The Basics of Social Security Disability Benefits
This document is a basic overview of Supplementary Security Income (SSI) and
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Job Support
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, like other employees, sometimes need support to thrive on the job. Below you'll learn more about best practices for job support. We cover a range of key topics such as transition from school to work and using natural supports in the workplace.
Supplementing Individualized Supports with a Virtual Support Group for Those Not Working Due to COVID-19 (Massachusetts)
The Institute for Community Inclusion’s Employment Services Team worked to provide high-quality remote supports to individuals impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak in innovative and creative ways.
SEEC’s Stay-At-Home Curriculum (Maryland)
Seeking Equality, Empowerment and Community (SEEC), a Maryland-based provider, has implemented a broad online curriculum as a response to the Covid-19 outbreak called Stay At Home to assist clients to engage in their community and workplace.
Leveraging Natural Supports for Essential Workers During COVID-19 (Massachusetts)
This promising practice outlines how the Institute for Community Inclusion’s Employment Services Team (EST) has been able to leverage natural supports
for essential workers during the Covid-19 outbreak. The EST’s core strategy of cultivating of natural supports at the time of job placement has enabled staff to continue to easily provide any necessary supplemental support remotely.
Strategies for Remaining Employed or Returning to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Utah)
TURN Community Services, a service provider in Utah, developed strategies to support individuals who received employment supports and remained on the job during Utah’s Stay At Home, Stay Safe directive period and during the state’s reopening phases.
Christina is an energetic young woman who works at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, Missouri as a part-time dietary aide. She enjoys her job and earns well above minimum wage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Christina’s work conditions and responsibilities changed. As a result, the nature of her supports also shifted from having an on-site job coach
to remote supports via iPhone. With the support of her provider, the Center for Human Services (CHS), Christina was able to alter her position and supports and maintain employment.Making It Last: Workplace Supports for People with Autism
Something amazing is happening with autism employment - in Belgium! Although focused on "high functioning autism", the Belgian approach has many lessons for employment services to people with "classic" autism. We will discuss their techniques for synthesizing assessment results into a whole-person perspective, and using that to plan workplace supports. Toward the end of the session, one of the leading autism employment practitioners in the US will join us for an interactive conversation about other emerging practices.
Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Quality Employment Practices
Individuals with ASD can work but need to be matched with jobs that build on their strengths and interests. Consideration needs to be given to the demands of particular jobs, the physical and social environments, and how instruction or accommodations can be provided that will make success possible. This brief discusses strategies for support and planning, collaboration, creative strategizing, and an intimate understanding of the person with ASD as a unique individual to make success possible.
Episode 1: Work-Based Learning in Tennessee
In our first episode, Anya Weber from the ThinkWork team interviews Blake Shearer from the Tennessee Department of Education. Blake directs the state’s work-based learning initiative for special populations. On the podcast, he discusses the importance of teacher leadership, and shares strategies that are leading to successful employment outcomes in Tennessee.
The Truth Comes From Us: Supporting Workers with Developmental Disabilities
Inclusion is a birthright and work is a human right. Every American has the right to work in their community without any kind of discrimination. People with disabilities can work and handle a job. We know what we are doing. We know how to speak up and speak out for ourselves.