CBS17 reported on the Direct Service Provider (DSP) crisis and the North Carolina Innovations Waiver Registry of Unmet Needs. Both are crucial to people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to live and thrive in the community of their choosing. Learn more about this 2-fold crisis and how it impacts families across the state.

The Social Security Administration announced on October 13, 2022 that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 8.7 percent from a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2023. Increased payments to more than 7 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2022. 

Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amount. The fastest way to find out their new benefit amount is to access their personal my Social Security account to view the COLA notice online. It’s secure, easy, and people find out before the mail arrives. People may create or access their my Social Security account online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Want to help improve the lives of people with Down syndrome - see the Advocacy Alert below

SSDI & SSI - The Basics and More

This session will cover general Social Security information as well as specific information related to the SSDI and SSI programs. Updates to Social Security/Supplemental Security Income programs for 2023 will be covered. Discussion will include online services such as My Social Security Account and also information related to Representative payees as well as online wage reporting for beneficiaries. In preparation for the webinar, if you haven't already, you should create your My Social Security Account so that you can review all the different service options available to you. 

Many people with Down syndrome rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the basics of everyday living—but SSI has outdated rules that make it impossible to save money and live with dignity. The SSI asset limit is $2,000 per person and has not been updated since 1989! Assets include money in bank accounts, property, and savings. These asset limits make it hard for people to save money for emergencies and force many people with disabilities into poverty.

Urge your U.S. Senators to support the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act now! This bipartisan bill would raise the SSI asset limit for the first time in over 30 years and adjust for inflation each year. 

Wednesday, December 7th

Offered twice via Zoom: 3-4pm or 8-9pm

Are you dedicated to helping adults and teens with communication challenges build skills for independence?

Do worries about bullying, abuse, harassment, or assault - in public, at work, at school, at home - stop you or them from making the most of opportunities that could help them grow, learn, and thrive?

This live online special event is for YOU - and for all adult leaders committed to empowering adults and teens who have communication challenges with practical, adaptable skills they can use to take charge of their safety.

Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, the occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocates Medical Group in Park Ridge, IL, provides step by step instructions on how to create a visual aid for a shower or bath routine.

Everything you need to create your own visual is available: sample routine, blank template, and printable images.

11/19 - New Parent Support Meeting 10:30 am (NCDSA Training Center)

11/30 - Moms Night Out 7:00 pm (Fayetteville)

12/1 - Improvaneer Workshop 7:00 pm (Virtual)

12/3 - Triangle Holiday Party 10:00 am (The Shepherd's Church)

12/3 - T-21 Club Social Holiday Party 6:00 pm (NCDSA Training Center)

12/7 - Homeschool Meetup 12:30 pm (NCDSA Training Center)

12/7 - Noche de Mamas 8:00 pm (en Espanol) (Virtual)

12/8 - T-21 Club Bingo 7:00 pm (Virtual)

12/10 - Greenville Holiday Party 10:00 am (Parker's Chapel)

12/13 - Dads' Night Out 7:00 pm (Raleigh)

12/14 - Moms' Night Out Holiday Party 7:00 pm (NCDSA Training Center)

12/15 - Improvaneer Workshop 7:00 pm (Virtual)

12/17 - The Learning Program

12/18 - Sibshops 3:00 pm (NCDSA Training Center)

12/22 - T-21 Club Bingo 7:00 pm (Virtual)