Approximately 20% of the United States population lives with some level of disability, and people with disabilities are almost three times as likely to live in poverty than any other group. WID’s Access to Assets project opens doors for the disability community by promoting asset-building and financial literacy among people with disabilities. Asset building is an anti-poverty strategy helping low-income people move toward greater economic independence by saving and purchasing long-term assets. Building assets, as a complement to increasing income, provides the stability to escape the cycle of poverty.

Access to Assets bridges the gap between the asset building and disability communities through the following services:

• Training and Technical Assistance: Advise asset-building organizations how to include consumers with disabilities in their programs.

• Disability Community Outreach: Inform disability organizations about available programs and relevant federal policy.

• Policy Analysis: Develop and influence federal asset-building legislation conducive to the participation of people with disabilities.

• Public Education: Distribute monthly EQUITY e-newsletter. The newsletter includes articles by leaders in the field, program administrators, and participants in asset- building programs, helpful tips, answers to questions about disability issues, federal policy updates, and resources. Read current and past editions of EQUITY.

• Information and Referral: Toll-free hotline serving individuals with disabilities seeking information on how to participate in poverty reduction programs.

For more information, contact Thomas Foley, Access to Assets Project Manager, at tom@wid.org or toll-free at 1-866-723-1201.