During his second inauguration, President Abraham Lincoln said “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” Helping returning veterans has long been a part of our country’s heritage.Veterans Day and Vocational Rehabilitation On November 11, we celebrate and honor the veterans who have served in the U.S. military. The date commemorates …
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
Workers with Disabilities are Key to Economic RecoveryNational Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated each October to recognize the many contributions of people with disabilities to our nation’s economy. This year’s NDEAM theme is, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” COVID-19 has left an enormous gap in America’s workforce. There are more jobs than skilled people to fill them. This gives …
10 Steps People with Disabilities Should Take to Prepare for an Emergency
With the current and recent natural disasters happening, it might be a good time to consider your personal emergency plan. The “Be Prepared, Have a Plan: Emergency Preparedness Toolkit for People with Disabilities” can help you plan for and respond to emergencies and natural disasters. The Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities developed it to ensure the safety and protect the …
Worried About Money? A Budget Can Help
Do worries about money keep you up at night? Would you rather go to the dentist than look at your bank account? Do you struggle with not having enough money to cover your expenses at the end of the month? These ups and downs may make you feel like you are on a roller coaster! Here are some ways to …
When You Have a Mental Health Disability and Need Benefits….
Complex. Confusing. Overwhelming. These are just a few of the words used to describe what it’s like to have a mental health disability and apply for Social Security and Medicaid benefits. Some people are able to navigate the application process on their own or with the help of family and friends. Others may need a little more support. Jolin, a …
Living with Depression: Creative Solutions for Work
An important part of living well with depression is to engage in as many regular daily activities as possible, including work. For many, the satisfaction and security of work leads to positive self-esteem, and being part of a work team can create a sense of belonging. But. . . you may not feel positive or that you belong at work …
Short on Money? It’s Time to Take Charge
Does COVID-19 have you wondering how to meet your basic needs and still pay your bills? If so, you’re not alone. One-third of adults in Wisconsin said it was difficult to pay for usual household expenses in a recent U.S. Census survey. The anxiety you may be feeling is normal, especially if your employment or income has been affected by the …
COVID-19 Money Struggles? Some Resources to Help
Money struggles happen during ordinary times, and these are no ordinary times. COVID-19 disrupted life as we knew it in 2020, creating new challenges for people with disabilities to meet their short and long-term money goals. Fortunately, we’re all in this together. Federal, local, and grass roots organizations have come together to provide useful resources to help people with disabilities …
COVID-19 and Taxes: Free Help to File
Although 2020 was difficult year for many of us, there were a few silver linings to the cloud. Stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits, the ability to work remotely, and tax relief packages enabled many of us to meet our basic needs and make it through an extraordinarily challenging time. These same silver linings may cause your taxes to look a …
Setting Goals for 2021: It All Begins with Attitude
After 2020, your approach to setting goals for the new year may be different than in years past. 2020 was tough, so this may be the year to give yourself permission to go easy on yourself with setting employment and financial goals. It may also be the year that you explore and tap into new opportunities for employment and financial …