Final Research Report and Recommendations
People with disabilities continue to face myriad challenges to economic participation and financial stability. People with disabilities are more likely to experience negative socioeconomic outcomes including less education, lower levels of employment, higher poverty rates, and the highest cost of living. This financial vulnerability persists across the lifespan and the intersection of disability race/ethnicity, and poverty creates compounding barriers to financial stability across more than 25 percent of people with disability live below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
This one-year initiative employed qualitative and quantitative research methods within a community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework to discuss and develop community investment strategies and recommendations with people with disabilities and other key stakeholders living and serving in Cleveland, OH. The study convened a Community Action Research Team (CART) of eight advisors and hosted discussions with a total 128 individuals across the city, representing individuals and families with disabilities, disability service providers, policy advocates and representatives, and members of the small-business ecosystem.
Eight key indicators or pillars of financial independence emerged as pivotal areas for focus in advancing the economic lives of people with disabilities: (1) disability inclusion and awareness, (2) equitable employment opportunities, (3) small business and entrepreneurship development support, (4) access to banking and financial services, (5) financial education and empowerment, (6) affordable, accessible housing, (7) reliable, accessible transportation, and (8) access to technology.
