Fwd: Accessible Society E-Letter 2/10/2004

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In a message dated 02/10/2004 11:28:34 AM Eastern Standard Time, info@... writes:

ON OUR FRONT PAGE TODAY:'Across the nation, Social Security Determination offices face problems." http://www.accessiblesociety.org/----------------------------------------------------------Website helps visitors navigate the world of disability benefitsOur front page story (see above) reminds us that when we apply for Social Security disability benefits we run the risk of dealing with a state counselor who's overworked and not well trained. Fortunately, a new website can help those of us who need to navigate the disability benefits quagmire.Although designed with disabled Californians in mind, the World Institute on Disability's new "Disability Benefits 101" website at http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org is useful for anyone wishing to learn more about disability benefits programs and employment options. The site, created by WID's California Work Incentives Initiative, gives visitors an easy set of real-life scenarios to follow to learn how disability benefits work. The information is helpful to anyone needing to navigate the benefits process, whether Californian or not.Visitors can peruse each of four scenarios: -- "I've just been diagnosed" as having a disability -- what do I do now? -- "After the accident" -- how do I put my life back on track? -- "Can I take this job" -- if I'm already getting disability benefits? and--- "I'm ready for a job" -- I've finished school and am ready to look for work.Reading the story connected with each of the scenarios takes a visitor through the kinds of initial questions about how benefits work; then offers information, resources and strategies -- and warns about potential pitfalls. Following "Deanna's story," ("Can I take this job"?) leads a visitor to pages that explain--What happens when I work while receiving benefits from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program?-- What are Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs)?-- If I have to stop working after I used all of Social Security's work incentives, can I re-apply for benefits without submitting a new application?-- What happens if you don't have documentation?-- What happens if you get bad information?There's also information on how to find a Benefits Planner and links to various Social Security programs and application information.***************Please visit the website of The Center for An Accessible Society at http://www.accessiblesociety.org, with more links to topics.To stop getting this e-mail letter, send an email to "info@..." with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.The Center for An Accessible Society is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to focus public attention on disability and independent living issues. The Center is a project of Exploding Myths, Inc. a media enterprise company.

ON OUR FRONT PAGE TODAY:

'Across the nation, Social Security Determination offices face

problems. " http://www.accessiblesociety.org/

----------------------------------------------------------

Website helps visitors navigate the world of disability benefits

Our front page story (see above) reminds us that when we apply for

Social Security disability benefits we run the risk of dealing with

a state counselor who's overworked and not well trained. Fortunately,

a new website can help those of us who need to navigate the

disability benefits quagmire.

Although designed with disabled Californians in mind, the World

Institute on Disability's new " Disability Benefits 101 " website at

http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org is useful for anyone wishing to

learn more about disability benefits programs and employment options.

The site, created by WID's California Work Incentives Initiative,

gives visitors an easy set of real-life scenarios to follow to learn

how disability benefits work. The information is helpful to anyone

needing to navigate the benefits process, whether Californian or not.

Visitors can peruse each of four scenarios:

-- " I've just been diagnosed " as having a disability -- what do I do now?

-- " After the accident " -- how do I put my life back on track?

-- " Can I take this job " -- if I'm already getting disability benefits?

and

--- " I'm ready for a job " -- I've finished school and am ready to

look for work.

Reading the story connected with each of the scenarios takes a

visitor through the kinds of initial questions about how benefits

work; then offers information, resources and strategies -- and warns

about potential pitfalls. Following " Deanna's story, " ( " Can I take

this job " ?) leads a visitor to pages that explain

--What happens when I work while receiving benefits from the

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program?

-- What are Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs)?

-- If I have to stop working after I used all of Social Security's

work incentives, can I re-apply for benefits without submitting a new

application?

-- What happens if you don't have documentation?

-- What happens if you get bad information?

There's also information on how to find a Benefits Planner and links

to various Social Security programs and application information.

***************

Please visit the website of The Center for An Accessible Society at

http://www.accessiblesociety.org, with more links to topics.

To stop getting this e-mail letter, send an email to

" info@... " with the word " unsubscribe " in the

subject line.

The Center for An Accessible Society is funded by the National

Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to focus public

attention on disability and independent living issues. The Center is

a project of Exploding Myths, Inc. a media enterprise company.