National Disability Institute (NDI) has launched a new podcast series.
“Moving the Needle” explores the ideas, innovations and partnerships that shape NDI’s work and are defining what comes next.
Episode 1 chronicles the gaps that existed prior to NDI’s formation, the organization’s humble beginnings and how far NDI has moved the needle toward building a better financial future for people with disabilities.
From vinyl records and paper checks to QR codes and smartphone apps, the first episode takes listeners on a then-and-now journey through NDI’s history, told through personal and professional reflections from members of its leadership team.
Then
A young man who was completely blind wanted to learn more about personal finance. His resources were limited. One of his only options was to move the needle back and forth on a record player to listen to financial magazines recorded on vinyl.
Now
NDI Executive Director Thomas Foley talks about being that young man growing up on the south side of Chicago, gently having to poke at the needle on his record player to hear something again.
“…[N]ot the easiest thing in the world,” Foley says.
Then
A small staff of subject matter experts assembled binders of resources and materials to share at conferences.
Now
“We helped shift the national, state and local conversation around disability, employment and financial inclusion,” says Laura Gleneck, Division Director, Employment Projects.
Then
In the early-2000’s, there were efforts to support employment, community living and increased access to assistive technology, but few voices were talking about the financial lives of people with disabilities.
Now
NDI Deputy Director Elizabeth Jennings describes the organization’s modern-day work as “scaling our models and realizing our vision of all individuals with disabilities having full access to the broadest range of employment and financial opportunities, reaching their financial goals, and living their best financial future.”
Listen to episode 1 of “Moving the Needle”, also on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
