New. Year’s. Resolutions. These three words are the buzz and bane of our early January thoughts. With them come the questions: What do I want to change in the coming year? What are my work goals? What are my financial goals? For some people the answer could be very simple. “I want to get a job working as an (insert …
Gifts and Social Security Benefits
We hope you enjoy many gifts this holiday season. And remember, sometimes the best gifts don’t come in packages. Just in case, it’s a good idea to learn how gifts are viewed by Social Security for the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) programs. Let’s start with the easy one: SSDI. Gifts do not affect SSDI …
Job Skills Employers Value
There are some skills that all employers – no matter what the job or industry – are looking for in their employees. These are the skills that will help you succeed on the job and move ahead in your career. Sometimes called “soft skills”, the skills employers value includes things like communication, attitude, responsibility, and willingness to learn. They’re sometimes …
Section 503: What Does It Mean for Someone with a Disability?
A lot of hype surrounded the revisions to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 when the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) implemented the changes in 2014. Some said it was a “game changer” for increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to get back into and remain in the workforce. Five years later, let’s …
Employment First: Madison Transition to Employment Fair
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is hosting a transition resource fair! Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner served at 5:30 pm Students, their families, and advocates will receive face-to-face introductions to resources, along with explanations of the services available to students with disabilities and those that support them in their transition to their post-secondary goal. They will also learn …
Continued Medicaid Eligibility While Working: Section 1619(b)
If you could keep your Medicaid coverage AND earn enough money to get off of SSI, would you? Many people would, but don’t even know it’s even a possibility. I have good news for you! Continued Medicaid Eligibility, or Section 1619(b), is a work incentive that allows people to keep their Medicaid even if their earnings are so high that …
Free Writing Assistance with Your Job Search
Free, One-On-One Help for Madison Area Residents Sometimes the hardest part of getting a job is getting started. Summarizing your entire work and life experiences in a single resume and cover letter can be daunting. And navigating the web, asking people you know for help, on top of reading and filling out forms and applications, can be downright scary. Did …
ERI Supports National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of an inclusive community and strong economy. How can we, collectively and individually, reinforce the value and talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities? What actions can we take right now to raise awareness that employers, employees, and our communities benefit …
Your DVR Case Closed. It May Be Time for Ticket to Work!
If you have a disability and an employment goal, the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can provide services to help you prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. In many cases, once you get a job and maintain that job for 90 days, your DVR case closes successfully. But what happens next? When you receive your DVR case closure letter, …
Learn, Explore, Take Action! How to Use High School to Jumpstart Your Future
High school is more than going to classes. It’s about learning who you are, exploring what you want to be as an adult, and taking actions to have the life you want. If you’re a teen with a disability, there may be extra steps you need to take in high school as you learn and explore who you are. You …