WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On December 9th, National Disability Institute (NDI) will launch the fifth annual Financial Wellness Program , designed to help people living with disabilities plan for their financial futures. Expert guests with backgrounds in law, finance and public benefits will share their insight on topics including taxes, employment, Social Security and credit. All resources and information presented will be specially tailored to address and remedy the unique financial challenges faced by individuals living with a range of disabilities. Last year, thousands of people registered for webinars, made available free of charge with support from Acorda Therapeutics . NDI and Acorda's long-running partnership began in 2011. That year, NDI conducted an online survey of 3,000 people living with MS. The findings were shocking: 67 percent of respondents reported their financial well-being declined following their MS diagnosis and, even more surprising, 74 percent of people surveyed reported that they did not use financial planning programs or strategies to manage their finances. Armed with these eye-opening statistics, NDI joined forces with Acorda Therapeutics to launch the Financial Wellness Program to better inform and empower persons living with MS to take greater control of their finances and economic future. This year, however, the Program will be targeted to people with a wider range of disabilities and will coincide with the launch of new e-learning courses and video content. "Financial best practices and fundamentals are paramount to achieving independence and improving one's future financial trajectory," Michael Morris, Executive Director, NDI, said. " The Financial Wellness Program provides people living with conditions such as MS, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy or stroke a much-needed opportunity to learn about their money and available options to help them make informed decisions on their financial future. We are grateful to have Acorda Therapeutics partner with us again – five years and counting – to make this program and our new e-learning course, Creating a Zero-Balance Spending Plan , available to scores of people and their families." The first webinar will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. ET and will last 90 minutes. Hosted by Social Security subject matter expert and Co-Director of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) Kevin Nickerson, participants will learn basic criteria the Social Security Administration examines for SSDI eligibility and work incentives available to disability beneficiaries that allow for a successful transition to work. Participants will also learn how health insurance is protected during the transition to work under Social Security. A subsequent webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Each webinar will consist of a one-hour expert presentation followed by a half-hour set aside for questions from participants. In addition, guest speakers will offer a peer perspective during each webinar. There is no cost to participate in the webinars, but registration is required. Visit www.realeconomicimpact.org/FinancialWellness for more information and to register for the two webinars.
- Social Security Disability Benefits: Making an Informed Decision about Work – presented by Social Security subject matter expert Kevin Nickerson, December 9, 2015, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
- Make Tax Season Work for You: Free Tax Preparation Services – February 3, 2016, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
"We're very proud to partner with NDI for the fifth year on the Financial Wellness Program," said Tierney Saccavino, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications at Acorda Therapeutics. "Financial instability is a key concern of people living with serious health conditions. Acorda is committed to providing the patient communities we serve with the tools and information that can help put them on the road to financial wellness." The Financial Wellness Program is a component of NDI's Real Economic Impact (REI) Network , a resource for policy insights, information, tools and trainings that promote economic advancement for people with disabilities. For more information, follow @RealEconImpact on Twitter and visit the NDI website at: www.realeconomicimpact.org . About National Disability Institute National Disability Institute (NDI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better economic future for people with disabilities. The first national organization committed exclusively to championing economic empowerment, financial education, asset development and financial stability for all persons with disabilities, NDI affects change through public education, policy development, training, technical assistance and innovative initiatives. NDI and its Real Economic Impact (REI) Network have helped 2.8 million people with disabilities receive more than $2.7 billion in tax refunds and credits. About Acorda Therapeutics Founded in 1995, Acorda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies that restore function and improve the lives of people with neurological disorders. Acorda markets three FDA-approved therapies, including AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg. The Company has one of the leading pipelines in the industry of novel neurological therapies. Acorda is currently developing a number of clinical and preclinical stage therapies. This pipeline addresses a range of disorders including post-stroke walking deficits, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, heart failure, MS and spinal cord injury. For more information, please visit the Company's website at: www.acorda.com .
Dominic Manecke, National Disability Institute (202) 296-1442 / Jeff Macdonald, Acorda Therapeutics (914) 326-5232 /
