March 30, 2012
Every year, thousands of people with disabilities find jobs and leave behind Social Security disability benefits to support themselves and create better futures. As you think about going to work, Social Security wants you to be confident in your choice and to understand what Ticket to Work is all about:
March 27, 2012
On February 29th we answered YOUR questions at our second Facebook Question and Answer (Q&A) event. It was held after our monthly WISE webinar.
Questions and answers were on such topics as part-time work, school, Ticket to Work and other Work Incentives. We hope you enjoyed the session as much as we did!
A special thanks to our guest experts Dawn Porter of South Carolina Pathways, Tamara Tavai of Human Potential Consultants, LLC, and Debra Schwartz of Social Security for helping to answer questions.
If you missed the event, you can read the transcript by clicking “Read More.”
You can also always get your questions answered by calling the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) 866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) or connecting with a service provider using our Find Help Tool.
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Posted in Career Tips, Events | 3 Comments »
March 2, 2012
In a recent interview with Disaboom, Tamara Mena, a motivational speaker and model, candidly shared her personal experiences with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Ticket to Work program.
Here are some of her thoughts and tips.
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On Motivation and Attitude “Generally in life, but even more so when we face tragedies, we have the ability to see ourselves either as survivors and fighters or victims. Life is what we make of it, and we have the power to do ANYTHING.”
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On the Importance of Education “After my accident, the first thing I had to do was work arduously to regain my independence, all so I could go back to college and finish strong. I wanted to be passionate about the Communications major I chose to study.”
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On Job Interviews Tamara believes just like anyone looking for a job, your resume should be professional, and you should dress appropriately for the job. She encourages you to:
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Show confidence
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Be aware of your energy level
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Present a good attitude
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Don’t put the focus on your disability
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Research the employer
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Have passion for the job
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On Employment and the Ticket to Work Program "Most people with disabilities are scared they will immediately lose their benefits if they go back to work. This is a fallacy. Ticket to Work will support you. They don’t just drop you when you decide to go back to work; they will work through the process with you.”
Read the full Disaboom interview with Tamara Mena.
Thanks, Tamara, for sharing your successes with Ticket to Work!
For Ticket to Work information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work, email support@chooseworkttw.net, or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD).
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Posted in Career Tips | 2 Comments »
February 28, 2012
A recent New York Times article highlighted the assets that people with disabilities can offer employers. The article, written by leadership consultant Peggy Klaus, described her experience giving a lecture to students in the Disabled Students’ Program at the University of California at Berkeley. In the article, she explained that while she was delighted and flattered to be invited to speak, she was also nervous. This would be her first time speaking to an audience made up entirely of people with disabilities. Furthermore, she had always felt uncomfortable around people with disabilities and was concerned she may say the wrong thing or would come off as insensitive.
She sought guidance from Paul Hippolitus, the program’s director. Hippolitus spent 30 years at the U.S. Department of Labor before coming to the university. He knows about the challenges his students face as they prepare to find work.
The Ticket to Work team talked to Hippolitus to find out more about what is being done to promote careers for students with disabilities. He has just started teaching a course, called Professional Development and Disability. The course focuses on:
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History, law, and policies that impact people with disabilities
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Learning about career paths for people with disabilities
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Workplace accommodations
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Setting career goals and a plan for getting there
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Becoming a leader inside the classroom and in the workplace
Hippolitus refuses to watch these talented students become discouraged about their career possibilities. He believes that with the proper tools, they have great potential.
In the end, Klaus’ lecture went well and she found there was no need to have worried. The students put her at ease and embraced the mainstream discussion on employment. Students saw that they could present their disabilities as assets in the workplace.
Programs like the UC Berkeley program are becoming more common. Colleges and universities across the country are reaching out to motivated, career-focused students with disabilities. For additional postsecondary resources for students with disabilities, check out:
Read the full New York Times article.
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February 21, 2012
If you have a disability and are ready to work or return to work, 2012 offers an optimistic outlook for employment opportunities. With a surge in disability employment support from both the White House and President Obama, you can expect positive changes on the employment front.
Below are some of the federal hiring initiatives that could positively affect Ticket to Work participants like you in 2012.
Ticket to Work can provide you with training, career counseling, and job support. Find a service provider in your area.
Learn more about Ticket to Work and how it can lead to a good job, a good career, and a better self-supporting future. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work, email us at support@chooseworkttw.net or call our Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD).
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Posted in Ticket Program News, Career Tips | 0 Comment »
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