'Tis the season for gift-giving. And here at Real Economic Impact, we're so grateful for your gifts of camaraderie and teamwork throughout the past year --- all of which have led to increased real economic impact for people with disabilities and their families. As we look towards the new year, we hope you'll help us in giving the gift of tax knowledge to others; forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues, find out how you can be a part of the 2010 Real Economic Impact Tour, and most importantly, help us get the word out that there are substantial tax credits for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Tax knowledge is freedom.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
 
Michael Morris
Executive Director
Real Economic Impact (Powered by the National Disability Institute)

"Tour sheds light on link between poverty, disability. Group raises awareness of link between the two." That was the headline on the front page of the Florida Times-Union business section last week, highlighting the 4^th annual Real Economic Impact Tour Mayor's Academy conference in Jacksonville.

"The statistics painted a clear picture: More Americans are falling below the poverty level, and many of them are people with disabilities," wrote reporter Kevin Turner. Read the full story here.

Together, along with 38 federal, state and private sector panelists, we exchanged ideas and information about innovative practices and strategies to better achieve our collective goal: assisting people with disabilities in building economic self-sufficiency. Most importantly, we solidified the idea that together, we're stronger. It was truly exciting to be able to join forces with so many organizations, so thanks to all of you who participated. In particular, thanks to blind actor and musician Tom Sullivan for an extraordinary evening of inspired entertainment during the conference, reminding us exactly why we do the work we do.

Many of us know that when learning is fun, people are more likely to retain information. Which is why we've teamed up with VISA to introduce a new version of their successful Financial Soccer online, virtual-soccer money-management learning tool. In the Real Economic Impact version, we added disability-related questions to help promote valuable financial information geared towards building a better economic future for people with disabilities. It's a great way to get educated about managing finances and to assist others in doing the same. Score! Play here.

Acknowledge the past. Commit to change. Time yourself. Read how Certified Professional Coach Christine Ng's ACT Method inspired Real Economic Impact blogger (and National Project Director for the National Disability Institute) Michael Roush to apply life coaching techniques to financial well-being. It's all on the Real Economic Impact Blog! Subscribe today.