Resources, Employment, Assets and Learning (REAL) Opportunity Study

2011

Need Very often, people with disabilities live in poverty and are unable to get out despite having a job. This project aims to study what is believed to be a critical model of change for people with disabilities to be more successful financially. Building on previous exploratory research funded by NIDRR, study investigators propose an experimentally designed protocol to determine whether customized financial coaching leads to positive and measurable effects on financial self sufficiency and asset holdings of individuals with disabilities who are participating in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) in the states of New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) is an agency that helps persons with disabilities help themselves to get a job, keep the job, and develop a life time career. VR has regional offices throughout the United States designed to assist persons who have physical, mental, emotional, and learning disabilities. Very often, people with disabilities live in poverty and are unable to get out of poverty despite having a job. Overall Goals and Objectives This project aims to study and determine whether customized financial coaching paired with the VR services lead to positive and measurable financial effects. Specifically this study looks at the impact on financial self sufficiency and asset holdings of individuals with disabilities who are currently participating in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) in the states of New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Ultimately the hope is that information gathered by this study will lead to a comprehensive theory of change necessary to address the multiple levels of systems and problems of persistent poverty and benefit dependency among people with disabilities. Unusual Features This is a mixed method research study using randomization for test and comparison groups of VR participates in states of Wisconsin and New Hampshire. Protocol for test participants involves use of motivational interviewing and comprehensive treatment of financial coaching. Study infrastructure is comprised of community partnerships representative of community economic development organizations, Vocational Rehabilitation/Community Rehabilitation Providers and Benefit Specialists. Expected Benefits Changes in knowledge: financial literacy, work incentives, credit management strategies, awareness of tax credits and deductions, and community based resources Changes in behavior: increases in savings accumulation; use of work incentives; improvements in creditworthiness; increases in income. Decreases in consumer debt. Other expected benefits include inter-organizational collaboration between community development agencies and community base support agencies.

Community Econ Devel; asset building; financial literacy; benefits planning

Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information

Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Adults with Disabilities

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Empowerment Zone, Renewal Community, Urban

Another State, State

Federal

N/A