafts and enjoy campfire sing-alongs. They engage in team-building activities and connect with peers who understand their unique experience as a child of a service member," says Bridget Mangan, respite supervisor at Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin.

Our grassroots approach to serving those with disabilities, seniors and veterans means that each of our 71 affiliates nationwide responds to the direct needs of their communities. Easterseals offers medical rehabilitation, childcare services, financial literacy education and more.  At Easterseals New Hampshire, this looks like caring for a veteran and his son to help them cope after the tragic loss of their wife and mom. During this hard time, Easterseals provided the grieving family support including home visits, financial assistance and connected them to community resources.

At Easterseals, we recognize the personal sacrifices that military families make for our country every day. That’s why we go the extra mile to meet the critical needs of service members and veterans — and the families who love them — when they return home.

About Easterseals

For nearly 100 years, Easterseals has served as an indispensable resource committed to expanding possibilities for children and adults with disabilities, including veterans and seniors.

With an on-the-ground presence and through exceptional programs, our 71 affiliates support over 1.4 million children and adults, so they can live fully and confidently every day and throughout life. In schools, workplaces and communities, we’re fostering environments where everyone is included and valued — with a real and positive impact on us all. Together with our partners, we’re ensuring that every one of us has the resources necessary to live, learn, work and play in communities around the country.

[realeconomicimpact]

Looking at Race, Poverty and Disability

Shenell McClurkin Thompson – MA, CEPF, Founder and CEO, Brick by Brick Consulting NC, LLC

He was absolutely adorable. My college roommate had her first child less than two years after I had my first son. One of my most vivid memories was his fascination with commercials and playing call and response with the pastor on Sunday mornings.

It wasn’t until years later that I remember her using the words, "Autistic." I had no context of what that really meant for him. For her. For them. Today, he is an adult. Almost 25 years old. He works a part-time job, but his earnings have to be monitored to make sure he doesn’t lose his Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). He lives with his parents and has no desire to leave home. He has privilege.

My friend and her husband are college educated, middle-income black parents. Their privilege allowed them to access some of the best academic programs for their son, although it meant uprooting their other children. His disability, while challenging, does not mirror the financial instability many people of color with disabilities face.

National Disability Institute released the study, “Financial Inequality: Disability, Race and Poverty in America,” highlighting the harsh realities for people of color living with disabilities. This study, like most others that delve into the disparities people of color face, paints a grim picture of economic success. Three key findings from the study are particularly daunting:

The likelihood of a person of color with a disability, specifically African-American, to live in poverty as an adult rises to 37 percent;

Nearly 25 percent of people of color with disabilities are unemployed;

Only 13 percent of adults with disabilities are college graduates, but only nine percent of African-American with disabilities will graduate from college.

Sadly, the tools and resources necessary to help shift individuals born into poverty don’t work for many people of color. Disparities in the education system, healthcare, social justice, employment and housing leave people of color scavenging to find suitable tools to navigate through challenges of financial stability. Not only is it necessary to shift the way we create opportunities for people of color, we must dismantle the intentional ways that they are excluded. The study suggests:

It is time to increase awareness among communities of color about the prevalence of disabilities and how they impact financial stability.

Continue to address the racial wealth gap. We must acknowledge how individuals living with disabilities fare far worse and must be included in the conversations happening nationally.

Integrating Financial Capability into systems designed to support individuals with disabilities.

Today, I have an eight-year-old nephew on the spectrum. I know more about the hurdles he will face, not only as a black male, but also living with a disability. I understand that while it is challenging and exhausting, his parents have to advocate for every academic support required to help him master reading by the time he reaches the third grade. I know that we will have to stand up in spaces and discuss the asset limits that jeopardize his ability to escape asset poverty in his adulthood. His inabilities should never create a double jeopardy. It is incumbent on me and other responsible citizens to call out a system that imprisons people with disabilities in poverty.

Shenell McClurkin Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Brick by Brick Consulting NC, LLC. Brick by Brick facilitates open dialogue, while addressing implicit bias, racism, systems and barriers that perpetuate disparities in: education, healthcare, social justice and financial stability for households of color, women and other marginalized communities. She leads this work through racial equity and justice conversations, financial education and coaching, strategic planning, leadership development, grant writing and motivational speaking.

Shenell is a graduate of Webster University with a dual Master’s of Arts in Management and Human Resources Development.  For the past 15 years, she was employed at Financial Pathways of the Piedmont as the Division Director of Assets and Opportunities. During her tenure, she served as a financial educator, certified credit counselor, housing counselor and financial coach, economic literacy coordinator for the local Individual Development Accounts curriculum. Shenell found her passion in asset building efforts to eliminate asset poverty, barriers to financial stability and social justice.  She serves in several leadership roles within the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Asset Building Coalition, the North Carolina Asset Alliance, Southern Region Asset Building Coalition and Prosperity Now. She sounds a clarion alarm to organizations by encouraging them to identify and dismantle the systemic barriers and policies that negate the successful outcomes of those they serve.

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Five Keys to Collaboration: How VR Opens New Doors for Job Seekers with Disabilities in WIOA

By Yvonne Wright, Director of Workforce Engagement and Innovation, Missouri Division of Workforce Development

I’ve spent most of my career working at Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), so when the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law in 2014, I knew it was a game changer. How would we stay viable among our partners? What new challenges would we meet? How would we insure that people with disabilities have equal access to services that help them become employed? It was time to take a hard look at what VR brought to the table and capitalize on those strengths.

Now that I am working at Workforce Development, I can honestly say that we share the same perspective. These are strengths and assets that VR brings to the table and, more importantly, they are unique to VR and can truly enhance WIOA collaboration.

So what makes VR a leader in WIOA?

1. VR is a mandated core partner by Federal law.

Easy one, right? But VR leadership at both the state and local levels needs to insure they are present for all aspects of WIOA implementation. By being at the table, VR can truly continue to represent the people they serve, but also have a say in painting the landscape for the look of the entire public workforce system.

2. VR has unique and specialized services that support the job seeker with disabilities.

One of those services is supported employment. Workforce Development does not provide job coaching as part of their services, so this fills a unique need in partnership. Other services, such as on-the-job training, educational assistance and supportive services, such as transportation assistance, may also be provided through other partners, but this gives all partners the opportunity to braid services and funding to eliminate barriers and get that person working.

3. VR is a beast at business outreach!

With a national footprint through VR’s National Employment Team (NET), and connections in all states for any business with multiple locations, VR is a force to be reckoned with. VR’s business outreach provides a true depth of service involvement with a business that is unequaled in the public workforce system.

4. VR can truly help make a difference.

Assistance with implementing section 188 of WIOA, participation in one-stop certifications and significant involvement in creating the state and local plans are just a few ways that VR can have a profound contribution to how services are delivered to persons with disabilities.

5. Bottom line: No one other than VR knows how to serve persons with disabilities better.

VR brings knowledge, expertise and true passion to the WIOA collaboration.  There is truly no agency better equipped and poised to lead the way in insuring the highest quality services to help people with disabilities go to work.

The majority of Yvonne Wright’s career was spent with the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Prior to leaving VR, she was the Director of Workforce Development and Business Engagement. In this capacity she coordinated business outreach services for the agency, and was the primary implementer of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act not only for VR but with the WIOA Core partners. In June of 2018, Yvonne was recruited by Missouri’s Division of Workforce Development as the Director of Workforce Engagement and Innovation. This position is the first of its kind in the nation among workforce agencies, as well as unique in that the position was filled by someone from Vocational Rehabilitation. In her current role, Yvonne continues to oversee WIOA implementation and continues to expand partnership and collaboration with Missouri agencies so that all job seekers have opportunity for success.

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We All Deserve Safety and Financial Security: Understanding the Impact of Financial Abuse on Survivors Living with Disabilities

By Kara Rhodebeck, Economic Justice and Microloans Coordinator at the National Network to End Domestic Violence

Safety and financial security are connected for survivors of domestic violence who are enduring financial abuse. Financial abuse is a tactic of domestic violence wherein the abusive partner seeks to control a person’s ability to acquire, use or maintain economic resources, and threatens their self-sufficiency and financial autonomy. Financial abuse is present is 99 percent of domestic violence cases.1

At the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), we are dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists. We recognize that despite the pervasive nature of domestic violence, all survivors have unique experiences that impact their ability to become and remain safe. Women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience abuse in comparison to women without disabilities.2

There are many ways survivors can experience abuse that go unrecognized by the average person. Survivors living with a disability experience abuse that can uniquely control their health and finances. Abuse may come from a survivor’s partner and/or caregiver. The abuser may limit access to healthcare, withhold medication, tamper with assistive technology or control access to bank accounts or benefits, just to name a few examples. These tactics can help the abuser gain power and control over the survivor, profoundly impacting the survivor’s safety and ability to leave.

All of the examples above impede a survivor’s financial stability. Financial abuse is a powerful way for an abuser to maintain power and control over a survivor. Survivors with limited access to credit or without power of attorney face many barriers to safety.

Banking and financially rebuilding can be particularly difficult for survivors of domestic violence. Access to traditional banking is important for financial security, but that can be difficult for survivors to access after leaving an abusive partner. If all economic resources go to a bank account that is not in the survivor’s name, or if the survivor’s credit was ruined by an abusive partner, access to traditional bank accounts and lending that could help increase financial security may be difficult. Survivors who begin to financially rebuild should have support from resources that respond to the impacts of financial abuse.

Given the prevalence of financial abuse and the lack of options for survivors of domestic violence attempting to rebuild, NNEDV created the Independence Project, a microlending program for survivors that empowers them to rebuild or create credit. The Independence Project has offered hundreds of survivors interested in an accessible option for credit repair in order to build the credit needed to access traditional banking, loans, housing and more.

Through the Independence Project, participants apply for and receive a $100 loan, interest-free and fee-free. To successfully complete the loan, survivors will pay back the loan $10 each month for 10 months. One successful microloan can help a borrower increase their credit score by an average of 28 points! For survivors with no credit history, a successful microloan can help establish their credit score at around 600 points. This program is available to all survivors interested in credit building. To learn more, please visit the NNEDV website.

All survivors deserve to be free from abuse. Survivors also deserve to be able to rebuild. NNEDV is proud to support survivors working to gain access to their long-term safety and financial security.

Learn more about financial abuse with our Financial Abuse Fact Sheet. Get involved in our work to end domestic violence by sharing our Survivors’ Rights campaign on social media.

1: Adams, Adrienne E. “Measuring the Effects of Domestic Violence on Women’s Financial Well-being.” CFS Research Brief 2011-5.6.

2: Shoffner Ellis, Monica. “Intimate Partner Violence and Women with Disabilities.” Southern Illinois University Carbondale OpenSIUC. 2015-2.3.

About the Author: Kara Rhodebeck is the Economic Justice and Microloans Coordinator for the Independence Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). Prior to NNEDV, Ms. Rhodebeck worked as a Data and Evaluation Aide through the Public Allies, AmeriCorps program at DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative, a local nonprofit focused on ending intergenerational poverty. She has also worked in global economic equity in the Fair Trade field for five years. Ms. Rhodebeck has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Community Service from DePaul University.

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The Empowering Nature of Work

By the Campaign for Disability Employment Team

As we close out another National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we, at the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) are heartened to see the many and creative ways individuals and organizations helped bring this year’s theme, “America’s Workforce: Empowering All” to life.

We were also pleased to contribute to this year’s celebration with the launch of CDE’s latest public service announcement (PSA), “Working Works.” Through the voices of four individuals, this PSA shares the many ways work empowers all, whether we have disabilities or not. It also addresses the importance of ensuring that people can remain in the workforce following injury or illness and the role employers, health care professionals and others play in helping them do so.

Among the PSA’s participants is Cal Ripken, Jr., also known as baseball’s “all-time Iron Man” because he holds the record for most consecutive Major League Baseball games played, at 2,632. Cal appears alongside his longtime athletic trainer, Richie Bancells, who supported Cal’s efforts to “stay in the game” after injuries.

We also meet Ish Escobar, a human resources professional with a defense contractor, and U.S. Army veteran with service-connected disabilities, who wanted to “keep working” upon separation from the military. Participant Bruce Goebel is a third-generation cabinetmaker who, after a machinery accident severed his right hand, worked with his family, physicians and staff so he “could come back strong” when ready. Last, but not least, we have Chanelle Houston, a research analyst who returned to work following a spinal cord injury with strong support from colleagues and her health care team. Chanelle appears alongside occupational therapist, Christine Crawford, and with her company’s President and CEO, Kevin Beverly.

These individuals’ experiences clearly illustrate the value of retaining the talents of people following injury or illness. Not everyone is fortunate to have the support they did, however. For a variety of complex reasons, each year millions of Americans leave the workforce after injury or illness, to their detriment and that of their families, their employers and our nation.

At its most basic level, work is a matter of livelihood. It’s how we all earn a living and provide for our families. But, for many, it’s about more than that. It’s also about contributing our skills and experience, following a passion or being part of something larger than ourselves. It empowers all, on multiple levels—every day of every month.

About the Campaign for Disability Employment

The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is a collaborative effort among several disability and business organizations committed to changing attitudes about disability and employment. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. “Working Works” is the CDE’s fourth in a series of PSAs exploring different aspects of disability employment. To access these PSAs and learn more about the CDE, visit www.WhatCanYouDoCampaign.org.

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Words Do Matter

By Laura Gleneck, Project Manager, DEI, National Disability Institute

It could be a result of getting older, (okay, everything kind of is these days, because, well, I’m getting older!) but in my free time, I seem to be doing a lot of reflection. I take present day happenings and make connections to the past.

For example, I am currently big on “words do matter.” I understand the power of words. As an individual who is viewed as “different,” I have felt firsthand the harshness of unkind words. They DO and CAN hurt me. More importantly, however, they can also lift me up! How we use our words matters.

One of my favorite quotes is from Margaret Meade, who said, “Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.” I am proud to say that I personally know some of these people.

Dorothy Dyell Farah was one such woman. She dedicated her life to fostering children of varying abilities. I know because I was one of them. She used her words to raise up and empower children, who professionals said, “would/could never.” When the Farahs took me in, they were told I would never walk or talk and had “more problems than doctors could understand.” You should see me now! Dorothy did not “hear” their words, but instead saw all of the possibilities of me! Her words built me up. Though she passed away when I was only 10- years-old, the memory of her words have been the wind beneath my wings my entire life, which have taken me pretty far.

Patricia McGill Smith was a woman I met in the mid-1990s at the start of my career in the disability field. At the time we met, she was the Executive Director of the National Parent Network on Disabilities, an organization that used its words to be the voice of parents of children with disabilities. The organization is no longer in existence, and Ms. Patty has long retired from the field. In her time, however, she was a presence to be rivaled. Through her, I learned just how much words can help move a mountain, rock a boat, calm the spirit, teach us humility and, most importantly, persistence. Her words brought meaning to my work, my actions and my conviction, and they serve as the foundation for the professional woman I have become.

Then there is the voice of Michael Morris, Executive Director of National Disability Institute (NDI), who is also my current boss! His words give me vision, purpose and motivation. How you say and write something matters. It can be the difference between winning a grant, building a partnership, enhancing a network and daring to believe in dreams that do—and have—come true. His words are the encouragement that reminds me that I am/we are the engine that can. Every day I try to put this into practice.

Mainly, I am moved by the “strength and power” of the words of those who choose to use their voice to take a stand, right a wrong or disclose a disability, not to expose themselves, but to help others. They are my unsung heroes, and many of them work alongside me at NDI. This blog is dedicated to them. They are the few caring people that Meade talks about who, through their words, are changing the world one word at a time.

About the Author: Laura Gleneck is the Program Manager for the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) National Training and Technical Assistance Team, contracted by the U.S. Department of Labor. Laura has served in this capacity for both the Work Incentive Grants (WIG) and the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Initiative since 2001. As program manager, she serves as the lead coordinator of the key technical assistance staff, manages material development, coordinates all training and technical assistance activities, and works closely with the national DEI Program Office. She is the author and producer of the American Job Center Toolkit Resources of the Week. Laura holds a master's degree in Child Study from Tufts University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the George Washington University. Outside of the office, Laura enjoys reading, writing, taking walks and biking, as well as working with her husband, Jayson, transforming their house into a "home."

[realeconomicimpact]

Life Is Sweet

By Christianna Alexander, Founder and CEO, Sweet Christi’s

I am 13-years-old and the founder and CEO of Sweet Christi's, but I consider myself mostly a kidpreneur. My company makes bath soaps that look and smell like delectable sweet treats! I live, work and go to school in Jacksonville, Fla. At a very young age, I was diagnosed with a learning disability. I refused to allow this diagnoses to slow me down! I was determined to open my own business.

At seven-years-old I learned I was dyslexic and I was pretty devastated because I didn't know what it meant. I had failed the second grade and it was one of the hardest times of my life. I remember my parents meeting with my school administrators and fighting to get me the help I needed. It was a struggle for me that year, as many of my close friends moved up to the next grade level. I had to start all over and try to look happy every day even though I still wasn't learning the way that helped me the most. But I never gave up and tried hard to do my best on every assignment. When I left the second grade, my parents learned about a new school that had just recently opened up in our city. This school was geared towards helping kids just like me by providing a unique learning style.

Almost immediately, my parents got me on the waiting list and we hoped for the opportunity to arrive and that I would be able to get enrolled. After a few weeks that summer, I learned I was able to enroll and from there I knew everything was going to be okay. I've been at my current school now for four years and I can absolutely say it has changed my life. I have great friends, the best teachers and I am making A's and B's on my report cards. I'm not afraid to participate in class and I've even joined the drama club.

The self-confidence I gained pushed me to want to pursue my dream of owning my own business. I really wanted a baking company because I love to bake. My parents urged me to look into healthier alternatives because of the high sugar amounts in most treats. I remember writing down some ideas and realized I could possibly make sweet treats in a way that was fun and safe for everyone to enjoy. That day I came up with the idea to make bath soaps that look and smell like real cupcakes, donuts, chocolate bars and other sweet treats!

I took my idea and ran with it. I began to draw out my designs and what I wanted my soaps to look and smell like. I even entered a few business competitions and actually placed second in my very first one. That boosted my confidence even more and I kept going. I ended up meeting some amazing young entrepreneurs who shared the same passion I had, and we decided to collaborate and share our stories in a book. Could you imagine a kid like me who was told she wouldn't do much or couldn't even read nor write, becoming an author at just 12? I never imagined it would happen, but it did. I made my commitment that I would push myself and others to do their best and never give up.

The setbacks that I had, from being let back in school and not getting the best grades, really made me stronger and gave me the will to succeed. I am now a business owner at the age of 13 and I am on a mission to inspire other children and even adults who share this unique learning style. I want everyone to know that, no matter what type of disability you may have, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams and, I can really say, I am living my dreams!

About the Author:

Christianna Alexander was born in Jacksonville, Fla. on October 3, 2005. She is the oldest of three and the daughter of Christopher and Hilda Alexander; both her parents are Navy Veterans. When Christianna started elementary school, her parents noticed she struggled to keep up with her schoolwork. Christianna’s learning struggles continued into the second grade. She was held back which left her devastated. Christianna refused to give up, and was able to enroll into a school that focused on helping children with learning disabilities like her own. Christianna quickly adapted, her confidence grew and she made the honor roll for the first time ever! Christianna took her new found confidence and honed in on her skills for making tasty treats. However, she found that the baking process came with challenges. One was the amount of sugar found in many of these treats. Christianna knew she needed to make a change, and wanted to provide healthier products, but still have fun creating them. With much brainstorming, and lots of trial and error, Christianna created Sweet Christi’s, a company focused on making all natural, handmade soaps that resemble delectable treats like donuts and cupcakes. Christianna’s views her disability as a blessing, and her mission in life is to be an ambassador for children everywhere who have learning disabilities.

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Step by Step: It Takes a Village: Part Two

By Marlene Ulisky, Manager, Financial Empowerment, National Disability Institute

The blog, Everything Changes with Time - Step by Step - My Nephew's Journey to Work, provides background on my nephew Jeremy’s incremental journey to employment. Although he has faced many challenges, he knew that making changes in his life, including working, were the keys to his financial future. Part Two below provides an update on Jeremy, details on his next steps and how his motivation and his support team’s work helped him get where he needed and wanted to be!    

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The road was long, but even longer for Jeremy who was awaiting word from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) on whether or not he was “employable.” It was a rainy day last fall. I sat looking out my office window when the call came in that Jeremy’s assessment for competitive supported employment indicated that he was “employable.” However, we all knew that answer even before the formalized state review.

In 2011, Jeremy began attending a sheltered workshop shortly after his mother passed away, and it was in that workshop that he learned packaging and other skills needed for him to secure what he calls a “real job.” At various points prior to securing employment, Jeremy became frustrated and bored at the workshop, but his team provided encouragement and taught him accountability and to keep going until he secured the job he wanted.

In May, 2018, a company, “DreBo,” interviewed and hired Jeremy because he had a great attitude and had learned the skills they needed during his time at the sheltered workshop. The job paid higher than minimum wage and included benefits, and he quickly worked his way up from 10 hours per week to 20 hours per week. Jeremy works in a supported, integrated setting, and, if you ask him what he loves most about the job, he will tell you that he loves “it all.” He loves the fact that he uses technology with his fingerprint to access the building, he is proud to wear his polo shirt with the company logo on it, he loves his co-workers and he loves the fact that there is free coffee in the break room!

But what is the secret to how Jeremy, an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability, secured this job? You might have heard the expression “it takes a village”-and it does--but it all started with him. He knew that he could work because he grew up in a family that treated all of the children the same and expected the same of each of them – disability or no disability. As a result, he became comfortable around a variety of situations and people. He was also taught early on to be kind, considerate and respectful. These skills serve him well on the job.

The most important component in this story is, of course, Jeremy. However, his team, or “village,” was critical in helping him navigate systems and in achieving his goals. His OVR counselor, the sheltered workshop “Life’s Work” staff, his job coach, the group home “Step by Step,” his supports coordinator and his family played a critical role in helping him understand and cope with the day-to-day struggles he faced when things did not happen quickly. Daily motivational talks, the daily reinforcements and the daily choices he was permitted to make helped to build his confidence and independence, making him realize that that one day, if he persevered, he would get THE job. And he did.

But, what happens next in this journey? In addition to the confidence and independence Jeremy gained through working, it has become increasingly important for him to start becoming financially literate. Money is an important marker of independence because it represents the ultimate form of control over how one lives their life. Financial independence for people with a disability can come in the form of something as simple as having access to a bank account or a regular savings account and making choices to increase their quality of life. As a first step, Jeremy has opened a Pennsylvania ABLE account and will begin saving for items which enhance his quality of life such as bowling video games, Special Olympics competitions at Penn State, or “Pittsburgh Steelers” clothing to match his Pittsburgh Steelers bowling ball. He hopes that his employer will make contributions to his account vs. to his 401K. His second step is securing a “supports broker” who can provide him with the financial education he needs to take him to that next level. He has shown that he has the motivation to do many things, and these steps show that he is ready, willing and able to take on another challenge! Stay tuned as Jeremy becomes banked!

About the Author: Marlene Ulisky, a 35-year employee (retired) of the Social Security Administration (SSA), developed expertise in developing relationships with partners across Florida to educate them on the disability programs administered by SSA, to their mutual benefit. After leaving SSA, she worked with the Florida Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to establish the Partnership Plus Program under the Ticket to Work Program and then was re-hired by SSA to conduct training and to assist them with managing critical integrity workloads including OIG investigations due to concealment of work and medical and work continuing disability reviews. At NDI, she is a part of the Training and Technical Assistance Team and provides support to her colleagues and to beneficiaries when complex issues arise. She is also a Disability Benefits Expert who works under NDI for the ABLE National Resource Center.

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The Americans with Disabilities Act: Signs of Progress, Yet…

By Judith Heumann

The ADA turns 28 today. The law raised expectations on the part of Disabled people and many in society that over time we will break barriers and achieve equality. We’ve made some progress, but there is still a lot to be done. Twenty-eight years after our Emancipation Proclamation equal opportunity is still elusive.

It took thousands of years for society to build up the belief that people with disabilities are not able and not equal. We are still dealing that legacy. Discrimination, unfortunately, doesn’t end easily. That is why the ADA and its predecessor, Section 504, are so critically important. The laws, the associated technical assistance and enforcement mechanism have been essential in moving us forward. The system is far from comprehensive, however, and it is failing many of us.

We’ve heard the employment statistics. Fewer than one-third of Disabled people (18-64) are working compared to 75 percent of those without a disability. This economic inequality is broader than employment. We tend to have lower levels of education (16 percent of people with a disability had completed at least a bachelor’s degree compared  to 35 percent of people with no disability) and are more than twice as likely to be living in poverty. Of course, these statistics are linked. Lack of education impacts employment opportunity which impacts poverty; poverty impacts access to education which impacts employment opportunities.

We are seeing progress, yet the employment statistics are dismal. We know it doesn’t need to be this way. More than 400 Centers for Independent Living across the country, managed and staffed predominantly by Disabled people, are running agencies and providing services. We see what we’re able to do within our own organizations, but we haven’t been able to transition this belief to the business community.

We are seeing progress, but we have been playing “catch up” in the employment arena. The world of work is changing so just catching up will leave us behind. The “future of work” is a hot topic with experts debating the impact of automation, technology, artificial intelligence, the gig economy and list goes on. This change is both frightening and promising. I see potential, but I also see significant risks. If we want insure equal opportunity in this evolving world, we need to make sure we are at the table in these discussions and make sure that our educational system for Disabled children is evolving to keep pace with the changes.

We are seeing progress, yet every time I hear of a Disabled person being hired for a great job I think, “I sure hope this works out,” because if it doesn’t, I worry the employer will never hire another person with a disability. I wonder if a non-disabled person doesn’t work out, will they choose to hire only Disabled people?

We are seeing progress, but we are hampered by an undercurrent of poverty and racism that plays out in the mass incarceration of people of color, many of whom have disabilities. According to the most recent available data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 32 percent of prisoners and 40 percent of jail inmates reported a disability, while they make up only 11 percent of the general population. I believe this is the fault of the system in its failure to provide education and training that youth and adults of color should be receiving so they can move forward in society. Disability laws, policies and programs exist to support ALL people with disabilities, but the lack of enforcement, coupled with ableism and racism, has led to even lower graduation rates, lower employment rates, more poverty and more incarceration among Disabled people of color.

As we fight, we need to build coalitions that extend beyond the Disability community and collaborate and cooperate in meaningful ways. We need to address discrimination in hiring. We need to review our education system to make sure we are preparing students with disabilities for the future of work. We need to work with organizations addressing the issue of mass incarceration. There is so much yet to do. Take the mantle. You might end up as an episode on Drunk History.  

About the Author:

Judith Heumann is internationally recognized as a civil rights activist and leader in the disability community. She is a Ford Foundation Senior Fellow and is growing her social media presence through The Heumann Perspective. From 2010-2017, she was the Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the Department of State. While there, Ms. Heumann led efforts to assist foreign governments and civil society organizations to protect the rights, and ensure the full inclusion, of persons with disabilities. She served as World Bank's first Advisor on Disability and Development and was the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the Department of Education during the Clinton Administration. Ms. Heumann co-founded the World Institute on Disability and the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, California.

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Planning for the Financial Future with Pooled Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts

The article is intended to provide information as you prepare for the financial future of your loved one with special needs.  Opportunities such as Pooled Special Needs Trusts (PSNT) and ABLE accounts provide options for managing funds and protecting means-tested benefits. These options each have benefits and can be used independently and together to create a financial plan.

What is a PSNT?

A PSNT is a way to set aside and administer funds that will enrich the quality of life of the beneficiary. It is designed to:

Protect eligibility for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI). An individual with a disability can have no more than $2,000 in countable assets in order to qualify for these benefits. A monetary gift, personal injury settlement or inheritance can disqualify the Beneficiary from receiving benefits unless carefully protected.

Manage funds for a beneficiary who because of the nature of his or her disability is not able to manage the funds.

Understanding How a PSNT Works

A PSNT is administered by a nonprofit organization that acts as the trust administrator. The trust is established with funds from a third-party (usually a family member) or the beneficiary’s own money. Initial funding requirements can be as low as $5,000. A separate account is established for each beneficiary, and the funds are “pooled” to provide greater investment opportunities and lower administrative fees. Separate accounting is maintained for each beneficiary’s sub-account and financial statements are made available to authorized individuals. To access funds, a payment request form is submitted with backup documents such as a bill or receipts and the request is reviewed. Funds are disbursed by check to a vendor and/or a transfer is made to a credit card linked to the beneficiary’s trust account. The organization oversees investment of the funds and stays abreast of changing Medicaid and SSI regulations.

How the Funds in the Trust Can be Used

Funds in a PSNT can be used for expenses that may include medical and dental services not covered by insurance, assistive technology, eyeglasses, hearing aids, pre-paid burial expenses, education, clothing, home furnishings and modifications, caregiver expenses, transportation and more. The trust administrator assures that disbursements are for the sole benefit of the beneficiary and do not jeopardize SSI and Medicaid.

What is an ABLE Account?

An ABLE account is a savings account for individuals with disabilities. The account, modeled after the 529 college-savings plan, allows disbursements, including earnings, from the account to pay for certain qualified expenses. Eligibility is limited to individuals who become disabled before age 26. Eligibility for means-tested public benefits, Medicaid and SSI is preserved. An individual may have only one ABLE account and may enroll in an ABLE program in any state as long as the program accepts out of state residents.

How Does an ABLE Account Work?

Annual contributions by the account beneficiary, family and friends are limited to $15,000. Federal law stipulates that a state’s ABLE plan set a limit on aggregate contributions on behalf of a designated beneficiary, based on limits set for a state’s 529 college-savings plan. For individuals with disabilities who receive SSI, the first $100,000 in an ABLE account is exempt from the $2,000 individual resource limit. If and when an ABLE account exceeds $100,000, the beneficiary’s SSI cash benefit is suspended until the account balance falls below $100,000. There is no effect on the ability to receive or be eligible for Medicaid. The designated beneficiary or a person with signature authority can make qualified disbursements at their discretion by check and/or credit card.

How Funds in an ABLE Account Can Be Used

Funds may be used for Qualified Disability Expenses that are related to the beneficiary’s disability and include, but are not limited to: education; housing, transportation, employment training, assistive technology, health, prevention, wellness, financial management and administrative services, legal fees and more. The eligible beneficiary or person with signature authority is responsible for retaining documentation about disbursements for tax reporting purposes.

What to Consider with PSNTs and ABLE

Both ABLE and a PSNT protect eligibility for Medicaid and SSI. Some differences to consider include:

ABLE

ABLE age requirement (disability onset must be prior to age 26) and funding restrictions (cap on annual ($15,000) and aggregate contributions)

Offers flexibility for the beneficiary at the expense of oversight by a PSNT administrator

Limit of one account per person

Investment decisions can be changed twice per year

Payback for Medicaid expenses from the time the account was set up is required upon the death of the beneficiary

PSNT

No age or funding restrictions

Set up fee typically higher than ABLE

Funds are pooled for investment and directed by a professional trustee

Disbursements from a PSNT do not need to be directly related to the beneficiary’s disability

Upon the death of the beneficiary, funds can be disbursed to named parties on the document to join. Further investigation as to the policy of the pooled trust is recommended as policies vary.

ABLE accounts are advantageous for small amounts that will be spent down.  There may be an opportunity for a combination of both a PSNT and an ABLE account and PSNTs are funding ABLE accounts for their beneficiaries when advantageous. Both are considered to be planning vehicles which, if properly utilized, can offer a more comfortable and enriched life for people with disabilities.

For more information, please visit the Commonwealth Community Trust website.

Joanne Marcus, MSW, is Executive Director of Commonwealth Community Trust (CCT), a nonprofit organization that has administered pooled special needs trusts nationwide since 1990. For more information about CCT, contact Ms. Marcus at [email protected] or 804-740-6930.

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Assistive Technology Loan Program Partner Spotlight: Goodwill Home Medical Equipment

By Curtis Edmonds, National Disability Institute

National Disability Institute (NDI) works with a variety of organizations and community agencies to help individuals with disabilities get access to assistive technology, home modifications, and vehicle modifications.

Goodwill Home Medical Equipment (GHME), a private charitable organization serving southern New Jersey, provides access to used durable medical equipment, as well as other products that can assist people with disabilities. GHME collects donated durable medical equipment and cleans and refurbishes the equipment for reuse. Individuals with disabilities can access Goodwill’s inventory by visiting their showroom in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, or visiting their website.

Additionally, GHME hosts a warehouse sale at their facility in Bellmawr, New Jersey, which allows individuals to browse an even larger inventory of equipment. The warehouse sale is held on the first Saturday of every month, from 9 am to 1 pm, at 300 Benigno Boulevard in Bellmawr.

If you’re planning on purchasing a new wheelchair or other durable medical equipment, keep NDI’s alternative financing program in mind. New Jersey residents can borrow up to $30,000 to finance the cost of assistive technology, home modifications and vehicle modifications. For more information, browse through our site at assistivetechloans.com.

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Assistive Technology Loan Program Vendor Spotlight: Flaghouse

By Curtis Edmonds, National Disability Institute

Flaghouse, a New Jersey retailer of recreational and assistive technology devices, is one of the leading providers of technology that helps children with autism. Flaghouse provides adaptive and special needs sensory products that help children with autism adapt their responses to sensory stimulation and to advance education and therapy goals.

One technology that can assist children with autism is bubble tubes.

Bubble tubes are long plastic tubes filled with water that allow bubbles to travel from the bottom of the tube to the top of the tube. Together with colored lighting, bubble tubes can provide a relaxing, stimulating experience for children with autism. Parents and caregivers can use bubble tubes to encourage attention and build skills for interactive communication and color recognition.

Flaghouse utilizes bubble tubes, padded surfaces, and other elements to create sensory spaces, which can be built at individual residences and customized for the needs of individual children with autism. Sensory spaces provide safe, welcoming spaces that provide needed stimulation for such children. For more information, contact Flaghouse directly at 800.265.6900.

One way to finance such spaces, or other assistive technology devices or home modifications, is to borrow funds through National Disability Institute (NDI). New Jersey residents can borrow up to $30,000 in a low-interest loan to cover the cost of installing a sensory space or other devices or modifications. New York residents can borrow up to $10,000.

For more information, please contact NDI at assistivetechloans.com, or fill out a loan application.

NOTE: A company’s inclusion in the “Vendor Spotlight” feature does not constitute an endorsement of any of the company’s products or services by NDI, the federal government, or any of our partner financial institutions. Every individual is different and has different needs that may or may not be met by the products or services of any one vendor. NDI encourages all visitors to this site to investigate products, work with assistive technology professionals, and compare prices before purchasing any assistive technology device or service.

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Why Employment Needs to Be a Top Topic During and After Mental Health Month

By Hector Manuel Ramirez

May is Mental Health Month, a time where we raise awareness of mental health by educating people, advocating for better access to services and empowering communities to have the courage to have the conversation so we can fight the stigma associated with mental illness. Oftentimes, however, there is one topic that has not traditionally been part of these conversations and that is employment.  

For most people, there is no wellness without employment. People with disabilities have a disproportionately higher rate of unemployment and subsequently, tend to live with a higher rate of poverty. People with mental illnesses are now experiencing a high rate of homelessness as well, which makes supports like rehabilitation and employment services more important than ever. That is why, during Mental Health Month, we also need to address the issue of employment as a pathway out of poverty.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that the number of adults with any diagnosable mental disorder is nearly one in five people in the U.S. –  or approximately 43 million Americans. And while most mental health conditions are not disabling, NIMH does report that nearly 10 million American adults do have a functional impairment due to a mental illness – or about one in 25 people.  

A large number of people who develop a mental health condition are forced to seek help early in their adult life, typically while away at college. This can result in impacts on grade performance, delayed graduation rates and an increase in dropout rates. It’s important that colleges and universities have the necessary supports that help students stay in school and graduate because education tends to be the key determinant for future employment and income. Supports such as class accommodations, school mental health services and improved graduation strategies would mean that more young adults can graduate and join the workforce without major interruptions. Similarly, these strategies can be implemented in high school along with early intervention strategies to help students obtain access to higher education, vocational training and other settings that support individuals’ employment goals.  

Once people decide that work is right for them, programs like “Ticket to Work” can connect folks with employment services to help them prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while working. There are career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, mentoring services and job placements which people can connect with at their state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency.  

We know that people with mental health conditions have to deal with a monumental amount of stigma and discrimination, especially at work. Living with a non-apparent disability means having to deal with the consequences of disclosing or not disclosing our mental illness to potential employers, coworkers and the people we provide our employment services to. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing Act, Rehabilitation Act, Air Carrier Access Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protect and impact our rights, so it’s a good idea to connect with state and national advocacy agencies to help you understand them.    

Another great strategy to employment is Peer Certification a process by which peers with lived experiences combine training, and job experience to work alongside healthcare teams. This process is something that is taking place in many states and others like California are getting ready to implement. Here in California, peer specialists are an effective and cost saving strategy that gives people with mental health disabilities the support they need, including employment services. Peer specialists have lived experience as consumers in the mental health system and are therefore in a unique position to help others gain access to helpful supports and services.

In a special pilot program with Mental Health America and Kaiser Permanente, peer specialist who had gotten trained and certified had the opportunity to work in their facilities and provide services to members. These peer certified specialist provided direct services and made a difference in the lives of people they intimately understand because they have gone through the same mental health struggles. Peer specialists become trusted advisors and provide meaningful connections with those who need it most.

In order to receive certification, peer specialists need to train on providing a variety of services, such as program navigation, services linkage, community integration, advocacy, support groups, and other operational procedures which makes these certifications even more valuable.

Another benefit of standardized certification is that it allows peer specialists to work anywhere in the state of California in the public and private sectors, so that people are not limited to working only in the area where they received training. And once we have national certification standard folks could use these certifications in other states in both private and public settings.

Another example is the peer specialists program in LA County that works with the homeless population for those with mental health disabilities, including substance abuse. These peer specialists were once homeless themselves and now have the opportunity to work on the streets with clinical staff and provide services to this population.  This is so successful that this peer model is now being used with our local Veterans to help other Veterans.

People with mental health disabilities can get better and find employment with the right supports and services. It’s time for us to end the stigma and discrimination that results from misconceptions about mental illness. We thrive as a society when we include everyone.

About the author:

Héctor Manuel Ramírez is a lifelong disability rights advocate and policy wonk focusing on the intersection of issues affecting people, families, and communities with disabilities. He is a Latino Chiricahua Apache, Two Spirits who has Autism and Bipolar Disorder. He works with county, state, national organizations, and policy makers to create legislation to reduce mental health disparities, especially for racial and ethnic communities. He previously served and is now an emeritus member of the Los Angeles County Mental Health Commission.  Hector is on the board of Directors for Disability Rights California and is the chair for the PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act) Advisory Council.

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Three Things to Know about Saving as a Person with a Disability

By Darlene Aderoju, America Saves

It’s National Financial Literacy Month, which makes it the perfect time to learn what it takes to become a good saver. The good news is that saving for your future can be a lot simpler than you might imagine.

Use this month and every day moving forward to get yourself in a comfortable financial position. Here are three things you should know about saving as a person with a disability or as the caretaker of a person with a disability.  

1. Saving is not just about having a certain amount of money, it’s an activity

When you make the decision to save money, understand that saving is an ongoing activity that will benefit you over time. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to save too much, too soon. Start small, at an amount that you can afford to save regularly, and think big, so you can continue to save in the long run.  

If you’re unsure of where to start, an emergency fund is a great option. Aim to save $500 in a rainy day fund that you can access when life’s emergencies pop up, such as a broken down car or an emergency room visit. Once you reach that benchmark, set a goal of saving for three months of expenses.  

2. People with disabilities are ABLE to save

Many Americans with significant disabilities are eligible to open and save in a new type of savings account called an ABLE account, created by the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act. The accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts where the account owner, their family or their friends can make contributions.

But here’s the best part: tens of thousands of dollars can be saved in an ABLE account without affecting eligibility to receive critical benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP and Medicaid.

If you have significant disabilities that began before you turned 26-years-old and are already receiving benefits through SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are automatically eligible to create an ABLE account.

If you do not receive SSI or SSDI, you could still be eligible to open an ABLE account. If you meet Social Security’s definition and criteria regarding significant functional limitations, and receive a letter of certification from a licensed physician, you may qualify.

You can use your ABLE account to fund any expense related to living with a disability. This includes basic living expenses, education, assistive technology, hiring personal care attendants, accessible housing, healthcare costs, transportation and more.

ABLE accounts are operated by individual states. You can create an ABLE account in any state that accepts outside residents into their program no matter where you live. Each state’s programs offer different terms, so it’s best to shop around to find out which program is best for your needs. (Learn more about ABLE accounts through National Disability Institute’s (NDI) ABLE National Resource Center)

Bonus: Your friends and family can send money to your ABLE account online as a gift contribution. You can even create a gifting page with your account so your loved ones can add money to your savings. One thing to note is that you won’t be able to use the money gifted to you until 30 business days have passed.

3. Savers with a plan are twice as likely to save effectively

Here’s our favorite trick: savers with a plan are twice as likely to save successfully. That’s it! Hack that psychology by setting your savings goal and making a plan this month. As you begin your savings journey, keep in mind that your decision to save should be a lifelong one.

We partnered with National Disability Institute to offer you the America Saves pledge with a goal of saving for disability-related expenses. When you take the America Saves pledge, you make a commitment to yourself to save money. Tell us how much money you want to save and how long you want to do it, and we’ll keep you motivated to reach your goal. We’ll send you helpful emails and reminder text messages to keep your savings momentum going.

Make a commitment to save money today – you’ll be glad you did.

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Alternative Finance Programs 101: What You Need to Know to Be an Informed Consumer

By Laurie Schaller, Manager of Financial Empowerment, National Disability Institute

Many states have Alternative Financing Programs that provide loans to people, including individuals with disabilities, who may need assistive technology to meet their education and employment goals, or to live more independently in their communities. The programs provide referrals to help people find funding that can reduce the costs of purchasing assistive technology that best meets their needs. Many programs also provide financial education that supports people as they take steps to develop positive credit and build their assets through acquiring assistive technology.

So what is assistive technology? Assistive Technology (AT) includes hearing aids, smart home technology, modified vehicles, smart phones and apps, standing wheelchairs, scooters and equipment for self-employment. Because AT can be expensive, it is often necessary to combine different sources of funding in order to purchase AT. For instance, the average cost of a new modified vehicle averages $60,000. On top of that, it may be difficult to qualify for a loan from a bank or credit union unless a person has a very high credit score.

National Disability Institute (NDI) urges people with disabilities to take their time when selecting AT. There are opportunities to try AT to make sure it works as intended. NDI is one of the newest Alternative Financing Programs, providing affordable loans to residents of New York City and New Jersey. Resource Guides are posted online, helping people to reduce the costs associated with purchasing new assistive technology. In addition, an Orientation from NDI helps people to qualify for loans through the program at interest rates of eight percent or less. The loans help people who do not have a credit history, or have average credit to build a good credit score by paying the loans on time.  

Many AT vendors offer quick financing for the purchase of their products. However, in time, many people are surprised to learn that the terms and interest rate of the AT vendor loans are unaffordable.

For example, say that a person needs a visual device that costs upwards of $10,000. A vendor may offer a credit card for $5,000 at zero percent interest for five years. The vendor may urge the person to cover the other $5,000 with a personal credit card. This sounds good and is quick and easy! However, many credit cards charge interest rates of around 24 percent. The credit card payments would be $227 per month, totaling $13,630. If a payment is late on the zero percent card, the interest could increase to as much as 26.99 percent, making the total of the loan $17,789 to purchase the $10,000 device. This offer is unaffordable and can damage a person’s credit if they are not able to pay it back in time.

What is an affordable loan? A person contacts their local Alternative Financing program and applies for a $10,000 loan at eight percent interest. The person qualifies for a loan even though they do not have good credit. The monthly payment is $203 per month, for five years, totaling $12,166. When the loan is paid in five years, the person saved money and developed good credit, too. Good credit can help the person qualify for employment, savings on insurance rates and when making other purchases with credit.

To understand more about the NDI Alternative Financing Program, or to learn if your state has a program, visit: assistivetechloans.com.

Laurie Schaller is a Manager of Financial Empowerment with National Disability Institute and manages the Alternative Financing program for New Jersey and New York City residents.

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Empowered Cities: Financial Empowerment for People with Disabilities

By Bob Annibale, Global Director, Citi Community Development and Inclusive Finance, and Michael Morris, Executive Director, National Disability Institute

Last month, Tracy McKnight participated in the launch of EmpoweredNYC, a new program led by Citi Community Development, National Disability Institute (NDI) and the City of New York. EmpoweredNYC is the first pilot under Empowered Cities, a $2 million national initiative to enable municipalities to expand financial empowerment and economic inclusion for people living with disabilities and their families.

As the first local program of Empowered Cities, EmpoweredNYC will focus on enabling New Yorkers with disabilities, across the five boroughs, to improve their financial stability. Using a three-tier approach, the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs Office of Financial Empowerment, the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Citi Community Development, National Disability Institute, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, and the Poses Family Foundation will advance financial capability through broad engagement and education, tailored one-on-one financial counseling enhanced with new expertise, outreach and tools, and specialized benefits support services.

Tracy McKnight was not born with a disability. When she was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the bone cartilage called Chondrosarcoma, she was an employed, active and fully independent college graduate. Unfortunately, the disease metastasized, and in 2009 her right leg was amputated above the knee.

In addition to the many physical and medical challenges she must manage every day as a result of her disease, Tracy now lives in a state of persistent financial vulnerability. Her medical expenses quickly depleted all of her savings before she became eligible for government-sponsored medical insurance. In order to meet basic needs – which for her include medical devices, regular screenings and treatments – she is forced to strike a careful balance of working and earning a decent income without jeopardizing her access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and other support services, which have strict eligibility limits on assets and earned income. And despite having sought guidance from several different organizations and agencies, she was left to find her own way through a maze of benefits -- a journey made more complicated by inconsistent and often incorrect advice.

Tracy’s situation, however, is far from unique. More than 50 million people in the United States live with a disability, and one in four households include a child or an adult with a disability. According to research from National Disability Institute, even the most financially stable individuals with disabilities have difficulty managing their finances and navigating the complex web of benefits, insurance, medical costs, and long-term supports while still preparing for retirement or the expense of an unexpected emergency. Like Tracy, many people living with disabilities must overcome those same challenges every day while living on extremely low or volatile incomes.

Only one in three working-age people with a disability are employed, according to NDI. The median earnings for people with disabilities in 2015 was just $21,572, less than 68 percent of the median earnings for those without a disability. People with disabilities are nearly three times more likely to have extreme difficulty paying bills, and are almost twice as likely to skip medical treatments because of cost. They are also twice as likely to be unbanked, or resort to often expensive predatory nonbank sources of credit. The financial pressures can be so great, and the constraints of social safety nets so limiting, that some families turn to crowdfunding platforms for donations to pay medical bills and meet basic expenses.

These are issues that touch all of us in some way. Disability is a natural part of our life experiences whether beginning at birth, acquired as an adult or experienced as part of aging. The extra costs of living with disabilities, and the need for long-term supports, creates financial instability that deserves the urgent attention of policy makers at all levels.

Under Empowered Cities, National Disability Institute's program and policy experts will apply what we have learned over the past 12 years to create city-specific strategies that foster collaboration with the participation of municipal agencies, community nonprofits, and financial institutions. NDI will build new trainings and customize financial inclusion models that leverage the strengths of partners to meet residents' specific needs to set financial goals, overcome financial challenges, make more informed financial decisions, and implement personalized pathways to a better economic future. Financial inclusion strategies will be sensitive to the diversity of types and severity of disability, age of onset, cultural background, employment status and education levels. The goal is to build the capacity of municipalities to support people with disabilities and their families with financial education and one-on-one guidance delivered by highly trained and trusted financial counselors at convenient and accessible locations.

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was a monumental achievement for establishing and protecting the rights of those living with disabilities and their families, and ensuring all individuals with disabilities the opportunity to achieve “economic self-sufficiency.” However, in the 27 years since the ADA was signed into law, this population still faces numerous challenges and roadblocks to achieving financial inclusion and independence. Through the Empowered Cities initiative, we are taking the first steps toward building communities that are financially inclusive for all.