Americans With Disabilities
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES SECTION
DISCLAIMER
JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU
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Thank you!
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Disability.GOV information that pertains to individual states are listed on the individual state’s page – Thank you!
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TSA Launches New Toll Free Number for Air Travelers with Disabilities
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new helpline number for air travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. You can call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 before you travel for answers to questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA recommends that passengers call about 72 hours before traveling so that when needed, TSA Cares can coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager at the airport.
Looking for information about organizations, programs and services near you? Visit Disability.gov’s Information by State section.
Posted 12-23-11
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Think Beyond the Label (TBTL) Creates New Jobs Portal for People with Disabilities
TBTL’s online jobs portal connects job seekers with disabilities to employers actively looking to hire them. This new job-search engine gives people looking for employment opportunities free access to nearly 1 million job listings from more than 90,000 screened employers in the private and public sectors.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/employment/news_%26_events.
Updated 12-21-11
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New Educational Video about Medicare in American Sign Language (ASL)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released an educational video about the Medicare program in ASL for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The video gives an overview of the Medicare program, including what Medicare is, who qualifies, the four parts (A, B, C and D), new preventive services under the Affordable Care Act, and help paying Medicare costs.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/benefits/social_security_disability_benefits/social_security_disability_insurance_%28ssdi%29/medicare.
Updated 12-05-11
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AARP’s Five-Step Toolkit for Job Seekers
An online employment guide that covers the entire job search process from start to finish. Helps you to set work goals, organize your job search activities, conduct a career exploration to find out which jobs are best for you and learn how to increase your success in finding a job.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/employment/career_planning/career_planning_tools.
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Want to learn more about Disability.gov and how to find the information you’re looking for? Check out these new, captioned videos that guide you through the site. The videos explain Disability.gov’s accessibility features, different ways to search for information on the site, how to create your personal My Disability.gov account, and other tools and features that make it easy for you to quickly locate the information and resources you want. A text version of “How to Use this Site” is also available.
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Preparing for Postsecondary Education Update: Navigating College – A Handbook on Self Advocacy for Students with Autism
Navigating College – A Handbook on Self Advocacy for Students with Autism
Handbook from The Autistic Self Advocacy Network written by adults and youth with autism for current and future college students with autism. Discusses disability and special education laws that apply to students from grades K-12 and how students in college must advocate for themselves. Also includes information on independent living, health and safety, and social issues. You can order a copy or download the book in PDF format from the website.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/education/student_resources/self-advocacy.
Updated 10-27-11
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Bookshare
Provides accessible books, newspapers, magazines and other printed materials to readers with print disabilities. Free for U.S. schools and all U.S. students with qualifying disabilities.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/technology/providers_%26_programs/non-profit_organizations.
Updated 10-20-11
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State & Local Community Life Resources Update: The Sibling Support Project
The Sibling Support Project
A national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. The Project also holds workshops around the country.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/community_life/disability_organizations.
Updated 10-19-11
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Technology Update: Accessible Technology Coalition (ATC)
Accessible Technology Coalition (ATC)
Provides people with disabilities, and those who work with them, answers to questions about assistive technology (AT) so they can identify the solutions that work best for them. AT is any device, hardware, software or handheld equipment that enables a person to participate in life’s activities. ATC also has a searchable collection of easy-to-understand articles on many different types of technologies and online webinars and trainings.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/technology/accessible_technology.
Updated 10-19-11
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Workplace Accommodations for Job Seekers Update: Living & Working with Epilepsy
Living & Working with Epilepsy
Information from the Epilepsy Foundation on employment-related topics including finding employment, safety sensitive jobs, disclosing your epilepsy and frequently asked questions.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/employment/working_with_a_disability_%26_employment_supports/job_accommodations.
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Disability.gov Employment Laws & Regulations for Employers Update: Questions Employers Can Ask When Interviewing an Applicant with a Disability
Questions Employers Can Ask When Interviewing an Applicant with a Disability
Training session from the Disability Program Navigator Initiative that explains what types of questions are legal for employers to ask when interviewing a person with a disability.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/employment/employer_resources/interviewing.
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Social Security Expands List of Compassionate Allowances Conditions
The Social Security Administration has added 13 new conditions involving the immune system and neurological disorders to its Compassionate Allowances program. This program speeds up disability decisions to make sure that Americans with the most serious disabilities receive their benefit decisions within days instead of months or years. The conditions include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, a number of rare genetic disorders of children, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/benefits/news_%26_events.
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Medicare Advantage Premiums to Be Lower in 2012
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that Medicare Advantage premiums will be 4 percent lower in 2012 than in 2011. Because of the Affordable Care Act, premiums will go down and seniors will have more free benefits and lower cost prescription drugs. This year’s Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7.
To find helpful Medicare tools and information, and compare the cost or benefits of 2012 Medicare health plans in your area, please visit http://www.cms.gov/center/openenrollment.asp.
This information was recently added to Disability.gov. To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/health/health_insurance/medicare.
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Partners in Employment
A free self-study course to help people with developmental disabilities build practical skills to find jobs. The course will help you understand the hiring process, supported and competitive employment, and how to identify your strengths and skills and how they might translate into a career.
This information was recently updated. To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/employment/career_planning/career_planning_tools.
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New “Green Jobs” Resource Guide for Individuals with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Labor held a roundtable to develop recommendations to include people with disabilities in the “green jobs” market. Green jobs are jobs in industries that help the environment or use environment-friendly materials and processes. This companion guide to the roundtable’s report includes information about where to search for jobs, training opportunities and job skills associated with the increase in “green” jobs.
This information was recently updated. To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/employment/news_%26_events.
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Federal Student Aid Grant Programs
The federal government provides grant funds for students attending colleges, career schools and universities. Grants are not loans and do not have to be repaid. Information about scholarships is also available. Enter the word disability in the search to find scholarships that are specifically for students with disabilities, or you can just search for a field of study or major such as music, law enforcement, biology, social work, etc.
For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/education/financial_aid_%26_scholarships/grants.
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Social Security Benefits for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Information about disability benefits that are available to you if you are blind or have low vision and can’t work. You may be able to get disability benefits even if you are not legally blind. Social Security also has work incentives that can help you go back to work and still receive benefits.
For more information visit:
https://www.disability.gov/benefits/social_security_disability_benefits/supplemental_security_income_%28ssi%29/qualifying_for_benefits.
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Five Things People with Medicare Should Know
Do you have Medicare? Have questions about what the Affordable Care Act does for you? Read the about five things people with Medicare should know about the law.
For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/health/health_insurance/medicare.
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Accessibility & Universal Design Update: Home Modifications for Bathrooms
Provides step-by-step information about making home bathroom modifications for a person with a disability. Includes how to determine what needs to be changed, what to do if you are a renter, how to find a contractor to do the work and how to pay for it.
For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/community_life/independent_living/accessible_design.
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Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline
Provides information and support to people with memory loss, caregivers, health care professionals and the general public. Call toll-free anytime day or night at 1-800-272-3900, TDD 1-866-403-3073. The Helpline can also give you referrals to local community programs, services and ongoing support.
For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/health/caregiver_%26_provider_resources/caregivers.
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Serving Children with Disabilities Placed by Their Parents at Private Schools
Answers questions about what services children with disabilities are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act when they are placed in private schools by their parents. Topics include services, transportation, equipment, supplies, and home schooling for children with disabilities.
For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/education/parent_resources/education_laws_%26_regulations.
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Making a Website Accessible
The Job Accommodation Network’s SNAP Process and Tool can help you work through the most common website accessibility issues. Watch a webcast that takes you through the SNAP process for fixing common accessibility problems. Handouts about website accessibility are also available to download.
For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/technology/accessible_technology.
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Former Worker Medical Screening Program (FWP)
Managing Agency U.S. Department of Energy http://www.energy.gov/
Program Description
The Former Worker Program (FWP) identifies, notifies, and makes medical screening services available, at no cost, to the more than 600,000 former employees who have worked in the weapons complex during the past 60-plus years for the Department of Energy (DOE) or its predecessor agencies (the Atomic Energy Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration). DOE funds external teams of health experts to independently offer medical screening to former workers for potential adverse health outcomes related to occupational exposures to such conditions as radiation, noise, beryllium, asbestos, lasers, silica, and other occupational exposures. The FWP was first established following the issuance of the Fiscal Year 1993 Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 102-484), which called for DOE to assist workers with determining whether they had health issues related to their prior work with DOE.
General Program Requirements
Workers eligible for this program include all former DOE Federal, contractor, and subcontractor employees from all DOE sites.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
A list of the FWP projects by state in which the DOE site is located, including toll-free phone numbers and websites associated with each project, can be found at:http://www.hss.doe.gov/HealthSafety/FWSP/formerworkermed/factsheets.html
For additional information on the FWP, visit:http://www.hss.doe.gov/HealthSafety/FWSP/formerworkermed/index.html
Updated 07-23-11
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On March 16, 2011, the FCC’s Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC) released a national on-line survey to determine the
most effective and efficient technologies and methods by which persons with disabilities may access Next Generation 9-1-1
emergency services systems. Among other things, the survey asks about accessing emergency services via video, text, and voice.
The results of the survey will inform the EAAC as it develops recommendations for the FCC to draft rules to ensure that people with
disabilities can access NG 9-1-1 services. The survey is available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) video).
This survey will be available until April 24, 2011. We encourage people with disabilities to complete this survey, and share
information about the survey with other people with disabilities and organizations that represent persons with disabilities.
Link to the survey in English and ASL:
http://fcc.eaac.sgizmo.com/s3
Link to the survey in Spanish:
http://fcc.eaac-es.sgizmo.com/s3
News Release regarding EAAC Survey:
http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0316/DOC-305233A1.doc
http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0316/DOC-305233A1.pdf
http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0316/DOC-305233A1.txt
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Supportive housing – permanent, affordable housing linked to services – provides low-income people with disabilities and formerly
homeless people with the help and support they need to stay housed and live more independent, healthy and fulfilling lives.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/housing/housing_assistance/supportive_housing
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Provides information on workplace trends, the value of work and available programs and supports for parents of children with
developmental disabilities, as they help their children prepare for a fulfilling and constructive role in the workforce. Though this
document was developed for residents of New Jersey, it contains tips and guidance that can benefit parents across the country.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/education/parent_resources/developmental_&_intellectual_disabilities
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This self-paced seminar gives an overview of Workplace Personal Assistance Services (WPAS). Many aspects of WPAS are
examined including assistive technology, self-employment, funding and employers’ perspectives. Many people think that WPAS is an
accommodation that may only be needed by individuals with physical disabilities, but individuals with sensory impairments, cognitive
limitations and mental illness can benefit from WPAS too.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.
gov/employment/workplace_accommodations_&_supports/personal_assistance_services
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FEMA Issues New Guidance to Support People with Disabilities During Disasters
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced new guidelines on emergency
sheltering to help state planners and non-profit organizations ensure that people with access and functional needs receive lawful and
equitable assistance in the aftermath of a disaster.
The Functional Needs Support Services Guidance, or FNSS, gives state governments recommendations to help them provide
emergency sheltering services that meet the needs of their communities and are in compliance with existing federal laws designed
to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Stafford Act, the Fair
Housing Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Architectural Barriers Act and the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act.
“At FEMA, we don’t plan for easy, we plan for real — and that means doing a better job of meeting the needs of people with disabilities
when a disaster strikes,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We have to start by supporting and encouraging our entire
emergency management team, including our state and local partners, to integrate the needs of people with disabilities into all of their
planning. These guidelines are an important step forward in these efforts, and will help ensure that shelters better meet the needs of
evacuees with disabilities, from providing sleeping arrangements, to meeting hygiene and dietary needs, to accommodating for
service animals.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in every five Americans has some type of disability. The FNSS guidance encourages
emergency managers to integrate the needs of people with disabilities – and all populations in their communities – into every aspect of
their planning for disaster preparedness, response and recovery operations.
Planning for the whole community and incorporating the needs of people with disabilities into disaster operations has been a top
priority for Fugate since coming to FEMA. In September, FEMA hosted its first-ever “Getting Real” conference, which brought
together stakeholders from the disability and emergency management communities to discuss how we can better partner together
and integrate the needs of people with disabilities into our emergency planning. Read more about this conference.
Learn more about FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination and find out more about the Functional Needs Support
Services Guidance.
FEMA’s mission is to support our first responders and ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our
capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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“Soft skills” include the ability to communicate effectively, work on a team and use problem-solving skills. These skills are
necessary to succeed in the workplace and can be taught. These resources describe the importance of using technology, role play
and simulations of real-life workplace situations to teach these kinds of skills.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/education/educator_resources/transition_planning/school_to_work
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Check out these resources about the EITC recently added to Disability.gov. EITC is a federal income tax credit for people who work,
but don’t earn much money. If you qualify, you could pay less federal tax or even get a refund.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/work_incentives/tax_credits
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The VA has begun distributing disability benefits to Vietnam Veterans who qualify for compensation under recently liberalized rules
for Agent Orange exposure. Up to 200,000 Vietnam Veterans may be eligible to receive VA disability compensation for medical
conditions associated with Agent Orange. Veterans interested in applying for disability compensation based on chronic b-cell
leukemias, Parkinson’s disease or ischemic heart disease should visit the Agent Orange Fast Track Claims Processing System or
call 1-800-827-1000.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/benefits/other_benefits_programs/veterans_&_military
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Disability.gov’s Jobs & Career Planning section was recently updated with several new resources, including A Career Guide to
Industries and a Skills Profiler.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/jobs_&_career_planning/career_counseling
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Disability.gov’s Community Life section for California was recently updated with several new resources, including information about
the Tarjan Center Service Inclusion Project, which works to make service and volunteer opportunities accessible to people with and
without disabilities.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/california/community_life
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New Online “Return-to-Work” Toolkit for Employees & Employers
This new toolkit helps employers and employees understand the return-to-work process. It provides resources to help get
employees who experience an illness or injury back on the job quickly and smoothly. The employee toolkit includes information about
job accommodations, preparing for a job interview, resume writing, self-employment and employment-related laws. The employer
toolkit has information about strategies such as offering the opportunity to work part-time, telecommuting, modifying work duties or
schedules, as well as resources that can help employers retain the talents of older workers.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/news_%26_events
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FSD works to increase opportunities in science for students with disabilities. Awards of $1,000 each will be made to fourth year
undergraduate (who have been accepted to graduate or professional school) and graduate students who have a disability. The
awards are for students pursuing a science project or thesis in any field of Mathematics, Science, Medicine, Engineering or
Computer Science. Application deadline is December 1, 2010.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/education/financial_aid/grants
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Explains the employment-related rights of people with disabilities under the ADA. Includes answers to questions about reasonable
accommodations and what to do if you think your rights have been violated.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/laws_%26_regulations
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Program Description
Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs care for a wide range of problems. A veteran’s needs might be in any of
the following areas—
•Medical
•Psychiatric
•Vocational
•Educational
•Social
Treatment and rehabilitation are provided by a team of professionals in an environment where veterans support each other as they
focus on developing greater independence.
General Program Requirements
Domiciliary Care is not part of the Medical Benefits Package.
But, to begin with, you must be enrolled in the VA health care system (or qualify based on one of the exceptions in the law) and thus
be eligible for the Medical Benefits Package.
To see the basic Medical Benefits Package entry, go to the “Search” box at the top right area of this page and type in the entry below.
Be sure to include the quotation marks.
“Basic Medical Benefits for Veterans”
Further, Domiciliary Care has some eligibility rules of its own. You must meet one of these criteria:
•Your annual income must not exceed the maximum annual Improved Disability VA Pension Rate
OR
•VA must determine that you have no adequate means of support
You can find the special eligibility rules for Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment (Domiciliary Care) in the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR). Here are the references: Title 38, CFR 17.46, 17.47, and 17.48. They’re available on the Web at either of
these sites:
Government Printing Office (Standard Site) http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/38cfr17_06.html.
Government Printing Office (Continuously Updated Site) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?
c=ecfr&sid=9dcfd440fc9f4d91d9bc92c8bfa15677&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr17_main_02.tpl.
In addition, we must find that you’re capable of handling the activities of daily living by yourself and that you’re willing to participate in
your own treatment. Here are the issues we must consider in determining whether domiciliary care is right for you:
1.Are you interested in working with us to identify goals for improving your quality of life? This would require participating in a
program that works on physical and emotional health issues and looks at how you’ve been functioning in your family and community.
2.Do you need help in learning how to get along more independently in your community?
3.Do you need treatment for medical, mental health, or substance abuse problems?
4.Are you willing to join with a whole group of veterans and VA staff that works together to help members heal physically and
emotionally, and gain as much independence as possible?
5.Are you able to accomplish the ordinary activities of daily living, including personal care, with no help or very little help? This might
include the ability to use a wheelchair or other assistive devices.
6.Are you able to live in a “community” of veterans without posing a risk to yourself or to others?
Even if we decide that our program is not a good “fit” for you, we may be able to help you find some other arrangement that does
work.
Your Next steps the following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
For more information please visit:
http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/coveredservices/SpecialBenefits.asp#Dom…
You can find the locations of the domiciliaries at this site:
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1
Managing Agency
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
http://www1.va.gov/health
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The new online Disability Nondiscrimination Law Advisor helps employers quickly and easily determine which federal disability
nondiscrimination laws apply to their business or organization and their responsibilities under them. The law advisor asks users to
answer a few questions to take into account variables such as the nature of an organization, staff size and whether the business or
organization receives federal financial assistance. Based on responses provided, the law advisor generates a customized list of
federal disability nondiscrimination laws that likely apply, along with easy-to-understand information about employers’
responsibilities under each of them.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/news_%
26_events.
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Program Description
Each state receives money to help parents identify if their infant or toddler (birth through age two) is disabled. If a child is found to be
experiencing any sort of developmental delay (cognitive, physical, communication, social, emotional or self-help), the state may then
(at a minimum) provide the funds for evaluations and assessments, service coordination and the development and review of an
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which are available at no cost for eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities. Other early
intervention services designed to meet the unique needs of the child may be provided on a fee-for-service or sliding fee scale on a
state-by-state basis.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, a child must be under the age of three years and be experiencing some sort of
developmental delay (cognitive, physical, communication, social, emotional or self-help). Please note: additional eligibility criteria
vary by state. For specific information about your state’s eligibility criteria, visit http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.
html.
Your Next steps the following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For information on how to access services in your area, contact your state’s Early Intervention Program Coordinator. The list of
coordinators can be found at http://www.nectac.org/contact/ptccoord.asp.
Program Contact Information
Parent Centers are available in each state to provide training and information to parents and professionals working with children with
disabilities. For more information about this resource, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/osepgts/index.html
For more information about this program, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/osepeip/index.html
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov
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Program Description
The Centers for Independent Living program provides grants for consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability,
nonresidential, private nonprofit agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and
provide an array of independent living services.
Services provided by the centers may include but are not limited to: information and referrals; independent living skills training; peer
counseling; individual and systems advocacy; community planning and decision making; peer counseling, role modeling; interacting
with local, state and Federal legislators; and staging recreational events that integrate individuals with disabilities with their non-
disabled peers.
General Program Requirements
In order to be eligible for this program, an individual must have a disability that prevents them from holding a job or functioning
independently.
Your Next steps the following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Application processes and services vary by state. To find a center near you, visit:
http://www.virtualcil.net/cils/
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/cil/index.html
For more information and resources on Independent Living, visit:
http://www.jik.com/ilcs.html
If you have questions about this program, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/cil/contacts.html
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov
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Program Description
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) was established to advise and inform clients, client applicants, and other individuals with
disabilities of all the available services and benefits under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and of the services and
benefits available to them under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Services include advising and informing
individuals of their rights in direct connection with programs authorized under the Act, including advocacy services. CAP does not
provide financial, housing or medical benefits directly to individuals with disabilities.
General Program Requirements
In order to be eligible for this program, you or a household or family member must be disabled.
Your Next steps the following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To utilize the CAP services you must directly contact your state’s CAP administering agency. Your state’s CAP administering agency
will determine your eligibility and further information will be provided to you at that time.
Please visit the following website for your state’s contact information:
http://www.icdri.org/legal/CAP.htm
Program Contact Information
For more information on this program, please visit:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/rsacap/index.html
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov
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Program Description
The program offers tax credit or relief for special tax situations of active members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have been in active military service for at least 24 months and you must be a
taxpayer who is interested in receiving tax information and tax preparation assistance.
Your Next steps the following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
No application is needed to utilize this program. However, you must file your taxes using the guidelines posted at http://www.irs.
gov/publications/p3/index.html.
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=97273,00.html
Or contact your local Taxpayer Assistance Center:
http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html
For additional information contact:
IRS Tax Forms & Publications
SE:W:CAR:MP:FP, IR-6526
1111 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20224
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of the Treasury
http://www.ustreas.gov/
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The Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) National Technical Assistance Center is hosting a series of conference calls
on Job Development in Tough Times, Substance Abuse and Employment of Homeless Veterans and Green Jobs. These conference
calls will be divided by region. To find out what region your state is in please visit the HVRP region’s page.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.
gov/employment/jobs_&_career_planning/veterans_&_military.
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SBDCs provide assistance to current and prospective small business owners. These local centers offer information to meet the
needs of small businesses, including counseling, technical assistance and training in areas related to business start up, operations
and management.
You are subscribed to Self Employment/Entrepreneurship for Disability.gov. This information has recently been updated, and can be
read by visiting this link:
http://www.disability.gov/employment/self-employment_&_entrepreneurship/starting_a_business.
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The benefits section of Disability.gov has been updated with several new fact sheets for Veterans including Automobile & Special
Adaptive Equipment Grants, Benefits for Filipino Veterans and Disability Compensation for Sexual or Personal Trauma.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link:
http://www.disability.gov/benefits/other_benefits_programs/veterans_&_military.
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To expedite the delivery of benefits to many injured Service Members who receive disability compensation from the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department announced the expansion of a program with the Department of Defense (DoD) to streamline
the application process for people retiring or exiting the military due to disabilities. The Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot began
in November 2007 and is expanding to an additional six military installations, bringing the total number to 27 military facilities where a
single physical examination serves as the basis for determining whether military personnel are fit enough to stay on active duty and
to determine their eligibility for VA disability compensation.
You are subscribed to Veterans’ Benefits for Disability.gov. This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting
this link:
http://www.disability.gov/benefits/other_benefits_programs/veterans_&_military.
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Guide from the Corporation for National and Community Service that provides information on how to include individuals with
disabilities in national and community service programs. The guide provides information about creating an inclusive environment, a
brief historical overview of social perceptions of people with disabilities, disability-related laws, how to write inclusive service
descriptions, recruitment and outreach, and accommodations issues and legal requirements.
You are subscribed to Volunteering & Community Service for Disability.gov. This information has recently been updated, and can be
read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.gov/community_life/volunteering_%26_national_service_programs.
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Having a disability alone may not make someone at higher risk for complications from the H1N1 virus, but other factors may put
people with certain disabilities at higher risk. People who have difficulty breathing (ventilator users and individuals with asthma and
other respiratory conditions); individuals who have difficulty fighting infections or who are immunocompromised; and people of any
age who have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or sickle cell anemia, are at higher risk of acquiring the
H1N1 infection. Visit the Flu Shot Locator to find places near you to get a flu shot.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.gov/health/news_%26_events.
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Program Description
To qualify for this benefit program, you must meet the following requirements:
•be at least age 65, or
•be blind or disabled, and
•have limited income and assets, and
•meet additional requirements.
Your Next steps the following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, visit http://best.ssa.gov.
Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be
eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.
Once you know which benefits you can apply for, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/ to apply online.
You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) for additional information about SSA benefits and for application information.
Program Contact Information
For more information on this and any SSA benefit, call:
1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
Visit our Publications page for detailed information about SSA programs and policies:
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration
http://www.socialsecurity.gov
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Employers that have a demonstrated commitment to hiring people with disabilities are encouraged to consider becoming Employer
Partners of the Ticket to Work Program. Being an Employer Partner allows companies to gain exposure to thousands of Americans
with disabilities with a link to their career or job posting websites.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.
gov/employment/employing_people_with_disabilities/recruiting_&_hiring
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Provides education, training and employment for people with developmental, physical and mental disabilities. Also offers a housing
program for people with disabilities in the Portland area.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link:
http://www.disability.gov/state/oregon/employment.
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CAL is a disability resource center for people with disabilities, governed by people with disabilities. Its programs and services include
providing information and referrals, independent living skills, nursing home transition as well as employment and housing programs.
This program is for Kentucky….
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link:
http://www.disability.gov/state/kentucky/community_life.
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and Employment and Training Administration
(ETA) will hold a National Workforce Investment Act (WIA) “listening session” for disability stakeholders on October 1, 2009 from 2:
00-5:00 pm ET. The purpose of the session is to gather recommendations from a disability perspective for the reauthorization of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998. For more information and to register to attend or participate in this event read the invitation letter.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/news_%
26_events.
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Each year plans change what they cost and what they cover. The next general open enrollment starts on November 15, 2009. During
this time, people with Medicare can add, drop or change their prescription drug coverage. They can also select a health plan for their
2010 coverage. Visit My Medicare Tools for more information and resources.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link:
http://www.disability.gov/health/health_insurance/medicare.
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This guide is for people who care for family members or others with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at home. Includes information about
how AD changes a person; coping with these changes; helping family and friends understand AD; making your home safe for the
person with AD; and managing everyday activities like eating, bathing, dressing and grooming.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link:
http://www.disability.gov/health/caregiver_&_provider_resources/caregivers.
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The U.S. Department of Education’s Guide to Federal Student Aid (2009-2010) provides information for students and families on
applying for federal student aid to pay for post-secondary education. This guide explains the application process, the various federal
loans, grants and work-study programs available, and how to apply for them. This information is also available in Spanish.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.
gov/education/financial_aid/loans.
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People with disabilities who want to start a business can find assistance and support from a number of different local agencies. This
fact sheet lists some of the many business resources that are available across the country that can help you become self-employed
or start a small business.
You are subscribed to Self Employment/Entrepreneurship for Disability.gov. This information has recently been updated, and can be
read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/self-employment_&_entrepreneurship/starting_a_business
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http://www.housingworks.org/need-help/ i dedicated to those in NY with HIV/AIDS
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If you have a sensory and/or mobility impairment you may be eligible to participate in a new research project of the Washington
University School of Medicine’s Program in Occupational Therapy. This research aims to understand what people with sensory
and/or mobility impairments do in their daily lives, how their environments affect their community participation and what, if any, help
they need to complete activities.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link:
http://www.disability.gov/community_life/news_%26_events
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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!