Although many financial advisory practices chase the same demographic of high-net-worth clients, a substantial and underserved market remains largely overlooked: individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It’s not just a matter of social responsibility, but a strategic business opportunity that forward-thinking advisors are beginning to recognize.

The compelling business case

A significant and growing market
Approximately 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability, representing roughly 26 percent of the adult population. The neurodivergent community, including individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences, represents an estimated 15 to 20 percent of the population. Meanwhile, roughly 7.4 million Americans have IDD. These communities control substantial assets and face unique financial planning needs that require specialized guidance.

Many of these individuals receive structured settlements, especially in the case of medical malpractice or another event that causes long-term impairment. Other sources of income include inheritance funds, government benefits, or employment earnings. They need advisors who understand the intersection of disability benefits, special needs trusts, Achieve a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts, and traditional wealth management. Unfortunately, few practices offer this expertise.

Higher client retention
When advisors take the time to create truly accessible and welcoming practices, curating bespoke experiences through customized onboarding and platforms, plus high-touch service, they earn extraordinary client loyalty. Families which have struggled to find competent and respectful financial guidance can become some of the most dedicated clients. They refer siblings, extended family, and friends within disability communities. This word-of-mouth marketing in an underserved niche can become a powerful growth engine.

Multigenerational relationship opportunities
Serving clients with disabilities often means building relationships with entire family systems. Parents planning for their child's financial future, siblings who may serve as future trustees, and extended family members all become part of the advisory relationship. One client can expand into multiple households, each with their own financial planning needs.

Differentiation in a crowded market
As financial advice becomes increasingly commoditized, specialization offers a competitive advantage. Advisors who develop expertise in disability financial planning stand out. This specialization can attract media attention, speaking opportunities, and professional recognition that elevates the entire practice.

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Understanding unique needs

Before implementing changes, advisors must understand what makes these clients' needs distinct. Individuals with disabilities may be navigating benefits programs like SSI or SSDI with strict asset limits. They may need special needs trusts to preserve benefit eligibility while still planning for their future. Neurodivergent clients might prefer communication styles that differ from traditional advisory methods — some may want detailed written summaries rather than verbal explanations, or benefit from visual presentations of complex information.

The key is recognizing that disability is diverse. One client with autism may have completely different communication preferences to another. Someone with an intellectual disability may have full capacity to make their own financial decisions with appropriate support, while others may work through guardians or supported decision-making arrangements. The most effective growth tactic is to have a foundational workflow and process that is easily customizable to each client’s needs.

Practical implementation strategies

Accessibility starts with your space
Begin with a physical accessibility audit.

• Is your office wheelchair accessible?
• Do you have clear signage?
• Is your waiting area sensory-friendly, with options for quiet spaces and adjustable lighting?

These modifications benefit all clients while making your practice genuinely welcoming to people with disabilities.

Extend accessibility to your digital presence.

• Ensure your website meets accessibility standards with screen reader compatibility, adequate color contrast, and keyboard navigation.
• Offer documents in multiple formats, including large-print and plain-language versions.

Train your entire team
Disability competence isn't just for advisors. It's for everyone who interacts with clients. Invest in disability etiquette training for all staff. Teach your team to address clients directly rather than speaking through companions, to ask about communication preferences rather than making assumptions, and to use person-first or identity-first language that is based on individual preferences.

Consider bringing in consultants from disability communities to provide authentic training. Their lived experience offers insights that generic training programs cannot match.

Flexible communication options
Offer multiple communication channels and be explicit about these options. Some clients may prefer email over phone calls, text messages over in-person meetings, or video calls that allow them to participate from comfortable environments. Be willing to conduct meetings in alternative locations if your office presents barriers.

Provide meeting materials in advance so clients can review and prepare questions. Use visual aids, flowcharts, and concrete examples to explain abstract concepts. Break complex information into smaller chunks and check for understanding throughout.

Build your knowledge base
Develop expertise in the specific financial tools that are relevant to disability planning. Understand how special needs trusts work, the rules governing ABLE accounts, and how asset ownership affects benefit eligibility. Learn about guardianship alternatives, such as supported decision-making, and understand capacity assessments.

Connect with local disability organizations, attend conferences focused on special needs planning, and consider credentials like the Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC) designation. Build relationships with attorneys who specialize in disability and elder law, and with care managers who work with disabled clients.

Create support systems
Recognize that some clients may benefit from having support persons in meetings. Welcome family members, professional advocates, or support staff, while still ensuring the client remains the focus of attention and decision-making. Develop intake processes that identify what support, if any, each client wants.

Establish clear processes for working with powers of attorney, guardians, and trustees while still honoring client autonomy to the greatest extent possible.

Moving forward
The opportunity to serve neurodivergent, IDD, and disabled clients represents both a business opportunity and a chance to make a genuine difference. These clients need financial guidance just as much as anyone else — perhaps more, given the complexity of navigating disability benefits systems alongside wealth accumulation.

Starting small is perfectly acceptable. Choose one area to improve each quarter, whether that's accessibility modifications, staff training, or building technical knowledge. Connect with one disability organization in your community. Attend one conference focused on special needs planning.

The advisors who embrace this opportunity today are positioning themselves as leaders in an emerging specialty. They're building practices that don't just tolerate diversity but actively celebrate it, creating financial planning experiences that truly work for everyone. In doing so, they are discovering that inclusive practices aren't just good ethics — they're excellent business.

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About Hestia Wealth & Wellness
Hestia Wealth & Wellness is a new kind of financial advisory firm, designed for individuals and families whose loved ones have special needs and disabilities. Navigate special needs planning, retirement strategies, caregiver resources, and financial wellness – all with compassion and clarity.

For more information, visit www.hestiawealthandwellness.com.

About the US RIA Toolkit 2026
The US RIA Toolkit 2026 describes an era of transformation for the RIA ecosystem. Rapid growth, accelerating consolidation, and rising client expectations are converging with advances in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to reshape how RIAs compete, scale, and serve clients. This report is intended to help RIAs and those serving the segment to navigate this transformation. It highlights real-world technology solutions, implementation strategies, and resources designed specifically for RIAs operating in an increasingly complex environment.

With RIA assets under management at historic highs, private equity activity accelerating, and a growing number of advisors making the jump to the RIA segment every year, competitive differentiation has never been more important. From digital client experience and automation, to AI-driven personalization and cybersecurity, this report explores the tools that can materially improve efficiency, growth, and client satisfaction.

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