By: Ray Simpson, The Arc MN Self-Advocacy Program Intern
“I work hard to earn and have my own money. To afford things I want and need, and to not go into debt. I could not do these things without my family and my other helpers.”- Melissa
This month for the Self-Advocacy Spotlight, we will be talking to Melissa about how she manages money her way. Melissa has been a self-advocate with The Arc Minnesota for about fifteen years. She has been helping The Arc for about thirteen years with different projects. Melissa enjoys attending political events such as Self-Advocacy Day at the capitol. She also likes to help other self-advocates by supporting their rights to live and work in their communities. “I get to help people and tell people about my life and ways I can help. We’re all helping make the world a better place. My goal is to help people when they need help. I like to make people laugh because it makes people feel good.
”Melissa has been managing her money with her parents since she was eighteen. Her dad has been teaching her how to find ways to save money for things she really wants. “I’m saving my money for a new couch in the next couple of years for my living room. I have had it for fifteen years. It’s really old and falling apart. I also save for family vacations.” Melisa also gets help from her parents with understanding how much she spends, and what she spends her money on. Melissa mostly uses a credit card, because she feels it is the easiest way to keep track of her money. Her dad also has a bank account open for her that he helps manage. “I work hard to earn and have my own money. To afford things I want and need, and to not go into debt. I could not do these things without my family and my other helpers.”
“Self-Advocates should be involved in managing their own money. They should know what is going on with their money. Everyone should have a say in how their money gets spent.” Mellisa brought up her concerns about how people with disabilities in group homes do not always have control or say over how their money is spent or saved. “Many people in group homes don’t know about their money. No one tells them about their money. That’s a problem that no one is talking about and we are trying to change. I feel really sad for those people, it’s hard for them to afford activities. They don’t know how they pay for the activities. No one shows them or teaches them. It’s hard for them to understand. Even if someone puts money in your hand, you may not know how to count it right or pay for things.”
Melissa has advice for self-advocates looking to manage money their way. “If you want help managing your money, you need to have someone that you really trust helping you. Someone who can explain it to you and your money is safe with. Everyone should be involved and have a say. Also, I encourage families to think about getting an ABLE account. You can save money and no one can take it away from you.” (You can learn more about ABLE accounts here.)