Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Celebrating 20 Years of Synergy through People, Service and Technology



Celebrating 20 Years of Synergy through People, Service and Technology

Categories: Technology
Logo for the USDA TARGET Center 20th Anniversary
By Guest Blogger Paul Lloyd, Education Service Area Manager, USDA TARGET Center
Synergy was aptly described by Aristotle as the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. In the workplace, the idea is simple: by working together a team can accomplish more than if working independently. Yet there is even more to be achieved by enhancing human resources with technology. At the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) TARGET Center, we have learned that it takes a combination of compassionate service providers and advocates, innovative technology and meaningful services to truly make a lasting difference. And by combining these ‘parts’, TARGET has been able to have a synergistic effect on the culture at USDA and help create equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The TARGET Center 20th Anniversary is a significant and rewarding milestone for USDA. Since 1992, TARGET Center has witnessed the incredible, rapid advancement of technology for individuals with disabilities. The TARGET Center’s role in providing this technology to the workforce for the past two decades has assisted thousands of individuals with disabilities to further contribute to the mission of the Department of Agriculture. This includes facilitating 1,700 accommodation requests through the Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program from FY 2002 – FY 2011 and providing over 45,000 services to customers at USDA, across the federal government and as the Washington, D.C. Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center over the past two decades.
TARGET services have impacted the lives of individuals with disabilities through technology, support of management, collaboration of partners and the development of meaningful relationships with customers. Join us in celebrating twenty years of synergy through people, service and technology.
About the USDA TARGET Center
The USDA established the TARGET Center in 1992 to utilize the power of technology to improve accessibility and ultimately increase the employment of individuals with disabilities. Over the years, the program evolved into a full-service disability employment service provider for internal and external USDA stakeholders. The TARGET Center accommodates individuals with disabilities, educates management, and leads agency efforts to increase the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities.
The USDA TARGET Center has a demonstrated history of partnering with federal agencies and serving individuals with disabilities around the world, including disability advocates in South Korea and Poland.
We invite you to join the USDA TARGET Center in celebrating our 20th Anniversary. Unable to attend? Don’t worry: event resources, video and technology will be featured on the TARGET20 mini-site. Follow us on Twitter @USDATARGET for the latest information.
Paul Lloyd began doing communications work at the TARGET Center in September 2001, and has acted as the public relations, marketing and advertising arms of the TARGET Center since, working to balance creating a recognizable ‘brand’ for the TARGET Center while catering to the non-profit culture as well as the disability arena. He is also responsible for TARGET’s training and outreach programs, as well as ensuring that TARGET customers receive the level of service they deserve. Paul received a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Maryland in 1999 and a Master’s of Business of Administration from The George Washington University in 2007.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Sanimatic Toilet

Sanimatic Toilet


Sanimatic Toilet frame with pivoting grab bars and remote control. French bathroom furnishings company SFA has created a line of adjustable fixtures that can be easily installed without the need for major construction work. Their Sanimatic Toilet system is a motorized frame that makes your toilet bowl height adjustable. The unit can be adjusted to any height between 38 cm and 75 cm (around 15" to 29.5") and can lift a load of 150kg (around 330lbs.)
A waterproof remote control allows users to raise and lower the unit as well as flush the toilet. Pivoting grab bars can be attached to the frame to be raised and lowered along with the toilet bowl. The frame can be partly embedded into the wall or securely attached to the wall's surface.
More information about the Sanimatic Toilet. 

Source: http://www.universaldesign.com/products/featured-product/1393-sanimatic-toilet.html

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Brown signs ADA lawsuit abuse measure into law

Brown signs ADA lawsuit abuse measure into law


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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed into law a bill aimed at helping businesses comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, without facing the ever-growing threat of frivolous lawsuits.

Brown, a former state attorney general, signed Senate Bill 1186 Wednesday.

The bill, authored by Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, and Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, intends to curb predatory ADA lawsuits, in particular against small businesses in the state.

Nearly 40 percent of ADA lawsuits in the nation are filed in California.

Specifically, the legislation bans "demand for money" letters. In these letters, lawyers often order businesses to pay a set amount, plus their exorbitant legal fees, in exchange for dropping the case.

In addition, SB 1186 requires attorneys to send a notice letter, listing any alleged construction-related violations, at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit.

It also prevents "stacking" of multiple claims to increase monetary damages, requiring a plaintiff to explain the need for multiple visits to the same business with a known uncorrected barrier to access.

SB 1186 also significantly reduces damages against business owners who correct alleged violations within 30 to 60 days of receiving a complaint.

Also, the legislation requires landlords to disclose whether their buildings or properties are state certified and in compliance with ADA laws.

"We are extremely pleased that Gov. Brown recognized that disabled access lawsuits are out of control and that change was needed," Kim Stone, president of the Civil Justice Association of California, said in a statement Wednesday.

CJAC is an industry-sponsored group that advocates for legal reform.

"This bill should provide some relief to small business owners who are making good faith efforts to comply and it should help reign in unscrupulous plaintiffs' lawyers who have been exploiting the Americans with Disabilities Act for financial gain," Stone said.

"There was little optimism going into 2012 that the Legislature would address this issue, but thanks to (U.S.) Sen. Dianne Feinstein's advocacy and the persistence of (state) Sens. Steinberg and Dutton, a legitimate attempt at reform has now been enacted."

Stone thanked Brown for signing the bill, and said she hopes it will make a "significant difference."

In a statement Wednesday, Steinberg said SB 1186 is a compromise that applies a "common sense approach" to resolve difficult issues.

"The whole point of our state and federal disability access laws is to remove barriers for the disabled, giving them full and equal access to businesses like everyone else. Up until now, unfortunately, it was often cheaper and quicker for business owners to settle out of court than to remove those obstacles," he said.

"SB 1186 will instead provide more incentives to fix the violations and enhance accessibility."

The bill is an urgency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately.

From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.

Filed Under: Hot Topics

Monday, September 24, 2012

Serving People with Disabilities During and After Isaac

Serving People with Disabilities During and After Isaac

Categories: Disability.Blog News
Photograph of A FEMA Mitigation specialist talking to a Hurricane Isaac survivor
LaPlace, La., Sep. 11, 2012 – A FEMA Mitigation specialist talks to a Hurricane Isaac survivor in a Disaster Recovery Center. Photo courtesy of FEMA.
By Guest Blogger Marcie Roth, Director, Office of Disability and Integration Coordination.
In honor of National Preparedness Month, Disability.Blog is re-posting the following from FEMA Blog.
Even before Tropical Storm Isaac hit the Gulf coast, FEMA disability integration specialists from across the nation were preparing to travel to the areas that would be hardest hit. There, they would join other FEMA personnel and countless others from voluntary and community organizations, local, state and federal government, and the private sector who would answer the call to help the survivors of Isaac’s lingering and widespread deluge of rain and wind.
Right now, FEMA has seven Disability Integration Advisors serving in Louisiana and Mississippi. Their expertise is guiding the actions of the officials who lead FEMA’s response in areas hardest hit by Isaac. They are experts in disability inclusive emergency management who use their knowledge to prevent, address or solve problems for individuals with access and functional needs and their communities.
Our Disability Integration Advisors work with state and local government officials to coordinate and advise on issues such as:
  • The availability of accessible transportation,
  • Evacuations from nursing homes, group homes, assisted living facilities, and people served under state programs, such as mental health and developmental disability programs,
  • Access to prescription medication,
  • Access to medical, personal assistance services and durable medical equipment in shelters.
On a daily basis, they also address the need for access to effective communication such as remote and in-person sign language interpreting, captioning services, public lines in support of video phones and caption phones. In addition, they reach out specifically to the disability community in the affected area and facilitate collaboration with federal, state, local and Tribal government concerning evacuation, application for FEMA assistance, accessible messaging, and cleanup tips.
Often, advisors have the opportunity to talk with disaster survivors and help them firsthand. Linda Landers, one of our Disability Integration Specialists, is working in Louisiana where she recently helped a mother and her adult son who has a spinal cord injury. After several days without power, they were forced to make a decision to shelter in place or travel from Jefferson Parish to a shelter in Baton Rouge. When the family decided to shelter in place, Linda made sure that local emergency responders and emergency management were aware of their decision and knew how to contact them. Throughout the night and next day, Linda checked in with them to be sure they were not in danger. The power has since been restored and all are doing well.
Ongoing support for recovery
As FEMA and the states began setting up Disaster Recovery Centers, FEMA disability integration advisors assessed conditions to determine potential issues, such as physical accessibility so people using wheelchairs can easily enter a building or area. They also looked for equipment that ensures effective communication by people who have low vision or are blind and others who are hard of hearing or deaf when filing assistance claims in Disaster Recovery Centers. Below is a video that explains some of the communications equipment that is available at Disaster Recovery Centers:
FEMA’s Disability Integration Advisors will continue to ensure those with access and functional needs have equal access to the assistance and services available after Isaac. Visit our webpage to learn more.
For More Information:
Marcie Roth is the director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this role, she leads the agency’s commitment to meet the access and functional needs of children and adults with disabilities in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Before coming to FEMA, Ms. Roth was President and CEO of Global Disability Solutions Group, a leading national organization promoting diverse workforce initiatives with a focus on disability issues. She also served as a senior member of the Obama for America Disability Policy Committee and served on President Obama’s Justice and Civil Rights Transition Team.3

Source:http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2012/09/24/serving-people-with-disabilities-during-and-after-isaac/

Intellectually Disabled Workers Awarded $1.3M for Pay Discrimination by Henry's Turkey Service


Intellectually Disabled Workers Awarded $1.3M for Pay Discrimination by Henry's Turkey Service

Further Proceedings on Disability-Based Abuse and Harassment Allegations Lie Ahead
DALLAS -- Hill Country Farms Inc., doing business as Henry's Turkey Service, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by paying 32 workers with intellectual disabilities severely substandard wages, a judge has ruled in a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  The court ordered the company, based in Goldthwaite, Texas, to pay its former employees lawful wages totaling $1.3 million for jobs they performed under contract at a turkey processing plant in West Liberty, Iowa between 2007 and 2009. 
The EEOC alleged in its lawsuit (No. 3:11-cv-00041, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Davenport Division,) that Henry's Turkey exploited a class of disabled workers because their intellectual impairments made them vulnerable and unaware of the extent to which their legal rights were being violated.
In this latest ruling, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Charles R. Wolle found that, rather than the total of $65 dollars per month Henry's Turkey paid to the disabled workers while contracted to work on an evisceration line at the plant, the employees should have been compensated at the average wage of $11-12 per hour, reflecting pay typically earned by non-disabled workers who performed the same or similar work.  The EEOC's wage claims for each worker ranged from $28,000 to $45,000 in lost income over the course of their last two years before the Henry's Turkey Service operation was shut down in February 2009.  
"This case reflects the Commission's longstanding commitment to enforce the anti-discrimination laws nationwide on behalf of all workers, including workers with intellectual disabilities and other vulnerable communities," said EEOC General Counsel P. David Lopez.  "It is a serious mistake for any employer not to adopt safeguards against unlawful discrimination based on the assumption that workers will not exercise their rights due to fear or the lack of understanding."
Robert A. Canino, regional attorney for the Dallas District Office of the EEOC, which is litigating the case, said, "I believe that this positive result furthers the ongoing discussion about how far our country has come in promoting and supporting employment opportunities for persons with mental, intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Unfortunately, this case also reflects the sad reality that we still have a ways to go to ensure that employment of persons with disabilities does not require them to sacrifice their true earning capacity or their human dignity." 
In its motion for partial summary judgment, the EEOC argued that Henry's Turkey Service was not justified in paying disabled workers wages that were lower than the minimum wage for Iowa where they lived and worked, and that the disabled workers, some of whom had performed the work for over 25 years, were due the same wage rate as non-disabled workers.  In support of its motion, EEOC included the statement of a West Liberty Foods supervisor, who stated that the contracted Henry's workers were as productive as other workers in the plant, and that they actually demonstrated their knowledge and skills to persons who were being hired to replace them as the Henry's Turkey contract operations were winding down.

The EEOC also submitted evidence from West Liberty Foods records showing that while the plant paid Henry's Turkey Service as much as $11,000 per week for the work performed by the crew of 25-30 disabled men, Henry's paid the men only an average of $15 per week each.
Henry's maintained that it should be credited with wages for providing a 100-year-old former schoolhouse as living quarters.  The EEOC submitted evidence, however, from various witnesses, including admissions by Henry's supervisors, that the "bunkhouse"-- from which the men were later evacuated -- was closed down by the state fire marshal as unsafe, its heating was inadequate, the bug-infested building had rodent problems, and the roof was in such disrepair that buckets were put out to catch water pouring in.  The EEOC's position, supported by testimony of the U.S. Department of Labor, was that it was unlawful for the company to deny the disabled workers their full wages and benefits by claiming a "credit" for these substandard living conditions.
Dr. Sue Gant, an expert witness, supported the EEOC's claims that the company's scheme involved purposeful financial exploitation of the trusting workers. She concluded that Henry's conduct "including acts of deliberate misrepresentation" about wages and expenditures, was profit-driven and deprived the workers of "economic independence and self-sufficiency." She further declared that the company "took advantage of the workers. . .knowing that they would not likely be discovered because the workers were disabled."
"Company officers were never able to explain why they were deducting about $1,000 per month from each employee's wages to cover the company's alleged room and board and expenses, while simultaneously pulling out hundreds of dollars per month from each of the men's personal Social Security SSI and disability benefit accounts to reimburse itself for the very same described 'expenses'," added Regional Attorney Canino.  Anyone could plainly see that the math just didn't add up, while the personal costs to the men continued to multiply."
In addition to the discriminatory pay practices which are the subject of the court's order, the EEOC's suit also alleges that the company subjected the disabled workers to abusive verbal and physical harassment, unnecessarily restricted their freedom, and imposed harsh punishments and other adverse terms and conditions of employment such as requiring them to live collectively in substandard living conditions and failing to provide proper health care.  The EEOC's trial on these remaining issues regarding mistreatment of the workers is currently scheduled for March 2013.
The EEOC enforces the nation's laws prohibiting employment discrimination.  Further information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov.

Source: http://www1.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/9-19-12a.cfm

Join the Expedition


Join the Expedition

Categories: Community Life, Health
Logo for the Invisible Disabilities Association 2012 Honors Banquet
By Guest Blogger Wayne Connell, Founder and President, Invisible Disabilities Association
In recognition of National Disabilities Month, every October for the past five years, the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) has hosted an awards banquet in Lone Tree, Colorado. This year’s banquet will take place on October 14th. This event allows IDA to honor amazing individuals and organizations from around the nation who are making a difference in the lives of people touched by illness, pain and disability. We also feature incredible keynote speakers such as National Speaker Hall of Fame Inductee Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE; New York Times bestselling author Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván and New York Met’s World Series Champion Ed Hearn. This year we invite you to “Join the Expedition.”
Dictionary.com defines an expedition as, “an organized journey or voyage for a specific purpose.” Much time and planning goes into preparing for an expedition. Sometimes it requires learning a new language; sometimes it forges ahead into difficult places. An expedition often requires a map, unless the territory is unknown and uncharted. And of course lots and lots of cool equipment and tools are needed. Finally, an expedition usually requires a partner or a team to go with you, and a group back home cheering you on.
The problem with the expedition of caregiving or living daily with illness and pain is that you rarely have the opportunity to prepare or pre-plan. It just happens! IDA wants to help people to become “expedition ready” even in the midst of the journey.
IDA’s 5th annual banquet will feature Antarctic Mike (Pierce) and his wife, Angela, as keynote speakers. Mike and Angela have been on a very long expedition. Mike is a professional speaker, executive recruiter, avid adventure athlete, world record holder and a husband. Angela Pierce is a wife, a blogger and someone who lives daily with disability and has done so most of her life. Together, they are an amazing team!
Mike has completed marathons in some of the world’s coldest climates including the Canadian Arctic, Siberia and twice in the Antarctic. He has set world records in endurance swimming and cycling as well. Adventure sports have changed Mike’s life in many ways, including teaching him the importance of being mentally focused and conditioned to run the most challenging, important and worthwhile expedition, that of helping Angela manage her lifetime disability. Read more of their story on Disability.Blog.
The good news is there are a group of people and organizations from around the nation who are journeying alongside people touched by illness, pain and disability. IDA will be honoring them on this great evening. IDA honorees include:
  • 2012 Advocacy Award Honoree: Suzanne Mintz has been chosen based on her passion and advocacy as the founder of the National Family Caregivers Association. She has set the example for others by caregiving for her husband, Steven, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis. She has used her experience to inspire and advocate for other caregivers.
  • 2012 Caregiver Award Honoree: John O’Brien has been chosen based on his passion and commitment to personally care for his wife and her journey with illness. This passion for people living with illness and pain also moved John to co-found Central Coast Senior Services, a home care agency which provides professional and compassionate caregiving.
  • 2012 Corporate Award Honoree: Debbie Marriott Harrison has been chosen for her personal journey as a caregiver and champion of those living with invisible disabilities, including her own children. In addition, Debbie is an example for others in her role as Senior Vice President of the Marriott Corporation, a company that is leading the way with a disability-friendly atmosphere for both their guests and employees.
  • 2012 Founders Award Honoree: Dick Layton has been chosen based on his personal involvement with IDA’s founder Wayne Connell as a mentor and as a strategic advisor to the entire IDA organization. Dick uses his passion to help others by making a difference in their lives and their organizations and therefore multiplying his impact and reach. Dick Layton is a currently a Managing Partner at Kenton Talent Management.
  • 2012 Healthcare Award Honoree: Kermit Crawford has been chosen based on his leadership role at Walgreen’s as the President of the Pharmacy, Health and Wellness Services and Solutions and his focus on the wellbeing and health of all Americans. Kermit has led Walgreens in the development of programs and services such as the Take Care Clinics, Health Corner TV, Health Screening Tours and the Walk with Walgreens initiative.
  • 2012 Impact Award Honoree: Jan Chambers has been chosen based on her desire and passion to positively impact people living with fibromyalgia and pain through her work as the President of the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association.
  • 2012 Inspiration Award Honoree: Bob Woodruff has been chosen because as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor he inspires others with TBI to keep fighting and to use their challenges and triumphs to help encourage others. Bob founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation to honor and encourage veterans, as well as service men and women living with invisible disabilities. Bob is an amazing inspiration and is making a difference in the lives of others.
  • 2012 Invisible Hero Award Honoree: Anna Bigham has been chosen based on her work as the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Hidden Wounds. After enduring the tragic loss of her brother, Anna has dedicated her life to serving military personnel living with invisible disabilities by bringing them hope and inspiration.
  • 2012 Medical Award Honoree: Dr. Marshall Thomas has been chosen based on his passion to provide exceptional clinical care and research for patients living with mental health disorders through his leadership as the Executive Director of the University of Colorado’s Depression Center. Under his guidance, the Depression Center has become a recognized leader in research and treatment of depression, as well as a much needed community resource for health professionals and the public about mood disorders.
  • 2012 Perseverance Award Honoree: Angela Pierce has been chosen based on her amazing perseverance as she lives each day with illness from childhood, ongoing long term pain and life threatening injuries caused by a major climbing accident 27 years ago. In addition, despite her circumstances, Angela shares her story, as well as her struggles and triumphs, in order to encourage others in person and through the internet.
  • 2012 Research Award Honoree: Envoy Medical Corporation has been chosen based on its cutting edge research, and the creation of the Esteem®, an implantable, invisible, prosthetic hearing restoration device.
  • 2012 Volunteer Award Honoree: Frances Owens has been chosen based on her lifelong, passionate volunteerism with multiple charities serving people living daily with illness and disability, as well as for those recovering from tragedy. Frances’ current work with Developmental Pathways and the HeartLight Center is inspiring. Her volunteerism with Anchor Center for the Blind, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, The Children’s Hospital, The Colorado Autism Society, women’s heart health and Denver Health’s Newborns in Need is an example to be followed.
In addition, check out our great expert chats on the first ever Online True Help® Disability Web Expo sponsored by Allsup, which will be held on September 27th. Register today for this free event. Topics include:
  • “Be Expedition Ready – Learn about preparing for the journey of care giving” by Antarctic Mike
  • “Ready, Set, Thrive – Nine new rules for engaging change and managing stress” by Jeff Vankooten
  • “7 Realities of the Invisible Becoming Visible” by Wayne Connell, IDA Founder and President
  • “Communication Do’s and Don’ts for People with Disabilities” by Kathe Skinner, MA, LMFT
  • “Humor for Health & Well-Being” by Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE
  • “Your Changing Brain – The owner’s manual to your mind” by Rick Watson
We hope you “Join the Expedition” with us this year in Denver. We believe we all need each other, and even though the journey can be difficult and lengthy, it can be endured with the help of others. IDA will continue to take the lead and provide support and guidance along the way. To register or learn more about the banquet, please go to www.JoinTheExpedition.org.
Wayne Connell, the founder and president of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), established the organization in 1997 out of the desire to educate friends and family about his wife’s debilitating illness. Soon afterwards, people around the globe began sending emails sharing how IDA had changed their relationships with their loved ones. He is co-author of the booklet, “But You LOOK Good, How to Encourage and Understand People Living with Illness and Pain.” Wayne’s background fueled his passion for helping people living with illness, pain and disability. His experience includes that of a professional, multitasking husband caregiver with an extensive background in management, media and technology. This man on a mission quickly launched IDA into a world-wide outreach for millions living with invisible disabilities.

Source: http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2012/09/19/join-the-expedition/

Introducing the New Ticket to Work Website!Introducing the New Ticket to Work Website! Categories: Benefits, Employment


Introducing the New Ticket to Work Website!Introducing the New Ticket to Work Website!
Categories: Benefits, Employment

By Guest Blogger Bob Williams, Associate Commissioner for the Social Security Administration’s Office of Employment Support Programs

I’m pleased to announce the redesigned Ticket to Work website! The new portal, www.socialsecurity.gov/work, is your entry point to program information, resources and news about our employment support programs.

We provide many ways to connect with the Ticket to Work program! People who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work, or are already working, can find the following resources on the site:
Real Success Stories from people who used their Ticket to go to work and improve their life.
A Find Help tool to search for service providers who can help you explore your employment and earnings options.
Employment Network (EN) report cards to help you choose the EN that best fits your needs.
The Choose Work blog, featuring news about our programs and other employment topics.
FREE monthly Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinars and access to past webinars for viewing anytime.
Easy access to Social Security’s Ticket to Work Help Line, social media and email updates.

The website also offers:
Access to information and resources for Ticket to Work service providers.
Access to information about Social Security’s Office of Employment Support Programs, which administers the Ticket to Work program.

Socialsecurity.gov/work, the Ticket Help Line and WISE webinars (both live and archived) allow you access to information when you want it and how you want it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I urge you to visit the website, call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) or email us at support@chooseworkttw.net today! As always, if you are seeking one-on-one assistance, contact the Ticket Help Line to speak with knowledgeable representatives who can answer your questions and help you get started.

We believe these tools will enable you and other beneficiaries like you to better access the information, resources and supports you need to make more informed choices about how you can go to work, increase your earnings and perhaps one day leave cash benefits behind for a better, more secure life.

Bob Williams is the Associate Commissioner for the Social Security Administration’s Office of Employment Support Programs. Previously, he was the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and later headed the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Disability, Aging and Long Term Care Policy.

Source:http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2012/09/20/introducing-the-new-ticket-to-work-website/