A diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in today’s competitive and changing work world. It includes people of different abilities, cultural backgrounds, ages, races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, and levels of professional experience. Employers who create and nurture a diverse and inclusive work culture are rewarded with employees who are better able to solve problems, be productive, and adapt to …
Earned Income Tax Credit
If your 2022 income was in the low to moderate range, you could be eligible for a tax break through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC could reduce the taxes you owe and increase your refund. To qualify for the EITC, you must: Have worked in 2022 and have an adjusted gross income (AGI) under $59,187. AGI is your gross …
Disclosing a Vision Impairment at Work
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment of People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision published a new advice sheet for people with vision impairments. The advice sheet provides information for people who are blind or have low vision and are considering disclosing their visual disability at work. Topics include the benefits, the pros and cons, protections under …
See You Later – But Don’t Be a Stranger: Jolin’s Next Adventure
If you – or someone you know – had ERI’s help applying for benefits, you probably know Jolin Mitchel. He has been the manager and main contact for ERI’s Community Benefits Specialist (CBS) program since its inception. Starting as an intern in 2009, Jolin has become one of ERI’s longest-serving employees. He has helped countless individuals apply for Social Security …
Guardianship and Voting: Preserving and Restoring the Right to Vote
In Wisconsin, anyone 18 years old or older is legally an adult and is presumed by law to be able to manage all personal and financial affairs, including the ability to register to vote and to vote. – DisabilityVote.org Persons with disabilities, even those with guardians, have the right to vote. Often, people don’t know the rules and rights for …
Mental Health During Times of Crisis
If you, your family, or people you are working with are struggling with the news this week, you’re not alone. Almost everyone shares in the horror at this latest tragedy. Please know that it’s okay not to be okay. According to Mental Health America Wisconsin (pdf): What’s important right now is focusing on supporting one another and promoting healing within …
Tips for Improving Your Financial Health
Some traditional barriers to employment have gone away. An increase in the number of people working from home since COVID-19, means people with disabilities don’t need to go to an office. They don’t have to find transportation. They often have the accommodations they need at home and often more flexible schedules. This gives people with disabilities more chances to find …
Social Security Offers More Options for Getting Help
Starting in early April, if you need to talk to someone at Social Security, you will have more options. Social Security will add more in-person appointments and offer in-person service for people without an appointment. During the pandemic, millions of people used Social Security’s secure and convenient online services and received help by phone and in their offices by appointment. As …
How to Ace Your Online Interview
So, you landed an interview and you’re ready to meet your (hopefully) future employer. The usual questions run through your head… What do I say? What should I wear? How do I get there? Wait… these days… “getting there” might mean showing up in your own living room! If you’re not used to online communication, the idea of an online …
Living with Depression: Creative Solutions for Work
An important part of living well with depression is to engage in as many regular daily activities as possible, including work. For many, the satisfaction and security of work leads to positive self-esteem, and being part of a work team can create a sense of belonging. But. . . you may not feel positive or that you belong at work …