As someone who works for an asset building program, how can we support efforts like LIFE Accounts, Cash & Counseling, and other Self-Directed services for people with disabilities?

At first glance, these programs may seem irrelevant to many outside the disability services realm, but there are many things that organizations helping all people build assets can do to help.

1. Include People with Disabilities in your programs: As obvious as this sounds, this is by far the most beneficial step to take. Many people with disabilities participating in self-directed services may be severely disabled, yet because of these new opportunities have a better chance at looking beyond mere survival. Asset building programs- like Individual Development Accounts, Family Self-Sufficiency, etc- enhances independence by assisting in homeownership, microenterprise development, even vehicle purchases that may be beyond the scope of many self-directed service options. The combination of the two can make huge differences in the lives of people with disabilities.
   
2. Advocate for Policy Change: The Assets for Independence Act (AFIA) is up for reauthorization and changes are being proposed to better serve people with disabilities and their needs. One of the primary goals is to have vehicles allowed as asset purchases with Individual Development Accounts. The World Institute on Disability has joined with CFED, the Institute for Social and Economic Development (ISED), the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) to advocate for changes in AFIA. We need to hear from you on the changes you would like to see. Please send comments to megan@wid.org.
   
3. Support Medicaid Infrastructure Grantees (MIGs): Across the county, some states have received Medicaid Infrastructure Grants and many are interested in including asset building in their work. This is a perfect opportunity to reach out to the disability community. Some programs are at the resource mapping stage- finding what is available in their states (which could be valuable to the assets field as well), others are actively wanting to hold convenings to bridge these two communities. For more information on MIGs, contact Kerry Lida at Center for Workers with Disabilities, KLida@aphsa.org and Joe Entwisle at the National Consortium for Health Systems Development, jentwisle@hdadvocates.org.