Accessible Assets, Part 2

People with disabilities have lower employment levels, report lower levels of savings, and are more likely to experience poverty than those without disabilities. The inextricable connection between disability and poverty requires special attention to developing policies and programs to give people the ability to save, acquire assets and permanently escape poverty. As a follow up to the first webinar on asset building and the disability community, this February 17, 2011, webinar, cohosted by the Abilities Fund, provided information on strategies and innovative programs that promote asset building and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Transcript of the Webinar
Recording of the Webinar (Windows Media Player format)

Clarification regarding tax credit for the elderly and disabled
The webinar presentation included a erroneous statement regarding the tax credit for certain elderly and disabled filers. The base amount is $5,000 (single) / $7,500 (couple if both disabled) and then the federal government reduces the credit depending upon a number of variables. Individuals filing their federal taxes use Schedule R and the actual credit will most likely be significantly less than the base amount.

Questions and Answers

Presenters and Resources

• Ji Won Kim, Asset Opportunity Unit, The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
• Presentation
• William Gorman, Executive Director, The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Illinois
• Presentation
• William L. Gorman, the Center for Disabilities and Development at the University of Iowa, “Assessing Opportunities for Asset Development and Self-Sufficiency Strategies for Individuals with Disabilities: The Nation and Iowa” (July 2009)
• William L. Gorman, “Resource Directory, Asset Development / Self-Sufficiency Strategies in Iowa for Individuals with Disabilities” (July 2009)
• Asset Development / Self-Sufficiency Strategies in Iowa for Individuals with Disabilities Helpful Hints
• #1: Employment-related Supports
• #2: Earned Income Tax Credit and Individual Development Accounts
• #3: Self-Employment / Microenterprise Development
• #4: Financial Education / Financial Literacy
• #5: Home Ownership
• #6: Tax Benefits for Individuals and Businesses
• #7: Trusts for individuals with Disabilities
• William L. Gorman, “Summary of Self-Sufficiency / Asset Development Strategies for Individuals with Disabilities” (September 2008)
• Patti Lind, Executive Director, The Abilities Fund
• Presentation
• Patti Lind, EQUITY Feature Article, “Capitalizing Ability,” World Institute on Disability (Winter 2008)
• EQUITY Tip of the Month, World Institute on Disability (Winter 2008)
• Joyce Armstrong, Project Director, Connect to Work Center, State of Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
• Presentation     
• Connect-to-Work Center Brochure
• The New Ticket to Work Program Overview
• Joyanne Cobb, Analyst and Project Officer, Office of Project Development and Research, the Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Presentation
• Youth Transition Demonstration Projects Overview
• Youth Transition Demonstration Research and Statistics

Other Resources

FDIC Money Smart curriculum

Practical Money Skills for Life

American Association for Retired Persons (AARP)

Karen K. Harris and Hannah Weinberger-Divack, Accessible Assets: Bringing Together the Disability and Asset-Building Communities, 44 Clearinghouse Review 4 (May-June 2010)

Karen K. Harris and Ji Won Kim, Accessible Assets: Asset Development Strategies for People with Disabilities, The Shriver Brief (February 2011)

Shawn Fremstad, Half in Ten: Why Taking Disability into Account Is Essential to Reducing Income Poverty and Expanding Economic Inclusion (Center for Economic and Policy Research, Sept. 2009)

Center for Economic Development and Disability, Building a Better Economic Future: A Progress Report for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families in America (2008)

CFED 2009-2010 Assets and Opportunities Scorecard

Asset Coalition Toolkit for States