Exploring patterns of service utilization among persons with disabilities in a consumer-directed care program

Empirical evidence on the role financial institutions and home and community-based interventions play in influencing asset building among persons with disabilities is scarce. This article contributes to this effort directed at understanding such effects by exploring patterns of and barriers to use of banking services offered by the credit union that has enrolled persons with disabilities in Iowa under a home and community-based services waivers program. It is suggested that although banking services are not used by the majority of program participants, the credit union model has appeal. It provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to build savings for the purchase of goods and services that enhance their independence and productivity.