Shannon was homeless for three years. That began to change when, in her words, “I woke up one day and thought – no one is going to change things for me.” She’s now a part-time student at Madison College and the single-parent of a 2-year-old child with a disability. She wants to be a nurse to premature babies in neonatal …
From Heavy Lifting to Human Resources
After working nearly 9 years at Land o’Lakes, Lori tore her rotator cuff lifting a heavy bag while working. She was in her 50s and had always worked physically demanding jobs, often lifting heavy bags for 12 hours a day. After her work injury and surgery she wasn’t sure what she’d be able to do. Unable to do the physically …
Long Waits and Long Odds: Social Security Disability Benefits Challenges
In this story on NPR (National Public Radio), Stephanie Hashmi shares her story of applying for social security disability benefits. Hashmi was diagnosed with systemic lupus, a medical condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. She’s had surgery and other treatments. Now, at age 41, Hashmi is often bedridden. Her health caused her to …
Stacy’s Story: Taking Control of Your Career Path
Finding the right career path is a unique journey for all of us. Most of us experience some wrong turns, obstacles, and lessons learned along the way. Just ask Stacy who I talked to about her experiences in growing her career. Spotlight on Stacy Stacy has determination – she knows what she needs, what she is good at, and is …
Meet Xavi: a Youth with Promise
Wisconsin is one of six sites participating in the US Department of Education’s PROMISE initiative. This project works with youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and their families to meet their school and work goals. ERI is pleased to be part of this multi-agency collaborative to coordinate services and use best practices to prepare young adults for future career success …
Anna’s Blog: Finding Your Voice and ADA Legacy
Are you following Anna’s Blog? If not, what are you waiting for? Join Anna in talking about employment and empowerment for people with disabilities. In her latest posts, she explains how living silently is not a practical way of life and she shares her remarks made during the 25th Anniversary Tour Bus Stop and Celebration in Madison on June 25, …
Anna Works: Let’s talk about employment, empowerment, and disability
We have a new member of our staff at ERI, Anna Gouker. Anna is passionate about employment and empowering people with disabilities. And this is something Anna knows a little bit about. Not only does she hold a Master’s of Science degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW-Madison, but prior to joining the ERI team, Anna gained experience in counseling and …
Jess Reed combines life events, graduate work to assist others with disabilities
Source: from the Disability Advocate UW-Madison, Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education profile of Jess Reed, a Benefits Specialist, at Employment Resources, Inc. Jess Reed knows first-hand the difference quality disability resources and services can have on one’s life. She was diagnosed with depression as a child, developed bipolar disorder as a young adult and fibromyalgia just more than …
Social Security Highlights Rob’s Ticket to Work Story
Sometimes by reading about the struggles of others and how they learned to face health challenges and achieve goals, provides just the inspiration needed to start a personal journey to improved circumstances. Rob’s story provides lots of insights about facing challenges, building relationships, and taking advantage of opportunities. With the right support, Rob found his path to a better future. …
Meet Faith: A Story About Getting Back to Work After Illness
What resources and supports are available to a person receiving social security disability benefits when wishing to return to work? This is a question Faith had when I met her when she assigned ERI her Ticket through the Social Security Ticket to Work Program. Meet Faith When Faith Linnerud went to her employer’s human resources office to file paperwork for …
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