He lived with his mother in a back room of her house until she died in 2008. After her death, he became homeless and has mostly lived in his car. At times he has stayed at a community emergency shelter, but stays are limited to 60 days per year. He has been to jail a few times. John has no …
From Heavy Lifting to Human Resources
After working nearly 9 years at Land o’Lakes, Lori tore her rotator cuff lifting a heavy bag while working. She was in her 50s and had always worked physically demanding jobs, often lifting heavy bags for 12 hours a day. After her work injury and surgery she wasn’t sure what she’d be able to do. Unable to do the physically …
Long Waits and Long Odds: Social Security Disability Benefits Challenges
In this story on NPR (National Public Radio), Stephanie Hashmi shares her story of applying for social security disability benefits. Hashmi was diagnosed with systemic lupus, a medical condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. She’s had surgery and other treatments. Now, at age 41, Hashmi is often bedridden. Her health caused her to …
Stacy’s Story: Taking Control of Your Career Path
Finding the right career path is a unique journey for all of us. Most of us experience some wrong turns, obstacles, and lessons learned along the way. Just ask Stacy who I talked to about her experiences in growing her career. Spotlight on Stacy Stacy has determination – she knows what she needs, what she is good at, and is …
Meet Xavi: a Youth with Promise
Wisconsin is one of six sites participating in the US Department of Education’s PROMISE initiative. This project works with youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and their families to meet their school and work goals. ERI is pleased to be part of this multi-agency collaborative to coordinate services and use best practices to prepare young adults for future career success …
Anna’s Blog: Finding Your Voice and ADA Legacy
Are you following Anna’s Blog? If not, what are you waiting for? Join Anna in talking about employment and empowerment for people with disabilities. In her latest posts, she explains how living silently is not a practical way of life and she shares her remarks made during the 25th Anniversary Tour Bus Stop and Celebration in Madison on June 25, …
Meet Ernest: A Ticket to Work Story
Ernest has found it difficult in the past to maintain employment due to his mental health issues. He feels that he works best when he can work with his hands, and when he has a consistent work schedule. With the help of his job coach, Ernest found a job with a local auto repair shop where he works 10:30 a.m. to …
Meet Sally: A Ticket to Work Story
Sally recently completed her Masters in school counseling and was offered a full-time limited term employment (LTE) position with her local school district. She currently uses Para transit, but would like to save for a car and become more self-sufficient. Benefits Challenges Sally was excited about this job opportunity, but fearful of losing her Medicaid. Her LTE position does not …
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