New online course to provide training on building the financial well-being of people with disabilities
National Disability Institute (NDI) and the Association for
Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) have officially launched Financial Inclusion Essentials, a self-paced online course with six modules designed for financial counselors, financial coaches, disability service providers and others who want to learn more about building the financial well-being of people with disabilities.
The six Financial Inclusion Essentials modules cover a variety of topics including:
- Debunking myths and stereotypes about people with disabilities
- Understanding money management rights and resources
- Navigating favorable tax credits and services
- Understanding employment resources for people with disabilities
- Providing education on major acquisitions
- Understanding ABLE accounts
“AFCPE® Essentials Courses are web-based and affordable, providing training on critical topics to help our professionals provide essential support to those they serve,” said Rebecca Wiggins, Executive Director, AFCPE. “Now more than ever, financial and service professionals need to be equipped with the comprehensive and relevant knowledge and resources to meet people where they are more effectively. We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to achieve lasting financial well-being, which is why we partnered with NDI to deliver this important coursework. Financial Inclusion Essentials is another important step in helping people with disabilities and their families navigate our current economic environment and build a better financial future for years to come.”
“NDI is pleased to partner with AFCPE to launch the Financial Inclusion Essentials course that will further build the knowledge and awareness in the field that financial inclusion is possible for all, including people with disabilities,” said Elizabeth Jennings, Acting Executive Director, National Disability Institute. “Particularly in these financially challenging times for so many, this course will help financial counselors, financial coaches and disability service providers learn how to help people with disabilities build their financial well-being.”
According to research by NDI, financial inclusion training is needed and the Financial Inclusion Essentials course will meet this need. A survey recently conducted by the nonprofit with financial counselors and financial coaches found that about half of respondents expressed they were somewhat uncomfortable serving people with disabilities. Counselors who reported serving no or very few people with disabilities were the most likely to say they were not comfortable. In addition, 69 percent of respondents said they were not comfortable with their knowledge about ABLE accounts and half or more were not comfortable with important disability topics such as assistive technology, Social Security overpayments, asset limits, work incentives and others. Further, 77 percent of survey respondents said they would use online self-paced training on financial empowerment strategies specific to persons with disabilities.
Registration for the Financial Inclusion Essentials is now open. Please visit https://www.afcpe.org/certification-and-training/financial-inclusion-essentials/.
About National Disability Institute
National Disability Institute (NDI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better financial future for people with disabilities and their families. The first national organization committed exclusively to championing economic empowerment, financial education, asset development and financial stability for all persons with disabilities, NDI affects change through public education, policy development, training, technical assistance and innovative initiatives. To learn more, visit www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org. Engage with NDI on Facebook: @NationalDisability or follow NDI on Twitter: @NatDisability.
About AFCPE®
The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) ensures the highest integrity of the financial counseling profession by certifying, connecting, and supporting diverse professionals. Our comprehensive certification programs represent the gold standard for financial counseling, coaching, and education, including the AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®) certification which is accredited by NCCA and nationally recognized by CFPB and Department of Defense. Visit www.afcpe.org for more information.
