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 …
Job Search Tools and Resources
They say “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” If you have a disability and are thinking about getting a job, a thousand miles is an overwhelming thought. But don’t give up. Here are some great first steps to help you on your journey. Getting Started “Is work right for me? Where do I even begin?” …
Ask Ben: Can I Increase My Assets AND Keep My SSI Eligibility?
The cold winds of March are no fun! I had to escape the tail end of the Wisconsin winter and the talk of another snowstorm heading our way. Being an adventurous guy, I found myself in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, among the nine breathtaking islands of the Azores. If you like waterfalls and swimming with dolphins, this is …
Free Tax Preparation Services
Have you finished preparing your taxes yet? If you’re like a lot of people, you might have waited until now… and may be wondering where you can get some help completing them in time for the April 15th deadline. We have good news! You may be able to get free help to prepare your taxes. My Free Taxes My Free …
Anyone Can Work: An Introduction to Customized Employment
Anyone can work. That is a fact and the foundation for customized employment. What Is Customized Employment?Customized employment is a strategy for connecting job seekers and employers. It works for job seekers who have a disability and have experienced challenges gaining employment through traditional ways. It also works for employers with unmet business needs that can be met through unconventional …