WHAT'S NEWS...
March / April 2018
EDITOR: HOLLY PETERSON
|
|
PREPARE T
O
LAUNCH!
WHETHER YOUR TRANSITION
IS FROM SCHOOL, OR HOME TO WORK...
The "LAUNCH" a big move. Knowledge and preparation
are key to making
TRANSITIONS
as smooth as possible!
Editors note: Each month I will feature explanations to individual issues...
watch each month for topics under
"LAUNCH"
!
|
|
Let's begin with Plan.
Use this scenario for example;
Jake is seventeen-and-a-half years old. He currently attends high school and is in his junior year. He has had an IEP since he was 5. His parents are Becky and Mike, along with Jake they are wondering... where do we go from here...
Points of Consideration:
- Is Jake taking a Diploma or a Certificate of Completion
- Parents may be considering Guardianship or less restrictive Alternatives to Guardianship for Jake.
- Learn about Insurance options and/or changes.
- If Jake has never received Social Security, Medicaid or other benefits, is he eligible now? If he has, what do we need to do for this transition.
- Will Jake lose his Social Security and Medicaid if he does go to work?
- What role do Becky and Mike play in preparing Jake for work or other special education programming and what do the school and /or other community programs have to offer.
- How does he go about getting involved with other programs and or services to support Jake? What programs are there and what do they even offer?
- Planning for the future: housing options, wills, trusts, other protections to help as parents age or pass away.
- Once he leaves high school, what is available for ongoing education and/or social events and opportunities.
WOW! that is certainly a lot to think about and a lot you need to know also! These are the important questions to a smooth transition to 18 years old for individuals with disabilities.
We can sit down with you individually to help you understand the processes you need to go through to secure education, benefits and a clearer road to what lies ahead. When you are ready to meet one on one or just call with a few questions...contact Holly Peterson in Jackson at 990-8061. I will either meet with you or refer you to other individuals in your area for assistance! We can either jump in full force or start with "baby steps"!
|
|
WHY SHOULD
I WORK?
We hear this question over and over. Indeed there is a thought that work causes you to lose needed SSI /Medicaid benefits.
With changes in attitude, law and incentives that can all look differently.
Think first about the benefits of working.
- Earning Potential
- Self-Worth
- Social Aspects
How much money can I make before I would lose benefits? Get to know the SSI incentives to working
- Learn more about programs and work incentives that fit your situation best by calling 1-866-968-7842 or go to www.socialsecurity.gov/work
- Contact Parrish or Jim at disAbility Connections for an easier to understand explanation.
Who can help me get the experience I need?
- Begin the discussion with school if you are still in High School, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) works with students. If you have already graduated, call MRS also.
- If you have a case manager through LIFEWAYS, you could potentially discuss a job coach through LIFESPAN.
- AND remember... it's not always what you know but WHO you know. Talk to friends and family about whether they know someone who would be willing to give you the needed opportunity!
- Consider volunteering to gain the needed experience to get a job!
|
|
WHY SHOULD
I VOLUNTEER?
The first reason to volunteer is...
It is just a good thing to do! Beyond that the benefits of volunteering are never ending. Sure, you wont get rich in a monetary way, but imagine...
- Learning a new skill that in the future may turn into a job!
- Giving back to the community - the way I figure it is, if I am getting SSI - I am already getting a paycheck. Now what am I going to do for that paycheck, to pay back in a way that I am able.
- I don't need to be lonely, because when I volunteer I am with other people- making a difference and making new friends!
What sort of places would I volunteer and what might I do? First consider your interests and tie your volunteer experience to that.
- I like the library, so I could go and clean book jackets.
- I like older people, so I could go help out at the Senior Center or Retirement/Nursing Facility by visiting or helping with activities
- I love animals, so I could go to the Animal Shelter and walk dogs, play with kittens and clean cages.
- I like to help raise money for a good cause, you could volunteer at a race or a walk!
- I like kids, so I can volunteer with a boy or girl scout troop.
So many things occur in our communities only because of volunteers! Why not you!
|
|
FEATURING A TRIFECTA OF YOUTH TRAINING!
There are several supportive youth employment programs.
Along with services through Michigan Rehabilitation, Job Coaches through
LIFESPAN, The Jackson Area Career Center and the Young Adult Program
at The Kit Young Center (JCISD), 3 additional programs stand out in
Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee Counties.
Potential employers are encouraged to contact us if you have available positions or
would like to offer a training opportunity for students/individuals with disabilities!
Call Holly Peterson at 990-8061.
|
|
disAbility Connections:
Students from the local Jackson County Intermediate School District’s Career Center work in "hands on" jobs as a part of disAbility Connections' Youth Training and Assessment Program. Students learn custodial, loan closet, and facilities tasks at the main campus and work on durable medical equipment at fixDis. Students also learn soft skills like communication, team work, decision making, leadership, hygiene, and timeliness. The desired outcome is to prepare our youth for the workforce and independent living and help set them off on a life path.
|
|
Key Opportunities
in Hillsdale, is an agency that works with youth and adults on increasing vocational skills. In 2016, Key Opportunities purchased the
House of Pizza and BBQ Restaurant
to enhance their existing skills program. Individuals are able to learn skills such as cleanliness and food safety. Many of the entry level jobs in Hillsdale are primarily in the food industry, so having these skills allows individuals with disabilities more opportunity to become employed.
|
|
A LENAWEE COUNTY WIN - WIN!
|
Gary Clift from Clift Buick GMC, called Goodwill to inquire about possible candidates to fill an opening to perform janitorial duties at his Dealership. Gary and Goodwill discussed the type of candidate they were looking for, and Goodwill had the perfect employee. Wade Ondrovich had gained experience and training in several different work programs through the Lenawee Intermediate School District/Goodwill Student Services, Goodwill Micro Enterprise, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and most recently the Project Search program. Wade just recently graduated from the Project Search program, which is a Lenawee Intermediate School District training program hosted by ProMedica Bixby Hospital. Other partners involved in this program are Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Goodwill, Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority and Blind Services to Blind People. While there Wade trained in various departments at Bixby Hospital in Oncology, Lab/ OB, and Surgery. Due to all of the training along with Wade’s great attitude and personality, we all knew Wade would be the perfect fit for Clift. An interview was set up, and Wade was hired on 6/22/2016.
It’s businesses like Clift Buick GMC that make the efforts and collaboration pay off for the students to develop skills and become successful employees.
|
|
Director Emeritus Presentations
|
|
Jim Grose, disAbility Connections Board Past President and Lloyd Ganton, disAbility Connections Foundation Trustee joined dC staff members in presenting Dave Fleming his Director Emeritus Certificate.
|
|
disAbility Connections Board Members Jim Grose and Jerry Jenkins present Phil Moilanen his Director Emeritus Certificate at a recent Rotary Club of Jackson meeting.
|
|
disAbility Connections Board of Directors honored two recently retired board members. Dave Fleming and Phillip Moilanen have distinguished themselves through meritorious service to the disAbility Connections Board. The title "Emeritus Director" is presented in appreciation for their years of dedication and service.
|
|
Do you need an accessible ramp for your home?
- disAbility Connections has opened the annual Residential Ramp application Process for Jackson County Residents. Call the main office number - 782-6054- as soon as possible! There are a limited number of builds that can be done each year so call and follow up with needed paperwork as soon as possible .
- If your child is eligible or is enrolled in Children's Special Health Care Services, funds may be available through the Children's Trust Fund. Contact the local
CSHCS office at 788-4422 or call the Family Phone Line at 800-359-3722
for information and application.
|
|
Should I Work After Retirement or
While on Social Security Disability?
Parrish L. Stahl
For many of us the question of working past retirement or through a disability is something increasing numbers of people need to consider to maintain a quality of life. The fundamentally important question is what happens to my Social Security benefits if I work after retirement age or while on Social Security Disability? First we need understand what is considered retirement age? The answer is different ages for different people. In 1983 because people were living longer the rules changed. For decades 65 was considered full retirement age but anyone born after 1960 for instance now has a full retirement age of 67. People can start drawing retirement at 62 but the payment is drastically reduced by about 30% if one draws early. It makes sense for a healthy individual that can work to keep working to increase the benefit over time. Younger retirees that work in 2018 can make up to $17,040 before the benefit is reduced $1 in benefits for every three earned above the limit. If you reach full retirement age in 2018 for the months leading up to your birthday the limit of your earnings goes up drastically to $45,360. After full retirement age there is no limit on your earnings. One more advantage to working after retirement is that as you continue to work your benefit can go up. Think of it like this. If you're still paying into the system every year Social Security reevaluates your payment to a higher amount
.
If you are a person with a disability and you've been receiving Social Security benefits before retirement age; once you reach full retirement age there is essentially no such thing as disability you revert to regular retirement benefits. Another important rule that people with disabilities should consider is that a person on Social Security Disability can make $1,180 a month (Gross) this is called SGA or Substantial Gainful Activity (for people with legal blindness it is much more) before it affects their benefits. In some cases people can earn even more than SGA if it costing them out of pocket money for Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE’s) to hold a job. There are many examples, like if you need a specially adapted vehicle or if a personal assistant is needed to help an individual get ready for work, cost of medical devices that allow you to work, wheelchairs, dialysis equipment, crutches, pacemakers, respirators, walkers, braces are the kinds of things that may be considered. Service animal expenses as well can be deducted from what Social Security counts as income. The Social Security Administration ultimately decides what can be considered an (IRWE). Points covered in this portion are just touching on Social Security Disability Income or SSDI rules. The SSI program has some different rules. Learn more about programs and work incentives by calling 1-866-968-7842 or on the internet at www.socialsecurity.gov/work
|
|
|
|
Parkinson Support Group
Held at disAbility Connections 6:15-7:45 PM Contact Carole 783-6527
- April 10
- May 8
- June 12 (6-8 PM Potluck)
GOGOs
Remember you must have GOGO enrollment completed to attend GOGO events! Holly - 990-8061
- April- NO event
- May 7th from 6 to 9 PM at First Church of the Nazarene...
"IT's YOUR BIRTHDAY"
party!
- June 5th - PROM (by invitation)
|
|
disAbility Connections 409 Linden Avenue Jackson MI 49203 (517)782-6054
www.disabilityconnect.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
