Employment Guide. Employment Resources for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

Transcription

1 Employment Guide Employment Resources for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities September 2015

2 Table of Contents Employment Assistance for Anyone Brown County Job Center Small Business Development Centers Temporary Employment Agencies Employment Assistance for Seniors WISE Program Senior Service Program Foster Grandparent Program Employment Assistance for Veterans Brown County Job Center Veteran Services Department of Veterans Affairs...6 Employment Assistance for People with Disabilities Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Oneida Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Services Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs Ticket To Work Program Trial Work Period...9 Extended Period of Eligibility PASS Impairment Related Work Expenses Medical Purchase Plan Health and Employment Counseling Supports for Potential Employment Funding...12 Assistive Technology Equipment Assistive Technology Equipment Locations Options For Independent Living Cerebral Palsy, Inc Clothing for Work YWCA Women s Closet Salvation Army Men s Closet Legal Issues and Advocacy Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Disability and Technical Assistance Centers Disability Rights Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service Online Employment

3 Employment Assistance for Anyone The purpose of this handout is to increase knowledge of employment resources offered to older adults and adults with disabilities in Brown County. Information in this booklet is updated as needed. If agencies/services should be added or changed, please contact the ADRC at I Need Help Finding A Job. Where Do I Start? Looking for a job is not easy and can be a hard task for anyone. There are several programs in Brown County that offer employment services, and can help with job searchs and employment goals. Brown County Job Center The Brown County Job Center is a one-stop-shop that offers a large variety of services and programs to both job seekers and employers. Within the Brown County Job Center, there are several different agencies providing services to assist people with meeting their employment goals. Most of the Brown County Job Center s services are provided free of charge. *Some agencies/programs are located at the Job Center because they offer employment assistance. While these agencies are not a part of the Job Center, they work with the Job Center to provide services. For veteran assistance, see Veteran Services (pg. 6). For adults with disabilities assistance, see Division of Vocational Rehabilition (DVR) (pg. 7). Computer Labs: Free access to (lists of jobs available in Wisconsin) Free classes and self-paced instruction in computer skills, typing and data entry Free fax and available to apply for jobs and send out resumes Job Seeking Workshops Free career and employment workshops covering a variety of topics available each month. Some topics may include: Help writing or updating a resume Assistance with writing an effective cover letter Tips for good job interviewing Career Counseling Help with focusing on interests Evaluation of skills through assessment tests 701 Cherry St. Green Bay, WI Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 am - 4:30 pm 3

4 Employment Assistance for Anyone Small Business Development Centers Self-employment is becoming popular because it provides flexibility and freedom from such barriers as transportation, inaccessible work environments, and fatigue. With that freedom also comes risk and responsibility. Starting a small business is a lot of work, and many people need direction and guidance along the way. Small Business Development Centers offer information and technical assistance to help individuals start a business. Call the Wisconsin Business Answer Line ( ) for free, over- the- phone answers to questions about business start-up and management. Callers receive personal attention from a counselor, who has real-world management experience. The website also offers information on funding and grants, entrepreneurial training programs, education opportunities, frequently asked questions and much more. Small Business Development Center (located at UW Green Bay) 2701 Larsen Rd. Green Bay, WI Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Temporary Employment Agencies Temporary Employment Agencies, sometimes known as temp agencies or staffing agencies, provide employment opportunities and staffing solutions to job seekers and employers. Temporary Employment Agencies interview job seekers and try to match them with employment opportunities. Some offer work on a daily basis and others provide opportunities for a week, a month or longer. Temp agencies serve the general public and cannot discriminate against people with disabilities. There is no guarantee that they will be able to find an appropriate placement for job seekers. How Can I Find Out More? There are many different temp agencies in Brown County, easily found in the yellow pages under the Employment section. 4

5 Employment Assistance for Seniors WISE Program The WISE Program is a statewide senior employment and training program under Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR). It provides employment and training assistance to adults through part-time work experience in the community. Participants must be a resident of WI, 55 years or older, meet certain income guidelines and be unemployed. The on-the-job training received helps build skills necessary to gain work outside of the program. The WISE Program utilizes the Brown County Job Center to provide computer and job search training. Each participant is then matched with a host agency where they will gain work experience to improve and build job skills. Each participant works with an Employment Specialist, who remains in contact with the participant and the host agency throughout the work experience Curry Ln. Ste. C, Green Bay, WI (Located at NEW Curative Rehabilitation) Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Senior Service Program The Senior Service Program is an employment and training program for unemployed people 55 and older. Participants work under 20 hours per week and are paid minimum wage. If eligible for the program, seniors would complete an orientation that assesses skills, education and interests. The individuals are then matched with a non-profit or government host agency worksite, earn minimum wage, update skills, obtain a current work reference, and become more employable. The seniors continue to seek a permanent job while on the program. The Senior Service Program serving Brown County is located at NEW Curative Rehabilitation Inc., 2900 Curry Ln, Green Bay, WI 54311; Phone number: Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Foster Grandparent Program People age 55 and older serve as grandparent role models in childcare classrooms. They are volunteers who help at any of seven Encompass Early Education and Care Centers in Green Bay, Allouez, and De Pere. As well as being 55 years or older, these seniors must meet a limited income guideline. Volunteer hours can be anywhere between 15 and 30 hours per week. Travel is reimbursed monthly. Call the Foster Grandparent Program Coordinator ( ). 5

6 Employment Assistance for Veterans Brown County Job Center Veteran Services The Brown County Job Center provides individualized services to area veterans through the Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOPs). Eligible veterans have either: Served at least 180 days on active duty Served less than 180 days on active duty but be medically discharged Or been awarded a campaign badge or medal Veterans receive employment assistance in the form of aptitude testing, career counseling, assistance with writing resumes and cover letters, and referrals to other services provided at the Brown County Job Center. 701 Cherry St. Green Bay, WI (located at the Brown County Job Center) Call the LVER or DVOP worker at: , , or Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program (VR&E) The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program helps veterans with serviceconnected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. Eligible veterans must: Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable Have a service-connected disability Submit a completed application for VR&E services Eligible veterans will receive a comprehensive evaluation to include: an assessment of abilities, skills, and interests; an assessment of whether service disconnected disabilities prevent them from finding or holding a job; and finding work experience & developing goals that lead to employment, and/or maximum independence at home or in the community. Apply online at: 6

7 Employment Assistance for People with Disabilities How Can I Find A Job That Can Accommodate My Disability? Some people do not know how to begin looking for a job after being out of the workforce due to a disability. Fortunately, there are many supports in the community that can help find jobs that are good fits and can accommodate disabilities. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) The Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a federal and state funded program designed to help individuals with disabilities in preparing for, finding and keeping employment. People with disabilities that find it difficult to work because of the disability may be eligible for DVR. There is not a charge for most services, so DVR is a great place to start! People have a right to choose their job goal and the services needed to reach that goal. DVR provides help in making the best choices about service options. An adult with a disability and the DVR counselor will agree on an Employment Plan. When the Employement Plan is complete (services listed are received and the goal accomplished), the DVR case will be closed. Individuals can reapply for DVR services if something changes and employment services are needed again. If long-term employment support seems like the best option, DVR may ask for the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to become involved to determine if a person is eligible for long-term care funding. Goal-achieving DVR services: Vocational Services- career exploration, skills assessment, job development, and training Benefits Analysis- counseling on earning limits and the number of hours that can be worked while still receiving SSA benefits Assistive Technology- exploration and possible funding for technological aids and devices that can make it easier to do a job Transition Services for students with disabilities-a DVR Liason is assigned to each school 701 Cherry St. Green Bay, WI (located at the Brown County Job Center) or Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:45 am - 4:30 pm Apply online: 7

8 Employment Assistance for People with Disabilities Oneida Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Services Oneida Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Services offer employment enhancement services to American Indians with disabilities. The goal of the program is to assist people with disabilities to find and/or maintain employment. Applicants must: Be a member of a federally recognized tribe Want to work Have a clinically- diagnosed condition which causes a significant barrier to employment And want to completely participate in the process A counselor will determine eligibility and help complete the intake process. A vocational assessment is done, which assesses the individual s strengths, abilities and capabilities. Then the counselor will help with the development of an Individualized Plan for Employment. The Individualized Plan for Employment outlines the education and/or training & support services needed for the individual to gain/maintain employment. The counselor maintains contact with the individual throughout the entire process to make sure employment goals are being met W. Point Rd. Green Bay, WI Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 8

9 Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers many resources to help Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) beneficiaries return to work. All programs and services are provided free of charge. Included in these resources are staff that can talk with individuals about going back to work, as well as work incentive programs that provide support when going back to work. Some work incentive programs allow recipients to work while still receiving full monthly disability payments. Other programs allow recipients to set aside income and/or resources to be used toward specific work goals. Call the Work Incentive Liason at the local SSA office ( or ). Work Incentive Programs* Ticket to Work Trial to Work Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) Impairment-Related Work Program Serves SSDI Beneficiaries Program Serves SSI Recipients Expenses (IRWE) Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) Health & Employment Counseling (HEC) *Please see the following pages for further details on each Work Incentive Program. 9

10 Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs Ticket To Work Program Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is a program offered by the Social Security Administration. It provides Social Security disability recipients the choices, opportunities and support needed to become and stay employed, increase their earning, and eventually leave and remain off benefits by being fully self-supportive. Eligible Social Security disability recipients, called ticket holders, may assign their Tickets to an Employment Network (EN) of their choice to get employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services necessary that will help to be as independent as possible through work opportunities. Recipients can receive job training and placement, referrals, plus ongoing support and other services to help them meet employment goals. How Does It Work? An Employment Network (EN) is under contract with Social Security to provide free services to recipients under the Ticket program. If you and an EN agree to work together, the Ticket Holder and the EN develop a plan with employment goals and describes the specialized services the EN will provide to help meet these goals. All ENs provide career counseling, job placement, and ongoing support services. Or you can choose to work with your state Vocational Rehabilitation agency (TDD ) Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am-8:00 pm 10

11 Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs Trial Work Period If a person receives Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits and decides to return to work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows a period of time to test out that person s ability to work while still receiving full SSDI benefits. This period of time is called a Trial Work Period (TWP). The TWP allows a person to work while still receiving full monthly disability payments for at least nine months, no matter the income level. How Does the Program Work? The TWP begins the first month SSDI earnings exceed the TWP income limits. The TWP ends when the person has earned above a certain amount per month for at least nine months within a five-year period. These months do not need to be consecutive. If that person earns below a certain amount in any month, the earnings that month will not count toward the TWP. Once the TWP ends, the cash benefits may stop due to work, but the person will still receive health insurance. Call the Work Incentives Benefit Specialist Counselor ( ), or call the local SSA office and ask for the Work Incentive Liaison (WIL) ( ). 11

12 Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs Extended Period of Eligibility After a Trial Work Period (TWP) ends, a person enters a time called the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this 3-year period, disability benefits can be re-started without having to file a new application. During the EPE, there is a work incentive called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). It is designed to measure a person s ability to work and earn a liveable wage. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets an amount for the SGA. During the EPE, if a person earns less than the SGA in a month, then s/he receives the benefit payment for that month. If that person earns more than the SGA in any month, then s/he does not receive the benefit payment that month. Note that benefits will not be permanently lost if earnings are above the SGA level one month. The SSA can automatically start benefit payments again in any month earnings drop below the SGA level. It is very important to report income to the Social Security Administration during the EPE. Failure to report income can result in overpayment of benefits, which the SSA will require to be paid back! Call the Work Incentive Benefits Specialist (WIBS) Counselor ( ), or call the local SSA office and ask for the Work Incentive Liaison (WIL) ( ). 12

13 Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) The Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) offers employed people with disabilities the opportunity to buy health care coverage through the Wisconsin Medicaid (MA) program. MAPP participants receive the same health benefits offered through Wisconsin Medicaid. MAPP allows working people with disabilities to earn more income and have higher assets than standard MA recipients, without the risk of losing their healthcare coverage. How Does the Program Work? A person needs to have a disability determination to be eligible for the program. The person must be at least 18 years old, reside in Wisconsin, and meet certain income and asset guidelines. MAPP participants must be engaged in some kind of work activity for as little as one hour per month. Participants can be enrolled in both MAPP and an employer s health insurance at the same time. Call an Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Disability Benefit Specialist ( ), the Medicaid office ( ), or Bay Lake Consortium ( ). Health and Employment Counseling (HEC) The Health and Employment Counseling (HEC) program is a nine month, pre-employment program for people with disabilities who want to enroll in Medical Assistance Purchase Plan but who are not yet employed. How Does the Program Work? A person must be receiving MAPP coverage to access the HEC program. Call the HEC manager ( ), or an ADRC Disability Benefit Specialist ( ). 13

14 Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) PASS is a Social Security Administration (SSA) work incentive that allows people with disabilities who receive Social Security Income (SSI), or in some situations Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), to set aside income and/or resources to be used toward specific work goals. With an approved PASS plan, a person can set aside money to pay for expenses related to a work goal. The money saved would not count against the person s SSI resources limit and will not affect benefit payments. The PASS money saved could be used for things like: transportation to and from work, child care, supplies to start a business, and special clothes needed for a job. How Does the Program Work? A PASS plan needs to be in writing, and the SSA must approve it. 1. Decide on a work goal and the steps needed to achieve that goal. 2. Determine what kinds of equipment or services are needed to reach the goal. 3. Figure out the cost of the equipment or services, and then how much money will be set aside each month to pay for these things. 4. The SSA reviews the plan and decides whether or not to approve it. -Call a PASS expert ( , ext ). -Apply & learn more information at: -SSA brochure Working While Disabled- A Guide to Plans for Achieving Self-Support ( ). 14

15 Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) are items and services that, because of a disability, are needed in order to be able to work. Some examples of IRWEs are: Assistive technology (workstation modifications, service animals) Driver assistance (vehicle modifications, taxicabs) Attendant care services (bathing, dressing, cooking) IRWE can be deducted from the gross earnings when a person receives receive Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Any IRWE can be deducted from a gross income, so a person would keep the earnings needed to cover the expense of the IRWE. Call the Work Incentive Benefits Specialist ( ), or call the Work Incentive Liaison (WIL) at the SSA ( ). 15

16 Supports for Potential Employment Funding What Are Publically Funded Long-Term Care Programs? Long Term Care (LTC) is any service that a person may need because of a disability that limits the ability to do the things that people need to do throughout the day. This includes bathing, getting dressed, making meals, going to work, and paying bills. Eligible individuals are adults over the age of 18 with a physical or developmental disability with long-term conditions requiring care. The person must meet functional and financial criteria in order to qualify for these programs. The options for publically funded long-term care programs in Brown County are Family Care & Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS). Currently there is a waiting list for funding in Brown County. Contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for assistance ( ). Brown County Transition Program High school students with a developmental disability or autism, and are eligible to stay in school until the age of 21, may be eligible for the Brown County Transition Program. This program can pay for vocational services and supported employment programs. Some financial guidelines for eligibility apply, and each student applying for this program must pass a functional assessment. Contact Brown County Human Services ( ), or work with the high school s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) team to find out more. Department of Public Instruction (DPI) High school students with a disability may be eligible for vocational assessment, training and work experience within the school setting or in the community. These services are paid for by the school, and should be discussed in the IEP meetings. Contact the special education teacher and schedule an IEP meeting to discuss options. Private Pay Most agencies that provide vocational services and supported employment programs will have private pay options for individuals who do not have other funding, or who are on funding waiting lists. There are many private and non-profit agencies in Brown County that provide these services. A complete listing is not included in this brochure because services, available funding and eligibility criteria change so frequently. Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for more information ( ). 16

17 Assistive Technology Equipment Where Can I Get Special Equipment to Help Me Do My Job? Many people with disabilities need adapted pieces of equipment/ devices to help them do job tasks that are difficult or impossible because of a disability. By law, employers with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities unless it would cause undue hardship. First talk to an employer about specific needs and the reasonable accommodations available. There are several agencies, discussed later in this section, that can help individuals and employers identify the needed accommodations in the work environment. What Is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology can include mobility items such as walkers & wheelchairs and special software for computers. For example, people who cannot use their hands may use a keyboard with large keys or a special mouse to operate a computer. People who are blind may use software that reads text on the screen in a computer-generated voice. People who are deaf may use a TTY (text telephone). People with speech impairments may use a device that speaks out loud as they enter text via a keyboard. What is a Reasonable Accommodation? A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace that helps a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. Reasonable accommodations do not require lowering performance standards or removing important skills of the individual s job. Some examples of reasonable accommodations may include: allowing a more flexible work schedule, making physical changes to the work area or equipment, changing the way a person is managed, allowing job sharing, providing a job coach, or reducing workplace distractions. What Is Undue Hardship? An undue hardship is any significant difficulty or expense an employer has when providing a workplace accommodation for an individual with a disability. This could include the size, nature and structure of a business, as well as the resources available to an employer. An undue hardship is not the same as inconveniencing an employer. An employer must provide reasonable accommodations unless s/he can prove undue hardship by the factors listed above. American with Disabilities Act (TTY: ) 17

18 Assistive Technology Equipment Locations Where Can I Go for More Information on Assistive Technology Equipment? Options for Independent Living Options for Independent Living is an Independent Living Center that serves Northeast WI. This non-profit agency helps individuals with disabilities live more independent lives. Staff can complete an assessment of technology needs to determine what type of assistive technology is needed to help reach a goal. Options for Independent Living is a showcase model home and office complex, displaying current accessibility features for homes and offices. Equipment can be borrowed in order to find out if it works best for a person before purchasing. This equipment can help with activities of daily living, hearing or visual loss, recreation, computer/workplace technology, and other related activities. Staff will offer information, assistance, referrals to other agencies, and adovcacy help. How Can I Find Out More? 555 Country Club Rd. Green Bay, WI (TTY/TDD: ) Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Cerebral Palsy, Inc.- Assistive Technology Services Cerebral Palsy, Inc. supports getting the community involved to help improve the lives of people affected by temporary or permanent physical, sensory and/or speech conditions. Many services are available, and could include: Consultation Assessments and recommendations Equipment trials Placing your equipment order Equipment setup, customization, training & technical support Service coordination and follow-up Assistance with seeking equipment funding How Can I Find Out More? 2801 S Webster Ave. Green Bay, WI Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 18

19 Clothing for Work Where Do I Find Clothing for My Job? Dressing well for a job is key to finding and keeping a job. Below are places in Brown County that give clothing to people who need it for their jobs. The YWCA Women s Closet The YWCA Women s Closet is a program for women who need clothing for their job and cannot pay for the clothing. Clothing is donated by individuals and businesses in Brown County. Women can get free, work-appropriate clothing, with the number of outfits depending on the need. Volunteers at the Women s Closet also help women learn how to put together an outfit. How Can I Find Out More? 230 S. Madison St. Green Bay, WI Hours (Call to check times): Tuesday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Wednesday, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thursday, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Salvation Army Men s Closet The Salvation Army Men s Closet is a program for men who need clothing for their job and cannot pay for the clothing. Clothing is donated by individuals and businesses in Brown County. This program is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Green Bay. Men can get free, work-appropriate clothing. How Can I Find Out More? 1125 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI Hours (Call to check times): Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm 19

20 Legal Issues and Advocacy If a person s rights have been violated, there are several agencies that help with legal advice or advocacy. These agencies provide information and education about a person s rights, plus the employer s responsibilities when employing people with disabilities. Disability and Technical Assistance Centers (DBTAC) There are ten regional centers established by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research that provide information, training, and technical assistance to employers, people with disabilities and others on their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The DBTAC listed below serves Wisconsin: DBTAC Great Lakes ADA Center University of Illinois/Chicago Institute on Disability and Human Development 1640 West Roosevelt Road, Room 405 Chicago, Illinois (312) (V/TTY) or (V/TTY) Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm How Can I Find Out More? Disability Rights Wisconsin (Three offices in WI, closest to Brown County is Milwaukee) 6737 W. Washington St., Ste Milwaukee, WI , (TTY: ) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) The EEOC is a federal agency that is responsible for overseeing and enforcing nondiscrimination in employment, regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, or disability. How Can I Find Out More? 310 West Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 800 Milwaukee, WI (TTY: ) Hours: EEOC representatives 8:30 am - 5:00 pm *Automated system with answers to frequently asked questions available 24 hours 20

21 Legal Issues and Advocacy Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is a private, non-profit organization serves a person of any age with any type of disability living in Wisconsin. DRW helps advocate for the individual and provides legal expertise to help the individual get connected to services. Staff at DRW can provide information and referral, plus help individuals advocate for themselves. Staff may be able to help with investigating, negotiating or mediating on a person s behalf, or represent in legal proceedings. How Can I Find Out More? Disability Rights Wisconsin (Three offices in WI, closest to Brown County is Milwaukee) 6737 W. Washington St., Ste Milwaukee, WI , (TTY: ) Lawyer Referral and Information Service The Lawyer Referral and Information Service provides free legal services to WI residents through the State Bar Association. The legal services provided include: Lawyer Hotline, which can answer legal questions free of charge within a few days Lawyer Referral Service, which helps refer to an attorney in the area Community Referral Service, which refers to other legal service organizations or community resources for additional legal help How Can I Find Out More? State Bar Association (Madison, WI) (Referral line) Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 21

22 Online Job Search Sites There are many online resources and websites that can be helpful to job seekers and employers. Job search sites offer listings of current job openings and the ability to apply for positions online What Online Employment Resources Are Available? Below is a list of websites that have job seeking tools, advice and other information. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Self-Employment Toolkit This toolkit gives information on how to self-manage a business. DVR Referral Request Visit the link below to make an online referral or access a printable version of the form. Employment Resources, Inc. This Madison-based organization that assists with employment & benefits counseling, including work incentives. All services are free of charge. Job Accommodation Network Provides free, expert, and confidential help with workplace accommodations and disability employment issues (English & Spanish) (TTY: ) 22

23 Online Job Search Sites Social Security Work Incentives If a person with a disability is receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), work incentives are available that allow that person to still receive monthly SSI payments and Medicare or Medicaid. Wisconsin WisLoan Program A state-wide alternative loan program that helps WI residents with a disability to purchase assistive technology to help them live more independently. Assistive technology items include: hearing aids, vehicles with modifications, computers, electric scooters, and home modifications. Must be over 18 years old, a WI resident, and have a disability. Wisconsin WisTech Program A state-wide alternative loan program that helps WI residents with a disability to purchase computers and other equipment needed as entrepreneurs to start a home-based business or work for an employer out of their home. Same eligibility as WisLoan Program applies. Work Incentives Benefits Counseling Watch the short videos from PERC (Paths to Employment Resource Center) to learn how work incentives benefits counseling can help. 23

24 300 S. Adams Street, Green Bay, WI September 2015 Information is provided courtesy of the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County and may be reproduced so long as credit to the agency is retained and distribution is for noncommercial purposes only. For additional information, please contact the ADRC at (920) The ADRC of Brown County is an equal opportunity, access, affirmative action employer and provider. W:communityresources\employment\employmentresources