Tag Archives: accomodations

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Benefits – 25-04

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

but for some it’s a fear of “If I start working, will my benefits be taken away from me?” The truth is: No. People with disabilities can work without losing their financial security or health care benefits. There are many programs available that make it possible to still collect benefits while working.

Jen and her family standing in front a fountain smiling

Fantasy Draft Pick

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, let’s remember that autism doesn’t end with childhood. I can only hope to find appropriate support for my kids in the future. I may not have a draft pick on the way, but I’m hopeful for the right team to meet my children with their needs well into adulthood.

black and white headshot of justine smiling at the camera

The View From Here (25-03)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

I paused for a moment. The memories of being up there in that bed, wishing for a normal life, flooded my mind. And here I was now, in that same spot I looked down on a decade ago, actually that life I was wishing for. I remembered all that it took to get here. All of the struggles, all of the pain, all of the time and the heartbreak I had endured over these ten years to walk again and to just live my life again.

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Benefits – 25-03

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is a special work incentive for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are students. It allows young individuals to work and earn income without immediately affecting their SSI benefits. This incentive helps students gain work experience while maintaining financial stability.

a bottle of pills open with all different types of pills spilling out

Filling Your Prescription Medication – Helpful Tips

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Before You Go to the Pharmacy Gather necessary information: Have your prescription, insurance card (if applicable), and any relevant discount cards or coupons ready. Be sure to bring your photo ID or driver’s license. The pharmacy may ask for identification if the meds are for pain. Check for refills: If you’re needing a refill,… Read More »

erin smiling wearing a plaid shirt on a big rock with a blue sky behind her

Year One on the Spectrum: Reflections from a Late-Diagnosed Autistic

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

I would have probably been one of those people that would be surprised to hear someone say they found out they were on the autism spectrum in their 30s, but then just after turning 34, I got the “news” that I too am on this wide and usually misunderstood spectrum of neurodivergence, and I’d slipped through the cracks the entire time.

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Benefits 24-11

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

The intent of asset building initiatives is that as individuals develop assets, they will be able to move out of poverty and remain out of poverty.

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Benefits 24-10

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

If you are a person with a disability and pursuing employment, you are not alone. You can find many agencies providing employment support and help you to reach your vocational goal.

black and white headshot of justine smiling at the camera

The View From Here (24-09)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

I am reflective today of the challenges I’ve faced, the tremendous obstacles I’ve overcome and the enormous opportunities that have come my way because of all of it.

Wallet Card Logo updated 2021

The Wallet Card Project Update 2024

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, community organization, or part of law enforcement, visit our newly updated Wallet Card Project page for more information on how to access these resources and apply for a wallet card. Explore the updates today!

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Benefits 24-09

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

A few things to consider first: During an SGA determination, SSA looks at gross wages when they were earned, not when they were paid to you.  For example, if you get paid every week or every other week you will have some months when you get an extra paycheck.  SSA won’t count that extra paycheck when it was received – they are only interested in when the work was done that you got paid for.

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My Experience As a DIG Summer Intern

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

My experience with DIG has been one of self-reflection and familiarity, combined with inspiration and motivation to live life to the fullest and pursue my wildest dreams confidently with the acknowledgement that life is too short to wait on.

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Benefits 24-08

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

A PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) allows you to set aside other income besides your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or resources for a specified period of time so that you may pursue a work goal that will reduce or eliminate the SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits you currently receive.

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Hurricane Preparedness: you can refill your prescriptions in advance.

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

The “Emergency Prescription Refill” law was passed in Florida, which allows you to refill prescribed medications for 30 days during a disaster if there is a hurricane warning or an announced state of emergency.

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Voting- Key Dates for Florida 2024

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Polling places are designed to be accessible through features like ramps, accessible voting machines, assistance from poll workers, curbside voting, and clear pathways, ensuring all voters, including those with disabilities, can participate.

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The 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

This month marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990.

blue hurricane evacuation route sign

Hurricane Preparedness: Emergency & Evacuated Assistance Program (EEAP)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

With hurricane season approaching, make sure to get ahead by registering for the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP). This program is designed to provide evacuation support to residents that may need specialized transportation assistance or those whose medical needs prevent them from evacuating themselves.

mental health awareness with green ribbon

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (2024)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Remember Help is always available – The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 Free and confidential support. It’s never too late to get help.

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Benefits Information 24-05

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Community Work Incentives Coordinator can provide thorough, timely, and accurate information, a variety of benefit scenarios, and facilitate the beneficiary to make informed choices about work, benefits, and financial stability and as a result the SSA beneficiaries with psychiatric disabilities will be able to:

Develop economic security and the ability to support oneself and/or family
Develop assets and achieve financial goals and
Achieve a higher socioeconomic status

Sando family standing together smiling outside on a sunny day

Can’t I Just Plug Autism into my GPS?

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Along with “just love them,” I’ve discovered a few other self-guiding principles. I’ve learned the importance of not exhausting oneself. It’s tempting to run yourself ragged, getting your children to therapy after therapy, convincing yourself that every therapy is “crucial” or driving a great distance to find the “perfect” school. “Perfect” doesn’t exist and every therapy is not “crucial.” I’ve learned that while seeking good therapies and good schools is desirable, it is more important to focus on peace within the family, to give my children a safe home base where they can comfortably be themselves.