Building Pathways and Expanding Access Through Financial Wellness

Autism Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive – especially when it comes to navigating life’s financial decisions.

For individuals with disabilities, access to clear, practical financial education can be a powerful step toward independence, confidence and long-term stability.

Regions’ award-winning Money Basics for Life (MBL) curriculum is designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities by delivering accessible, easy-to-understand financial education that supports real-world learning and self-sufficiency.

“Access to financial education is about more than understanding money – it’s about dignity, independence and having the confidence to make decisions for yourself,” said Schiela Peña, Disability Services and Outreach manager at Regions Bank.

“When we design banking education and services with  people with disabilities in mind, we help remove barriers and create pathways to meaningful financial independence.”

Access to financial education is about more than understanding money – it’s about dignity, independence and having the confidence to make decisions for yourself.

Tailored Financial Education That Meets People Where They Are

MBL strives to give people with disabilities the guidance, tools and confidence to bank independently and on their own terms. The sessions, led in person or virtually by Regions associates, breaks down financial fundamentals into flexible sessions that can be scheduled in 30-, 45- or 60-minute increments, and is offered at no cost to individuals through partner organizations, schools and employers across the bank’s footprint.

Each seminar focuses on financial concepts that are:

Topics include managing money, understanding credit and protecting against identity theft – presented in ways that meet participants where they are and encourage questions and interaction.

Throughout the year, Regions associates work closely with community organizations to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals build the skills to navigate financial decisions and work toward a stronger financial future.

Next Step Ambassadors Are the Boots on the Ground

That work is often led by Regions Next Step Ambassadors – specially trained associates who deliver financial education in communities across the bank’s footprint. Some Ambassadors are certified to teach the Money Basics for Life curriculum, presenting lessons designed specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in environments that are supportive, engaging and empowering.

One of those Ambassadors is Lindsay Carroll, Regions Talent Acquisition manager in Charlotte, who began leading Money Basics for Life seminars last year through a community partnership with Best Buddies, an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Regions North Carolina Impact Network has collaborated with the organization for several years, with leadership support from Market Executive Thad Walton.

During a recent session, we were talking about gross pay and net pay, and it suddenly clicked for one of the participants. She said, ‘Oh! I always thought those were the same.’

Carroll said her interest deepened after hearing Magnusmode founder Nadia Hamilton speak at Regions’ Banking for Everyone event during Autism Awareness Month.

“I wasn’t sure how to get started, but I got connected with Schiela and Financial Education Manager Cecilia Bailey, and it’s been such a rewarding experience,” Carroll said. “The Money Basics for Life content is accessible and relevant to real life. One of my favorite sections is Value of a Dollar, where participants guess how much everyday items cost. There’s never a dull moment when debating how much to pay for a new pair of shoes!”

For Carroll, the most meaningful moments come when lessons truly resonate.

“During a recent session, we were talking about gross pay and net pay, and it suddenly clicked for one of the participants,” she said. “She said, ‘Oh! I always thought those were the same.’  Watching that ‘aha’ moment was incredibly powerful.”

Carroll encourages Regions associates to get involved, regardless their background.

“It’s called Money Basics for a reason – you don’t need to be an expert,” she said. “The training is solid, and our Regions Financial Education team sets you up to succeed.”

Community Partners Make Outreach Possible

Regions’ ability to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities relies on strong community partnerships. Members of the Regions Community and Market Engagement team cultivate relationships with organizations across the bank’s footprint to better understand specific community needs and deliver relevant, effective financial education.

One such community partner is the HALO program at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, which provides a higher education experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other learning challenges. Peña and Financial Education Manager Cecilia Bailey recently delivered two Money Basics for Life sessions at their Life Successes cohort, with support from local Impact Network volunteers.

The financial education sessions offer practical lessons about personal finance and give our students the opportunity to connect with bankers in real life and ask questions that are specific to their needs. Ashley Rogucki, instructor and program facilitator at HALO

“We are so grateful for the community partnership with Regions Bank,” said Ashley Rogucki, instructor and program facilitator at HALO. “The financial education sessions offer practical lessons about personal finance and give our students the opportunity to connect with bankers in real life and ask questions that are specific to their needs.”

Regions also works with The Arc of Greater Boone County in Indiana, which assists people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving their goals of living, learning, working, and participating fully in community life. Regions Financial Wellness specialists presented several Money Basics for Life sessions last year and the two organizations are working together to plan a financial education series for 2026, along with additional collaboration.

“I’m excited to expand our relationship with this important community partner,” Peña said. “By working together, we’re able to build on what’s already been accomplished and bring even more meaningful, accessible financial education to the people they serve.”

In the bank’s home state, Regions associates collaborate with The University of Alabama’s CrossingPoints program, which provides transition services for students with disabilities. As part of the program, students work part time in real job settings while receiving instruction in employment skills, independent living and functional academics.

Students are building real-life skills to prepare them for life after college, and our Money Basics for Life sessions help reinforce those lessons by giving them practical, hands-on financial tools they can use every day.

Keren Treme, Regions Financial Education trainer, and Floresha Watkins, Community Relations officer, coordinate with the university to deliver quarterly Money Basics for Life sessions and Reality Check budget simulations on campus that help support program goals.

“CrossingPoints is an incredible program and I’m so proud to work alongside them,” Watkins said. “Students are building real-life skills to prepare them for life after college, and our Money Basics for Life sessions help reinforce those lessons by giving them practical, hands-on financial tools they can use every day.”

By combining accessible curriculum, dedicated associates and strong community partnerships, Regions is helping expand financial access for people with disabilities – supporting confidence, independence and opportunity long after Autism Awareness Month ends.