A Big Move Forward
Exciting news for financial accessibility! A major new development in banking is on the horizon for the disability community.
The Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have announced joint funding to launch Artichoke Credit Union - a first-of-its-kind credit union designed with and for people with disabilities.
Why this matters:
For too long, the banking industry has ignored the specific needs of people with disabilities, often penalizing them with rigid asset limits and excluding them from tools needed to build long-term wealth. Artichoke Credit Union aims to change that by centering the experiences and voices of the disability community.
What to expect:
* Services: They will offer checking and savings accounts, personal loans, credit and debit cards, and specialized financial education.
* Accessibility: The institution is built to adopt adaptive technology and develop truly appropriate financial tools.
* Timeline: Member sign-ups are expected to begin in 2027.
The name "Artichoke" is inspired by disability rights pioneer Ed Roberts, who famously declared that he would be like an artichoke: "a little prickly on the outside but with a big heart".
Learn more and follow the launch.
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