Financial understanding, not only financial access
We are developing technology that adapts financial information and support to the individual and the situation — helping people with disabilities better understand financial decisions and have greater control over their own money.
An early-stage project by Special Needs Toys Norway.
The problem
Most financial products assume everyone understands money the same way.
For people with cognitive, communication, sensory, or intellectual disabilities, that often means they cannot see the cost, the consequence, or the choice.
Families and institutions then step in. Control of money moves away from the person.
Changing the look of an app is not enough. People need the decision explained at their level.
The gap
Much of financial accessibility is about being able to use a service: screen readers, contrast, larger text, simpler navigation.
That work is essential. Access does not necessarily mean understanding.
A person may open a banking app, see a balance, and press pay — and still not be able to answer:
- What does NOK 600 mean in my finances?
- Can I afford this?
- How much will I have left?
- What does this agreement actually mean?
- What happens if I choose this?
- Do I understand this well enough, or do I want support?
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That is the gap Assistoken is exploring.
What we are — and are not — building
Assistoken is developing the concept of adaptive financial technology for people with disabilities.
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The financial decision can be the same. The support around understanding it can be different.
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We are not building a simplified bank for disabled people.
Not: diagnosis → simplified interface.
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Two people with the same diagnosis can need very different support. The same person can need different support in a familiar shop than for a loan or a subscription.
Individual + situation + financial decision → appropriate support.
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Technology should help the person understand the decision. It should not take the decision.
A trusted person can help when that is wanted or needed. The individual stays at the centre.
Maximum autonomy. Minimum necessary support.
Stage
Problem and direction are defined. This is not a finished commercial product.
This site is information about the project.
Investors, institutions, organisations, and families: hei@specialneedstoys.no
What is Assistoken?
Assistoken is developing adaptive financial technology for people with disabilities. We are exploring how financial information, choices and consequences can be adapted to the individual and the situation, so people can better understand decisions and have more participation and control over their own money.
What is innovative?
Rather than one simplified financial experience for everyone, Assistoken explores adaptive intelligence that combines financial knowledge, an evolving understanding of the individual, and the context of each decision — to work out what form and level of support may be appropriate.
Short answers