Our session on Disability Finance at the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference was a success in large part thanks to Rita German’s excellent moderating. A special thanks to the JPMorgan Chase Foundation for its support. Pictured above from left to right: Andrew Porter (NDFC), Erica Quin-Easter (Genesis Fund), Pam Porter (NDFC), Rita German (JPMorgan Chase), Charlie Hammerman (Disability Opportunity Fund), Emerson Sekins (Northwest Access Fund), Towner French (Cozen O’Connor).
Here is a description of what we covered in the session: People with Disabilities (PWD) comprise over 60 million people in the United States. They are three-times more likely to be underbanked and nearly twice as likely to be turned down for credit than those without a disability. CDFIs want to understand this underserved market better and determine how to serve best. In this session, we highlighted how disability finance aligns with current CDFIs financial services and identified some of the key differences. We covered affordable and supportive housing; home renovations; assistive technology; financial literacy; community facilities; and entrepreneurship. Chances are most CDFIs are already serving people with disabilities. In this session, participants learned how to do so more intentionally and effectively.