How ACE FMS raised the bar on Accessibility in the Self Determination Program

When ACE FMS entered the California Self-Determination Program (SDP) landscape in early 2024, the founders had one simple goal: give families a better option. What they created, however, was a seismic shift in how accessibility is defined in the Financial Management Services (FMS) industry.

In the world of disability services, "accessibility" often refers to ramps, screen readers, and accommodations. But for families navigating the SDP, another kind of accessibility had long been lacking—basic access to an FMS company.

“When we launched, families were telling us they couldn’t even get a call or email returned from FMS providers,” said Peyman Dadmehr, co-founder of ACE FMS. “And if they did hear back, they were told to try again in a few months just to be put on a waitlist. There was no pathway to ask questions, get guidance, or understand what they were signing up for.”

ACE FMS decided from the outset that the status quo wasn’t good enough. On day one, they launched a free consultation system, allowing families to schedule time directly from the ACEFMS.com website—often for the same or next day. Families who joined these meetings were often surprised to find themselves face-to-face with a co-founder of the company. What followed were thoughtful, in-depth conversations where questions were answered clearly, compassionately, and without a sales pitch.

During those consultations, families also got a firsthand look at ACE’s proprietary digital portal, which many have since credited with modernizing and simplifying the FMS experience.

“It wasn’t about building a business that worked for us,” said co-founder Sara Dadmehr. “It was about building a service that worked for families. Full stop.”

That mindset has sent ripples across the industry. ACE didn’t just make themselves accessible—they redefined what accessibility should look like. Today, more and more FMS companies are rethinking how they engage with families. Many are adding consultation options, speeding up response times, and enhancing transparency—not out of kindness, but because the bar has been raised.

“What started as a simple idea—to be available, to be helpful—has grown into a movement,” said co-founder Peyman Dadmehr. “Families no longer accept that they should be grateful for any FMS willing to take them. They know they deserve better. And that shift is something we’re proud to have helped lead.”

The message is clear: in the new world of Financial Management Services, if you're not accessible, you're replaceable.