In the 2022-2023 academic year, services extended to learners with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act peaked at 7.5 million. This figure represents 15% of all students and is the highest ever recorded. The surge indicates a demand for long-term financial planning to cater to children with disabilities. Accordingly, schools across the country are feeling the pressure to invest more in resources and expertise.
The financial advisor Melissa Weisz lends her knowledge to families dealing with tight budgets and intricate financial landscapes that arise from caring for children with special needs. Going beyond merely providing financial advice, Weisz offers emotional support, creating a safe, empathetic space for families. Her comprehensive approach, ranging from clarity on special needs trusts and ABLE accounts to identifying extra income sources, leaves a lasting, positive impact on these families.
Meanwhile, Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, founder of a debt collection startup, challenges prevailing misconceptions about debt.
Evolving sectors accommodate disability surge
He advocates for a nuanced understanding of financial difficulties and calls for lower interest rates and better mechanisms to free people from a vicious debt cycle. Ellis-Lamkins suggests that these economic problems aren’t always a matter of financial negligence but can also be due to excessive interest rates.
On another note, anticipation builds as the next edition of the Next Billion Dollar Startups list is announced. Past honorees, including DoorDash, Figma, Anduril, Benchling, and Rippling, inspire and set a high bar for innovators and upstarts seeking similar recognition.
Airlines
A pilot program allowing female passengers to choose seats next to other women is being applauded in the airline sector. This initiative aligns with the industry’s increasing commitment to passenger comfort and safety, pushing for more inclusive strategies in the industry.
Human Resources
Current human resources research focuses on the workplace and advises professionals on enhancing job satisfaction and effectively managing email overload. This advice is geared towards fostering a balanced and relaxed atmosphere that encourages creativity and productivity.
