When you invest in a diverse workforce, you build a team that has a depth of talent, innovation, and dedication not found in non-inclusive workforces. The more diverse your team is, the more skillful and innovative they will be in accomplishing the goals and resolving the challenges you set before them. People with disabilities are often overlooked as a source …
Caller-ID “Spoofing” Scheme Misuses Social Security Customer Service Number
Social Security has received numerous reports of questionable phone calls displaying their 1-800 number on a caller-ID screen. This may be a scam! If a person claiming to be from Social Security calls you and threatens you for information or promises a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information: Hang up. Don’t engage and don’t provide any …
Ask Ben: Help! Repaying My Student Loans is Tough!
Last month I was enjoying the beautiful fall colors in Wisconsin when suddenly. . . the air turned icy! Now I’m at the beautiful Grand Canyon where the temperatures are in the high 50s and wildlife abounds. Just this morning I saw a Golden Eagle, Canyon Wren, and several Bighorn Sheep. There are 447 known species of birds in the …
Advancing Employment First and Building Full Lives: Working Together
Wisconsin is an Employment First state, where we work together to Build Full Lives. Advancing Employment FirstJust because you have a disability doesn’t mean you don’t want to work and participate in your community like everyone else. Employment First is a framework centered on the belief that all citizens, including individuals with significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in integrated employment and community …
Ask Ben: I’m Enrolled in Medicare. Is There Something I Need to Do this Fall?
Fall in Wisconsin! It may not be as exotic as Paris or Africa, but who can beat these gorgeous fall colors? As I sit here admiring the beautiful fall leaves and enjoying the crisp air, I’ll answer a question about Medicare that comes along each fall…. Dear Ben, I enrolled in Medicare when I first became eligible last May. I’ve …
ERI Supports National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Accomplished. Motivated. Determined. These are the people seeking meaningful work who we meet every day at ERI. They also have a disability. How can each of us contribute to a world where every person has the ability to live a full, active life at work, home, and in their communities? October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This is an …
Is Transportation a Priority Issue for You and Others?
Survival Coalition is conducting a survey to learn more about transportation options, or lack of transportation options, for older adults and people with disabilities across the state. The results of this survey will be used by Survival Coalition to inform policy makers and improve transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities. We need people from across the state …
Pre-Driving Assessments: Gain Experience, Build Confidence, and Get Information
Imagine driving down the road, the wind blowing through your hair with your favorite music playing loud! It’s just you and your car with all the possibilities of the open road. If you are someone with a disability, the freedom that comes with driving a car may be something you did not think was possible for you. Or perhaps an …
Work Incentives Benefits Specialist Initial Training 2018
Work Incentive Benefits Specialists (WIBS) provide information to people who have disabilities and receive public or private benefits. WIBS provide information needed for making informed decisions about work. This helps a person understand how earnings may affect disability payments, healthcare, and other publicly funded benefits. For people with a disability, work incentives benefits information is an essential part of getting …
The Link Between the Arts, Health and Wellness
Nutrition and exercise seem to be the buzz words for being healthy and maintaining mental wellness. Other advice includes having a good sleep routine, practicing relaxation, and having a good social network. Are you looking for something else to add to your toolbox? Why not try the arts? The Arts, Health and Wellness The link between the arts and health …