Category Archives: Americans with Disabilities

Benefits – 25-03

The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is a special work incentive for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are students. It allows young individuals to work and earn income without immediately affecting their SSI benefits. This incentive helps students gain work experience while maintaining financial stability.

Filling Your Prescription Medication – Helpful Tips

Before You Go to the Pharmacy Gather necessary information: Have your prescription, insurance card (if applicable), and any relevant discount cards or coupons ready. Be sure to bring your photo ID or driver’s license. The pharmacy may ask for identification if the meds are for pain. Check for refills: If you’re needing a refill,… Read More »

Year One on the Spectrum: Reflections from a Late-Diagnosed Autistic

I would have probably been one of those people that would be surprised to hear someone say they found out they were on the autism spectrum in their 30s, but then just after turning 34, I got the “news” that I too am on this wide and usually misunderstood spectrum of neurodivergence, and I’d slipped through the cracks the entire time.

Katherine Magnoli Biography

Katherine’s passion for writing is lifelong. What started out simply as a hobby, evolved into an avenue for her to express her emotions as she faced bullying and ostracization as a person with a disability living in a small town that had little to no diversity.

The View From Here (24-11)

I realize now, that in all of the tools in my toolbelt I’ve developed over 10 years of living with a disability, including learning to walk again, learning to drive using hand controls, navigating life using a mobility device; I was severely lacking in one basic tool that would assist me in a dangerous situation such as the one I was faced with last month. What do I do, as a person living with a disability, when I feel threatened?

Benefits 24-11

The intent of asset building initiatives is that as individuals develop assets, they will be able to move out of poverty and remain out of poverty.

Benefits 24-10

If you are a person with a disability and pursuing employment, you are not alone. You can find many agencies providing employment support and help you to reach your vocational goal.

The View From Here (24-09)

I am reflective today of the challenges I’ve faced, the tremendous obstacles I’ve overcome and the enormous opportunities that have come my way because of all of it.

The Wallet Card Project Update 2024

Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, community organization, or part of law enforcement, visit our newly updated Wallet Card Project page for more information on how to access these resources and apply for a wallet card. Explore the updates today!

Benefits 24-08

A PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) allows you to set aside other income besides your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or resources for a specified period of time so that you may pursue a work goal that will reduce or eliminate the SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits you currently receive.

Hurricane Preparedness: you can refill your prescriptions in advance.

The “Emergency Prescription Refill” law was passed in Florida, which allows you to refill prescribed medications for 30 days during a disaster if there is a hurricane warning or an announced state of emergency.

Voting- Key Dates for Florida 2024

Polling places are designed to be accessible through features like ramps, accessible voting machines, assistance from poll workers, curbside voting, and clear pathways, ensuring all voters, including those with disabilities, can participate.

The 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!

This month marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990.

Hurricane Preparedness: Emergency & Evacuated Assistance Program (EEAP)

With hurricane season approaching, make sure to get ahead by registering for the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP). This program is designed to provide evacuation support to residents that may need specialized transportation assistance or those whose medical needs prevent them from evacuating themselves.

Benefits Information 24-06

A payee must use benefits in the best interests of the beneficiary, according to his/her best judgment.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (2024)

Remember Help is always available – The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 Free and confidential support. It’s never too late to get help.

The View From Here (24-05)

While sometimes a whisper can give you a loud and clear message, maybe it’s in those moments where the message actually roars, that wakes you up to listen just a little bit more. I’m beginning to see it’s those times that my disability is teaching me something. Sometimes it takes a loud cry from someone, something, or some event in our lives, to wake us up to the changes that are happening, or should be happening, right in front of us. While you may not see them as a positive at the time, there may be a lesson there, in the roar. A lesson in acceptance and leaning into that change.

Benefits Information 24-05

Community Work Incentives Coordinator can provide thorough, timely, and accurate information, a variety of benefit scenarios, and facilitate the beneficiary to make informed choices about work, benefits, and financial stability and as a result the SSA beneficiaries with psychiatric disabilities will be able to:

Develop economic security and the ability to support oneself and/or family
Develop assets and achieve financial goals and
Achieve a higher socioeconomic status

Can’t I Just Plug Autism into my GPS?

Along with “just love them,” I’ve discovered a few other self-guiding principles. I’ve learned the importance of not exhausting oneself. It’s tempting to run yourself ragged, getting your children to therapy after therapy, convincing yourself that every therapy is “crucial” or driving a great distance to find the “perfect” school. “Perfect” doesn’t exist and every therapy is not “crucial.” I’ve learned that while seeking good therapies and good schools is desirable, it is more important to focus on peace within the family, to give my children a safe home base where they can comfortably be themselves. 

Benefits Information 24-04

If you receive Social Security benefits and you have a job or are looking for one, there are specially trained professionals known as Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC) to help you make sense of complex employment and benefit-related issues.