Atlanta Founders Launch Lotus Disability to Cut Costs for Members

Emily Stanislaus and Cristina Gutierrez started Lotus Disability to reduce the financial burden placed on households with a disabled adult. The Atlanta-based couple founded the membership-based business last year after Stanislaus suffered a spinal cord injury in 2022. She fell from a rooftop onto concrete while visiting her parents with Gutierrez. The accident left Stanislaus wheelchair-bound and forced the pair to manage what Gutierrez terms the disability tax. This term describes the additional time, money, and energy required to maintain a standard of living.

Stanislaus required a catheter that cost $1,200. The couple also renovated their home to add wheelchair ramps, standing frames, and other mobility aids. Data from the National Disability Institute indicates that households with an adult work disability need 29% more income than those without a disabled member to achieve the same standard of living. Stanislaus and Gutierrez observed that many disabled individuals faced similar financial hurdles.

The company operates as a for-profit entity but charges members no fee. Lotus partners with non-profits, medical establishments, and disability organizations to build a centralized marketplace. This platform offers discounted adaptive devices, personal care services, legal and financial assistance, and career support. The business model relies on fiscal sponsors to secure grants and donations. These funds offset the costs of providing free membership to consumers.

Gutierrez explained that the organization aims to negotiate directly with payers. "We’ve launched this ecosystem that includes a marketplace, peer support, and advocacy to help people," Gutierrez said. "Part of our mission is to go to payers so that the [disabled] person never has to [pay] out of pocket for a benefit like this. So, we go to rehab centers, disability carriers, employers, non-profits, and anything serving the [disabled] population."

Lotus Disability currently has partnerships with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Catalyst Sports, and Wheel the World. Members receive access to free apps and resources through these alliances. The organization also offers members-only discounts on products and services from various partners. A wait list is currently active for new members.

Those interested in joining the platform can apply through the Lotus Disability website. The company continues to expand its network of service providers and fiscal sponsors. Stanislaus and Gutierrez remain involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.