Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Launches Financial Well-Being Initiative Targeted To People With Disabilities

On June 3rd, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced the launch of the Reach Outcomes. Achieve Dreams. Succeed. (ROADS) to Financial Independence initiative, aimed at improving the financial well-being and economic security of individuals with disabilities.  

The initiative will be piloted in six communities across the U.S., and will combine financial counseling with employment, independent living, and other support services that are being provided to persons with disabilities.  The initiative will be managed through the National Disability Institute.  According to CFPB, "The first step for consumers participating in the ROADS to Financial Independence initiative will be a financial assessment to review their current financial situation. From there, consumers will be given access to a financial counselor who will help them set and work towards achieving financial goals such as improved credit scores, lower debt levels, and increased personal savings."

The six pilot communities and their partnering organizations are listed below.

• Birmingham, Alabama: United Way Central Alabama and Disability Rights and Resources
• The Greater Washington, DC Metro Area: ServiceSource Virginia and Capital Area Asset Builders
• The State of Delaware: The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and ServiceSource Delaware
• Finger Lakes, New York: Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Cornell Cooperative Extension Center, Finger Lakes Independence Center, Ithaca Housing Authority, Tompkins County Workforce New York, Challenge Workforce Solutions, and the United Way of Tompkins County
• Austin, Texas: Goodwill Industries of Central Texas
• Seattle, Washington: The Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Neighborhood House, City of Seattle, the Financial Empowerment Network, and the Washington Access Fund    

Questions:  What are ways that programs in these six communities can help support clients accessing these financial planning services?  Are there entry points in math, or other curriculum, where these linkages could be made?     

Best,

Mike Cruse                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Disabilities in Adult Education Moderator                                                                                                                                           michaelcruse74@gmail.com