During his second inauguration, President Abraham Lincoln said “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” Helping returning veterans has long been a part of our country’s heritage.Veterans Day and Vocational Rehabilitation On November 11, we celebrate and honor the veterans who have served in the U.S. military. The date commemorates …
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
Workers with Disabilities are Key to Economic Recovery National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated each October to recognize the many contributions of people with disabilities to our nation’s economy. This year’s NDEAM theme is, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” COVID-19 has left an enormous gap in America’s workforce. There are more jobs than skilled people to fill them. This …
Observing Mental Illness Awareness Week
The first full week of October, we observe Mental Illness Awareness Week. These days it’s more important than ever for people to be informed about mental health issues. COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone. For many, it is another challenge added to a continuous battle against mental health problems. For others, COVID-19 has ushered in their first experiences dealing with …
ERI 30th Anniversary: Looking Back and Future Focused
ERI has been celebrating our 30th Anniversary over the course of the past year. We opted for a year-long celebration since in-person gatherings haven’t been an option due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It has certainly been a challenging year. As always, the ERI Team members, the Board, our partners, and the people with whom we work, have all been flexible, …
10 Steps People with Disabilities Should Take to Prepare for an Emergency
With the current and recent natural disasters happening, it might be a good time to consider your personal emergency plan. The “Be Prepared, Have a Plan: Emergency Preparedness Toolkit for People with Disabilities” can help you plan for and respond to emergencies and natural disasters. The Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities developed it to ensure the safety and protect the …
Worried About Money? A Budget Can Help
Do worries about money keep you up at night? Would you rather go to the dentist than look at your bank account? Do you struggle with not having enough money to cover your expenses at the end of the month? These ups and downs may make you feel like you are on a roller coaster! Here are some ways to …
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 …
Your DVR Case Closed. It May Be Time for Ticket to Work!
If you have a disability and an employment goal, the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can provide services to help you prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. In many cases, once you get a job and maintain that job for 90 days, your DVR case closes successfully. But what happens next? You May Be Eligible for Ticket to WorkTicket …
Working from Home? Grow Your Skills and Knowledge with Free Resources
In COVID-19 times, many of us dramatically changed the way we provide services, going from working in a physical office space to providing services remotely from our homes. For many, this change freed up some extra time to work on professional development and continuing education. And, we saw many the people we serve look for ways to use their extra …