Released on = November 10, 2006, 12:13 pm

Press Release Author = Mayor\'s Office for People with Disabilties

Industry = Financial

Press Release Summary = On November 13, 2006, Commissioner Matt Sapolin of the New
York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities will welcome representatives
of Mayor's offices from 12 cities who will work together over the course of two days
to design and implement a coordinated plan of action to advance the economic freedom
of Americans with disabilities and their families.

Press Release Body = FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2006

NYC Hosts Mayor's Leadership Academy on Asset Development for Persons with
Disabilities: First Stop on Real Economic Impact Tour

NEW YORK CITY-On November 13, 2006, Commissioner Matt Sapolin of the New York City
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities will welcome representatives of Mayor's
offices from 12 cities who will work together over the course of two days to design
and implement a coordinated plan of action to advance the economic freedom of
Americans with disabilities and their families.

The Mayor's Leadership Academy on Asset Development for Persons with Disabilities is
the first stop on a Real Economic Impact Tour that was announced two weeks ago by
the Internal Revenue Service, the FDIC, and six major national disability groups.
"It is a response to the fact that working age adults with disabilities are three
times more likely to live in poverty than their non-disabled peers," said
Commissioner Sapolin. "It is most appropriate that we come together in the
financial capital of the world to learn about successful strategies to expand
outreach and participation of working adults with disabilities in financial
education, savings and asset building activities."

Working with community partnerships, the Real Economic Impact Tour is expected to
reach 54 cities nationwide. Michael Morris, tour organizer and Director of the
National Disability Institute explained, "The planned activities are expected to
assist 25,000 individuals with disabilities with volunteer-led tax preparation and
generate over 20 million dollars in Earned Income Tax Credit refunds, which will in
turn have an impact on economies in participating cities. Access to the Earned
Income Tax Credit is the first step in a conversation about income preservation and
asset development that can improve individual self respect and community inclusion."


Over 70 leaders from government, the disability, and asset-building communities from
12 cities will begin the process of designing a road map out of poverty that will
support entry into the economic mainstream for Americans with disabilities and their
families nationwide. New York City is one of the 12 flagship cities that will
pioneer new strategies to reach working age adults with disabilities. Other cities
represented at the Mayor's Leadership Academy include: Boston, Massachusetts;
Jacksonville, Florida; Louisville, Kentucky; Manchester, New Hampshire; Miami,
Florida; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Oakland, California; Phoenix, Arizona; San Antonio,
Texas, San Francisco, California; West Palm Beach, Florida and Wichita, Kansas.

The Mayor\'s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) works hand-in-hand with other
City agencies to assure that the voice of the disabled community is represented and
that City programs and policies address the needs of people with disabilities.
People with disabilities are contributors to New York City\'s civic, economic, and
cultural life. MOPD recognizes these contributions and seeks to ensure that people
with disabilities continue to thrive and feel welcome at all times in all settings.

Matt Sapolin was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg on October 15, 2002 to head the
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.


Web Site = http://

Contact Details = Michael Morris
National Disability Institute
1725 Eye Street, NW Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-521-2930
mmorris@ncbdc.org