Individual development accounts and autism

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I have been reading a little about Independent Development Accounts the last few days. They vary state by state, donor by donor, but basically they help low income [many disabled] to achieve financial independence. Though there are exceptions, the main things they help with are helping to build up money for buying homes, school, and entrepeneurship.

The agencies involved will ussually match or triple whatever amount of money you are able to put aside during a pre-determined period of time.

They also provide mandatory free classes in subjects related to your goals. Look them up at idanetwork.org. In addition, they often have leads to groups such as microenterprise.org, and to groups that mentor, even groups where there is interdependent mentoring with other disabled people.

I am excited to show this to LJ when he returns from visiting his brother. I am also excited to share it with Agent Palpatines site [which I forget the name of right now, anyone?] I have been invited to be a board member on the Rhizome program, and I am hopeful we can work in conjunction with them as well.

Off the subject, but AutHaven [Colorado] is tentatively scheduled for the third week in March 2015. We have already been able to bring the price down to $150 for four nights because of donations. Also, we do have people to "fill in" for bobby and I if our health problems progress quite a bit in the next year.

Very cool!

Finacial independence for me is working part time and renting a room. Why do I need a house. I'm always on my computer I don't care where I live.

While I can't speak for the exact nature or details of the program(s) referenced in the OP, I don't think anyone has any objection to (what is often described as) financial literacy and/or outreach groups. In fact, some form of such a program could be a service available at an intentional community, such as the program discussed at the 2014 AutHaven event.

Vicky, I am curious if your thoughts on this matter have any connection with your thoughts on "Payee" programs, I recall that you've written on that subject in the past. I don't have any experience or special knowedge in the area, but I was wondering if you saw any overlap.

My site that you reference is http://aspergiandiscussion.proboards.com/, and I'm looking forward to hearing what comes out of Rhizome as they kick in to high gear with Ocate Cliffs.