National Disability Institute

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National Disability Institute

NDI is dedicated to building a better financial future for people with disabilities and their families

National Disability Institute is the first national nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better economic future for people with disabilities.

05/28/2026

Welcome, Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC), to the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN)! 🎉

MVAC has been empowering people and communities across South Central Minnesota for years, and now they're bringing that same dedication to the SSA Ticket to Work program. If you or someone you know is ready to explore employment, MVAC is here to help.

Welcome to the network, MVAC! 👏 Learn more about ADEN at https://bit.ly/42GW9he.

Image description: Four white graphics with blue, orange and yellow borders and blue and black text. (First) NDI ADEN logo at the top. Large text reads “Welcome to ADEN” above the Minnesota Valley Action Council logo. Subtext reads: “Opportunities for people and communities.”

(Second) Heading "Minnesota Valley Action Council" followed by text explaining that Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) is a community action agency that helps those in need to secure affordable housing, viable transportation, employment and employment training as well as educational opportunities for children and parents. MVAC's mission is to develop resources and opportunities for people and communities.

(Third) Heading “What is ADEN?” followed by text explaining that ADEN is a solution-oriented administrative Employment Network model providing training and technical assistance to employment service providers, including American Job Centers, employers and community partners, to deliver employment services to Social Security disability beneficiaries through the Ticket to Work program. It also notes that ADEN is a division of National Disability Institute.

(Fourth) Graphic with centered text reading: “Learn more at https://bit.ly/42GW9he.”

05/27/2026

Edward's ABLE account helped him save for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing his benefits. Combined with a small grant, he was able to use funds from his ABLE account to purchase an accessible vehicle. 🚗

If you or someone you love has a disability that began before age 46, you may be eligible to open an ABLE account and start building financial security today.

Learn more about funding and purchasing an accessible vehicle at https://bit.ly/4tFmUOb.

Video description: The video opens on a dark teal screen and the NDI logo centered. A cutout video of an ASL interpreter is layered on top of a video of Edward. Edward, a wheelchair user, is seen approaching his desk and beginning to work in an office. In the next frame, he sits in front of the camera, and his accessible vehicle is seen behind him. We then see a close-up of Edward reading his computer screen with a focused expression and then a soft smile. Finally, Edward enters his accessible vehicle via a ramp and begins driving. The video ends with the NDI logo, a QR code, and on-screen text reading: Accessible Transportation, Funding & Assistive Technology Resources. NationalDisabilityInstitute/org/v-mod.

Audio description: Upbeat instrumental corporate background music plays alongside Edward who speaks with a conversational tone, as well as a voiceover from a woman with an informative, upbeat tone.

05/26/2026

Did you know your ABLE account funds can be used for things like a fan, lawn care or summer camp? 💙

ABLE accounts are designed to support a wide range of Qualified Disability Expenses — from everyday comfort to life-enriching experiences. Swipe through for a few examples, and learn more about what counts as a QDE here 👉 https://bit.ly/4tAVY1W

What's something you've used (or would love to use) your ABLE funds for? Share it in the comments!

Image description: Four graphics with background images and overlaid text with dark teal backgrounds. (First) ABLE National Resource Center graphic with text reading "Where your money can go — Examples of Qualified Disability Expenses for ABLE accounts" over a teal-toned photo of hands using a card payment terminal.

(Second) A hand holds a small white portable fan against a green outdoor background, with a teal label reading "Air conditioner or fan."

(Third) A person wearing blue overalls and ear protection pushes an orange lawn mower across a green lawn, with a teal label reading "Lawncare Services."

(Fourth) A serene lake surrounded by forested mountains with a wooden dock in the foreground, with a teal label reading "Summer Camp."

05/22/2026

Please join us in welcoming SAAFI Behavioral Health Services to ADEN.

Partners like SAAFI help connect people with disabilities to employment opportunities and support through the Ticket to Work program. We’re excited to work together to grow access to these important services.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/49uXZFx

Image description: Three white graphics with white backgrounds and teal, yellow, orange and blue accents. (First) (At the top is the NDI | ADEN logo with a stylized sun. Below, large curved text reads, “Welcome to ADEN.” Underneath is the SAAFI Behavioral Health Services logo, which includes three abstract human figures in blue and green forming a circle, alongside the text “SAAFI Behavioral Health Services,” with “SBHS” inside the logo mark.

(Second) slide reads: “What is ADEN?” followed by text explaining that ADEN is a solution-oriented administrative Employment Network (EN) model that provides technical assistance and training to employment service providers such as American Job Centers, employers and community rehabilitation providers. It states that these partners deliver employment services to Social Security disability beneficiaries through the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program. It also notes that ADEN is a division of National Disability Institute.

(Third) slide includes a QR code and the text: “Learn more at https://bit.ly/49uXZFx.”

05/20/2026

Help build your client's path to self-employment.

Join NDI’s Self-Employment Course, a five-part virtual series designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to support entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Sessions will be held June 2, 4, 9, 11 and 16 from 1-2:30 pm ET.

Register today at https://bit.ly/4uLTj6B

Image description: A woman with curly dark hair sits at a table, smiling and holding a pen while looking toward the camera. A laptop is open in front of her, and flowers and shelves with pottery are visible in the background. Overlaid text reads: “Self-Employment Course. A five-part series. June 2, 4, 9, 11, 16 2026. 1:00–2:30 PM ET. https://bit.ly/4uLTj6B.”

05/20/2026

Ready to kickstart your employment journey but not sure where to begin? Start by attending our FREE WISE webinar. Whether you’re searching for a job or aiming to grow in your career, we’re here to provide the support you need to succeed!

Join us on May 27 at 3 p.m. ET for our FREE WISE webinar, “Ticket to Work: Support on Your Employment Journey.” Hear from experts and discover how Ticket to Work service providers can help you achieve financial independence and meaningful employment.

📅 Register now: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/

05/19/2026

This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we asked our team what accessibility means to them. Economic inclusion. Designing belonging from the start. Laughing at the same cat video as everyone else.

Swipe through for a few of their reflections, and read what more of the NDI team had to say here 👉 https://bit.ly/4tM8ZFV

What does accessibility mean to you? Share it in the comments — we'd love to hear.

Image description: Five white graphics with teal borders and black text. (First) The NDI logo is centered at the top of the graphic. Text reads: "What Accessibility Means to NDI Staff Members."

(Second) Text reads: “Accessibility means designing a world where inclusion is built in, not added later, so every person can participate fully in life, employment, and have access to opportunity without extra barriers. True accessibility removes obstacles before they limit participation and recognizes that access is not a special accommodation, but the expectation that everyone belongs.” -Kelley Land, Trainer and Technical Assistance Specialist

(Third) Text reads: “Accessibility is full access to both my favorite shopping app and my favorite banking app so I can manage my money thoughtfully. It is accessible transportation options, including autonomous vehicles, so I can get to and from work events on time. It is accurate captions on silly cat videos and pithy alt text on memes so we can all laugh together on our lunch break.” -Elizabeth Layman, Director, Health-Wealth Innovations

(Fourth) Text reads: “Accessibility isn’t just ramps and captions, it’s economic inclusion. It’s ensuring that people with disabilities have real access to tools like ABLE accounts so everyone can save, invest and grow wealth.” -Jody Ellis, Director, ABLE National Resource Center

(Fifth) Text reads: What does accessibility mean to you?

05/18/2026

May is Military Appreciation Month! 🇺🇸

This month, we honor and thank the brave service members, veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country.

ABLE accounts can be a powerful financial tool for veterans and military families living with disabilities — helping them save and build financial security without losing eligibility for benefits.

Learn more about ABLE for veterans and military families: https://hubs.la/Q04g-f080

Image description: A square graphic with a deep teal background. At the top is the ABLE National Resource Center logo in white. Large white text reads "May is Military Appreciation Month." Below, a subtitle reads "Honoring, remembering and thanking service members, veterans and their families." At the bottom is a green rounded button with the URL https://hubs.la/Q04g-f080.

05/14/2026

Join us for a special event live in Los Angeles on Global Accessibility Awareness Day!

Verizon is bringing together business owners, advocates and tech leaders to explore how accessible technology can open doors for small businesses and the communities they serve.

Featuring Thomas Foley, Executive Director of the National Disability Institute.

This is a free, in-person event — don't miss it!
Register Now: https://bit.ly/4nuhgwM

Image description: Promotional flyer for a live event titled 'How Accessible Technology Can Help Support Small Business — A Global Accessibility Awareness Day Celebration.' Hosted by Verizon, partnering with National Disability Institute. Features a headshot of Thomas Foley, NDI Executive Director. Event details: Thursday, May 21, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Verizon Innovation Lab, Los Angeles, CA. Includes a teal 'Register Now!' button

05/13/2026

For Edward, getting in his vehicle and "being able to go" is the best part of his day.

NDI is committed to helping people with disabilities access the transportation and assistive technology they need to live and work independently.

Learn more about funding, purchasing and modifying your own accessible vehicle through grants, Alternative Finance Programs (AFPs) and ABLE accounts at https://bit.ly/4toDNMH.

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Washington D.C., DC

Telephone

+12022962040

Website

https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/

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