Advancing Financial Equity for Individuals with Disabilities National Online Dialogue Search Ideas

The use of benefits counselors (certified through Virginia Commonwealth University or Cornell University) is key in financial planning for people with disabilities.)  However, a partnership of these certified providers with a certified financial planner would broaden the information provided and improve financial outcomes.  All of these individuals exist however the partnership between the two is less prevalent to non... more »

Some of the individuals with disabilities do not have their own transportation or are near transportation that is readily available or accessible.  Some individuals may not have the option to drive due to their disability. Moving into an area with transportation nearby is not always an option due to cost or the y needing  caregivers to be nearby.. Please consider this in deciding how to help with employment.

Please address us in a transparent format that we PWDs can understand and utilize without legal help

People with disabilities can be disproportionately impacted by the vicissitudes of economics at both the macro and micro levels.  Participation in the digital economy may be a way to begin to level the playing field for all people traditionally left out of the economic benefits of saving money in a way that minimizes the corrosive effects of inflation, especially since the global COVID pandemic. Full participation in... more »

End the federal rule that enables  individuals with disabilities to be paid less than the federal minimum wage.

People with disabilities typically have to choose between working meaningful hours or losing their SSI/SSDI benefits.  Without the support from Medicare, they cannot perform at their best.  We need to reduce the cliff effect between the cost benefits of social assistance vs. earning a living wage. If someone receiving SSI makes over $800/month loses Medicaid Waver, and drop to regular Medicaid. If they make over $1,310... more »

We appreciate that the toolkit is geared toward young adults, adults, and their families. There need to be more resources available for youth, young families, and other supporters of children who have disabilities. We know that financial literacy and employment preparedness need to start far before transition age. Our organization is building out tools for people in Minnesota, but this national platform could reach far... more »

We suggest including links to state and local resources. Particularly, we suggest information about local, community-based organizations, agencies, and other resources that can help people find and secure jobs, build careers, build financial literacy. Some people who have disabilities benefit from individualized supports beyond toolkits and local community organizations are well equipped to do this. Adding a connecting... more »

The toolkit has limited resources in Spanish and ASL. We would like the toolkit translated in other languages. We also suggest making more video and audio options for the toolkit. We would also like to know if it is screen reader compatible. Accessibility of resources or tools in financial literacy is critical.

National List of Alternative Finance Programs that provide referrals for grants and funding for assistive technology: modified vehicles, standing wheel chairs, ,/vision devices, computers, business equipment, etc. Loans with favorable lending terms are available for those who need to purchase AT, as a credit development, building or refinance opportunity too.

To be realistic, the only way for any underserved marginalized community to achieve financial equity is through education. DOL in my opinion should work with their counterparts at the Rehab Service Administration to create online accessible educational models for IWDs that build careers through stackable employer "In Demand" certifications.

Consider the use of Disability and Benefits Specialist guidance for Transition to Work Support.

Example: the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley employs certified benefits advisor and peer advocate certified rehabilitation counselor Sonam B. Willow, LMSW, CRC to provide guidance and support to dually manage concrete benefits planning questions and provide guidance to managing and designing personalized return... more »

It is very frustrating that my daughter takes supplements as prescribed by her Dr that actually have helped her tremendously but aren't covered by Medicaid.  It is bankrupting her and us but she used to have 5-8 trips annually to the hospital with injuries from seizures.   Her diet change with all fat ingredients (johns Hopkins hospital diet) and yet the foods required (many specialty items ordered) on her diet and the... more »

My daughter has severe memory issues and intellectual disabilities that varies based on seizure activity.  What she remembers today might be wiped out from a seizure.  Having computer based training that can be repeated over and over would be helpful   Basic info for budgeting with sample spreadsheets with blank ones that can be printed.  Showing budgeting such as 

Money in (SSI, SSDI, WAGES, GIFTS, TRUSTS, ETC with... more »

Better professional resources need to be available for the CalABLE accounts. There is not a single financial advisor that I've been able to find who has knowledge to assist me in opening and maintaining an account. I have contacted numerous financial advisors, including my tax professional who used to work at the Regional Center. I have contacted CalABLE, CalABLE Treasurer, Disability Help Center, National Disability... more »