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Get to Know the Center

Disabilities can occur at any age, with unique financial impacts that ripple across families. Learn how the Center delivers the knowledge needed to support them through difficult circumstances.

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Elevating the Knowledge of Financial Professionals

People with disabilities represent the largest minority population in the United States. The American College Center for Special Needs was established to change the perception of and value placed on special needs, disability, and long-term care planning.

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Addressing a Rapidly Growing Need

Founded Through an Industry Partnership

Established in 2014 with a substantial gift from MassMutual, the Center for Special Needs seeks to be the nation’s leading voice on financial planning for professionals working with those with special needs, their loved ones, guardians, and caregivers.

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Education Focused

The Source for Best-In-Class Knowledge

Formed from expert thought leaders in the field and backed by the best-in-class knowledge and know-how of The College, the Center offers information, programs, and education that focus on this underserved but growing part of our communities.

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About the ChSNC®

Specialized Knowledge Focused on Solutions

The ChSNC® Program is designed to provide financial professionals with the specialized skill and advanced knowledge to champion individuals living with disability, their caregivers, and families with honesty, ethics, and compassion.

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A Growing Need

26%

Of adults have some type of disability.1

85%

Of caregivers have no plan to address physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities.2

62%

Of caregivers report feeling overwhelmed by financial stress.2

Areas of Focus

  • Education for Disability Planning

    Financial professionals often lack a realistic understanding of the actual cost of caregiving or long-term care. The solution is to promote expanded research, thought leadership, and education for planning for disability throughout an individual's entire lifespan, as well as a disability that unexpectedly occurs in midlife or later. The Center for Special Needs is expanding its educational offerings with this broader scope.

  • Delivering Just-in-Time Learning

    We’re focused on creating high-quality learning options that are easily accessible for anyone who wants to better serve this population. Since only limited and hard-to-find topical issues are available through legal services programs, The College is working to fill that gap through continuing education and partnership opportunities with advocacy groups.

  • Education to Support Change

    The Center is developing educational resources for consumers directly impacted by disability to become better informed. Knowledgeable clients understand the value in hiring an advisor who truly understands their unique life circumstances. This will in turn increase awareness of the disability planning opportunities among professionals.

  • Expanding Professional Credentials

    The ChSNC® is an online, self-study program designed for experienced financial advisors who want to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities or special needs. Gain the specialized knowledge to help parents and caregivers navigate complex financial decisions and benefits systems. There's a tremendous opportunity for professionals who want to expand their business by helping this chronically underserved audience. 

Taking steps to improve education in these four areas will help professionals recognize and address the issues faced by those living with disability.

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Learn More About Our Work

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Our Partners in Philanthropy

Center Founding Partner & Sponsor

National Strategic Philanthropic Partners

National Philanthropic Partners

footnotes

1 CDC.gov. Disability Impacts All of Us. September 16, 2020.

2 Fidelity Investments®. American Caregivers Study. 2021.