To assist the growing number of Americans whose lives were being impacted by Alzheimer's disease, NEFE and the Alzheimer's Association collaborated to create two educational pamphlets that discussed the financial implications of this debilitating disease.
For those people experiencing the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, Steps To Understanding Financial Issues: Resources for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease (24 pages) discussed—in an easily understandable way—the significant financial issues and decisions they must face while they still were able to understand and express their desires and goals. The second pamphlet, Steps to Understanding Financial Issues: Resources for Caregivers (24 pages), addressed the same topics as the first booklet, but from the perspective of the caregiver, who is often responsible for managing the legal and financial affairs for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
American Liver Foundation
Individuals diagnosed with viral hepatitis can face a myriad of financial fears. Because hepatitis B and C can cause fatigue and other treatment-related issues, it may be difficult for an infected individual to work. However, treatment still must be paid for, retirement needs to be funded, and everyday living expenses must be met.
To help people living with viral hepatitis cope and better control their finances, the American Liver Foundation and NEFE joined efforts to sponsor Managing Your Money While Living with Viral Hepatitis. This 64-page booklet educates readers about insurance coverage and eligibility; drug company patient assistance programs; Medicaid, Medicare, and Veteran’s benefits; and work issues and employment laws. Worksheets, checklists, a glossary of terms, and several pages of resources are provided.
American Stroke Association
To help those affected by stroke understand and cope with their circumstances, NEFE partnered with the American Stroke Association (ASA), a division of the American Heart Association (AHA). The result was a pair of publications: a caregiver's booklet called Moving Forward after Stroke: A Financial Education for Caregivers and a survivor's publication, Moving Forward After Stroke: A Financial Education for Survivors.
The caregiver's manual was a 60-page booklet that began by advising caretakers to determine the role they will play in the stroke survivor's financial affairs, then led them through the process of gathering and categorizing records, and verifying assets and liabilities. It outlined the legal rights of survivors and explains insurance benefits and how to determine and collect them. The survivor's publication featured an extensive question and answer section on financial issues and provided formats for planning, taking stock of finances, and tracking expenses.
NEFE collaborated with the ARC (formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens) to produce a key informational tool, a customized guide to basic money management called Make the Most of Your Money: Learn to Successfully Spend and Save Your Dollars.
The handbook was geared to the unique perspective and needs of those affected by mental retardation. Language was simple and focuses on everyday concerns, such as saving money, monitoring expenses, and making the right financial decisions.
Arthritis Foundation
NEFE collaborated with the Arthritis Foundation to develop two booklets that provide practical financial information to people with arthritis and their caregivers to help them better deal with their economic resources and options.
Take Charge: Money Matters and Your Arthritis was a 68-page guide to developing a solid financial plan. The First Steps: Money Matters and Your Arthritis was a compilation of the most basic financial planning information designed to address the needs of a low-literacy audience. The approach was adopted in response to requests for material with simple explanations and minimal complex terminology.
Copies of the publication can be obtained by calling the "Arthritis Answers" hotline at (800) 283-7800.
Easter Seals
Parents of children with disabilities or special needs face the same challenges and fears that average parents face—and a great deal more. To help parents, guardians, and caretakers plan for a stable and comfortable future with disabled and special-needs children, NEFE collaborated with Easter Seals to create With Open Arms, a custom guide to financial planning.
The material explained legal considerations involving both education and estate planning. It recommended parents seek legal advice in making financial arrangements for their child's long-term future and emphasized the need to provide the maximum financial security while making sure that the child remained eligible for government benefits. The overriding message of the booklet was that financial planning was vital to ensure the life-long well-being of a disabled child and to restore equilibrium to the family.
Making Plans was a 64-page financial guide for individuals with Down syndrome and their parents or caregivers. NEFE worked with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in developing the publication; printing was funded by MassMutual Financial Group.
The booklet was divided into two parts. Part 1 used simple language and extensive exercises to address those with Down syndrome, while Part 2 presented more complex information and teaching tips for adults providing care. Topics included goal setting, money management, educational and job opportunities, government assistance, housing options, and long-term planning.
National Kidney Foundation
People diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face a variety of medical costs for doctor visits, laboratory tests, and medications.
To help people with any stage of CKD maximize their ability to achieve financial stability, the National Kidney Foundation in collaboration with NEFE created Taking Control: Money Matters for People with Chronic Kidney Disease. This 72-page booklet offered information and resources about health insurance; Medicare, Medigap, and Medicaid programs; the role of Social Security; programs that can help pay for medical costs; how to manage school, work, and travel; and much more.
To assist National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) and The Marrow Foundation® in educating patients and their families about the financial ramifications of a transplant, NEFE worked with these organizations to develop Mapping the Maze: A Personal Financial Guide to Blood Stem Cell Transplant. The booklet helped patients and families to assess their current financial situation, including their health-care coverage, and to make financial plans accordingly.
PACER Center
Families of children with disabilities face overwhelming financial and emotional issues. To assist them, NEFE collaborated with the PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) Center on a support and reference document for parents taking the initial steps toward dealing with the financial realities of their children's special needs.
The publication, Possibilities: A Financial Resource Book for Parents of Children with Disabilities, opened with a letter to parents, listing primary challenges and emphasizing that three things were required to obtain needed assistance: the right information, a positive attitude, and patience. Four chapters covered major topics, such as organization of financial materials, creation of a spending plan, insurance, and planning for the future. To learn more about PACER, check out.
Paralyzed Veterans of America and National Spinal Cord Injury Association
To provide people who have spinal cord injuries with targeted financial information and insight, NEFE partnered with both the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) to create On The Move: A Financial Guide for People with Spinal Cord Injury.
The publication was divided into three parts, covering basic financial issues in adjusting to an injury, establishing a modified lifestyle, and preparing for long-term goals. The chapters featured checklists, tip lists, and illustrative photography. The last few pages of the book were devoted to an extensive list of resources, including organizations, government agencies, publications, and Web sites.
Spina Bifida Association of America
The Spina Bifida Association of America and the National Endowment for Financial Education have partnered to provide Taking Charge of Your Future: A Financial Guide for People with Spina Bifida and Their Families. This online guide was prepared specifically to assist people with spina bifida and their caregivers/families cope with financial and independent living challenges associated with this disease.
The Web site was divided into two sections. The first, titled “Financial Planning Guide for Parents/Caregivers of Children with Spina Bifida,” enabled parents to be more effective advocates for their children in the areas of education planning, goal setting, managing money, and more. “Financial Planning Guide for People with Spina Bifida,” the second section, empowered individuals with spina bifida to consider how to establish and pursue their own goals, live independently, hold a job, manage money, and contribute to the community.
To encourage young adults with disabilities to manage their money wisely and to tap into resources that enable them to live as independently as possible, NEFE and United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP) worked together to produce Finding Financial Independence: A Guide for Young Adults with Disabilities.
The booklet addressed topics common to young adults, including using a checking account, developing a spending plan, saving money, and finding a job. In addition, special considerations related to a disability were discussed, including accessible housing, transportation, vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, disability laws, and community and government resources. Throughout the booklet, an emphasis was placed on each individual's right to self-determination.
Main Health Projects
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