Access to capital and supportive services can determine whether individuals with disabilities are able to work, live independently, and participate fully in their communities. The following stories illustrate how CDFIs provide tailored financing and hands-on support that address barriers often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.
From a Florida business expanding employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum, to the development of more than 300 community-based housing units in Illinois designed for accessibility and long-term stability, to a low-interest loan in rural Pennsylvania that enabled a farmer to continue operating independently after a serious injury, these stories demonstrate the practical impact of flexible, mission-driven capital. Together, they show how CDFIs finance not only projects, but greater independence, dignity, and opportunity.
Stories from the 2026 Progress Report
- Pacific Northwest-Seattle area,
- Washington
- Northwest Access Fund
- CDFI Credit Unions, Consumer Finance, Disabilities, Progress Report
- Rural Pennsylvania,
- Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
- Agriculture, Disabilities, Progress Report
- Parkland,
- Florida
- The Disability Opportunity Fund
- Disabilities, Progress Report
- Park Forest,
- Illinois
- IFF
- Affordable Housing, Disabilities, Progress Report
- Fort Collins,
- Colorado
- Impact Development Fund
- Affordable Housing, Disabilities, Progress Report
Additional Disability Financing Stories
- La Puente,
- California
- Clearinghouse CDFI
- Disabilities, Loan Fund
- Agua Dulce,
- California
- Clearinghouse CDFI
- Disabilities, Loan Fund