Financial literacy for disabled people: beyond the games
Photo by Christie Dawes
Did you catch the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games? This year’s event drew unprecedented global attention, with increased exposure and investment driving viewership to new heights. The U.S., Canada, the U.K. and France all reported record-breaking numbers thanks to expanded media efforts.
In the U.S., NBC saw a 60% rise in ad sales compared to Tokyo 2021, securing more partners than ever. Their coverage averaged 1.32 million viewers, up 49% from the last Games. Canada’s CBC reported a 188% spike in viewership for the Opening Ceremony, and the U.K.’s Channel 4 reached 18.5 million viewers, covering 30.4% of British TV audiences. Meanwhile, France Télévisions averaged 22 million viewers during the Opening Ceremony, peaking at 10.2 million with a 52% audience share—more than double Japan’s numbers from 2021.
This growing popularity of the Paralympics reflects society’s increasing recognition of disabled athletes’ abilities and a broader push for inclusivity. It highlights not only a heightened awareness of physical challenges but also a celebration of resilience and achievement.
However, beyond the physical obstacles, disabled individuals face an often-overlooked barrier: financial literacy. This issue can significantly limit independence and opportunities, underscoring the need for improved education and resources to empower disabled people in all areas of life.
One in four of us are disabled
In the U.S., 61 million Americans—or 1 in 4—report having a disability, according to the CDC. In Canada, the figure stands at 8 million people aged 15 or older, which is 27% of the population. Roughly 30% of North Americans with disabilities face challenges in cognition, mobility, independent living, hearing, vision or self-care, which severely limits their daily activities.
The economic realities
Disability or chronic illness often comes with significant economic consequences. A report from the National Disability Institute and The Harkin Institute found that people with disabilities are far less likely to be financially healthy than those without disabilities. Only 10% of working-age people with disabilities are financially healthy, compared to 30% of those without disabilities. Additionally, 55% of respondents had turned to alternative credit services due to poor credit scores, limiting access to traditional loans.
How to help
Financial education for disabled individuals, along with their families and caregivers, is critical. By providing relevant information, tools, and support, we can empower them to make informed financial decisions and participate more fully in the financial system.
The It's a Money Thing Junior series cast of characters
At Currency Marketing, we recognized this need when developing our financial literacy program, It’s a Money Thing. Inclusivity and diversity were key priorities as we created a fun yet comprehensive curriculum. This program is designed to not only engage credit union members but also extend its reach to communities, supporting the broader mission of improving financial outcomes for everyone.
We encourage you to explore It’s a Money Thing and see how it can be a tool for both member engagement and community outreach. Financial literacy is vital, and it’s time we ensure that all community members, including those with disabilities, have access to the knowledge and resources they need.
Tim McAlpine is the Founder & CEO of Currency Marketing. He is best known for developing the It's a Money Thing Financial Education Program that credit unions from around North America are using to connect with new young adult members. He is also a driving force behind CUES Emerge, an emerging leader program that combines online learning, peer collaboration and an exciting competition component.
