Empowering Financial Independence in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: I CAN-B Money Savvy!

In an era where online shopping is ubiquitous, making informed purchasing decisions has become a vital skill. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often encounter significant challenges in the digital marketplace—where targeted advertisements and “one-click” purchasing can outpace their ability to make informed choices.

An article published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders addresses this very challenge. Special Education researchers at Florida Atlantic University—Assistant Professor Kaley Adams, Ph.D.; Professor Rangasamy Ramasamy, Ph.D.; Associate Professor Lisa Finnegan, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor Kelly Kearney, Ed.D.; and Instructor Angelica Downey, Ph.D.—along with Associate Professor Kyle Bennett, Ph.D., from Florida International University, introduced a novel intervention: I CAN-B Money Savvy! A comprehensive, remotely delivered instructional package, I CAN-B Money Savvy! includes a mnemonic device (Cost, Afford, Need, Best), task analysis, and behavior-skills training (BST) to empower adults with IDD to make sound financial choices online.

“This intervention package offers a feasible way to teach decision-making related to online shopping,” said Adams. “Essentially, it improves informed purchasing decisions to promote financial well-being.”

The research team utilized a multiple-probe, across-participants design to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness in three adults with IDD. The results were impressive. Each participant demonstrated significant improvements in their ability to independently and accurately evaluate online purchases. Specifically, participants improved their price comparison ability by identifying more cost-effective options, their quality evaluation by assessing product attributes and credibility, and their security awareness by recognizing safe payment methods and avoiding scams. These improvements persisted for at least six weeks after the intervention and successfully carried over to multiple e-commerce platforms.

Social validity was an important component of determining the success of the research. Surveys of participants, their families, and professionals revealed positive perceptions of the intervention’s goals, procedures, and outcomes. Participants and their support networks described the experience as beneficial and empowering.

One parent noted, “After seeing what [my daughter] can do, I trust her more to make Amazon purchases on her own. She can get the app on her phone and do that herself.” I CAN-B Money Savvy! demonstrates that targeted, evidence-based instruction can help adults with IDD navigate online commerce more confidently and safely. Extending beyond individual skill-building, this intervention also opens the door to educational innovation. For instance, I CAN-B Money Savvy! can be utilized in broader efforts to enhance financial and digital literacy for individuals with disabilities. Implementation of such curricula through community organizations, adult education programs, and digital learning platforms can help increase autonomy and confidence of adults with IDD.