We talked recently about Disability Support Groups. Yet, that is just one of the many ways in which you, as a disabled person, can avail yourself of enriching fellowship and socializing; there are opportunities all around you. When we focus on our particular situation and disability, it might seem as though we are isolated and many times we may feel like no one really cares.
Yet, there are numerous ways in which we can enrich our lives. There may not be a cure for your particular disability, but getting involved in the lives of others will help you cope with things and will make life as a whole much better. Unless there is constant pain to remind you of your disability, you may find yourself almost forgetting to feel sorry for yourself, and that, indeed, is a major accomplishment for you.
Let's start with the closest people around you, perhaps, though not always. If you have family or close friends, even if they don't live with you, they can be a source of help and fellowship for you. Unlike the community at large, these people will be in a better position to know your particular situation and can offer assistance which you might not feel as comfortable with if the person were a stranger or someone who is not as close to you. For example, suppose your disability requires that you need assistance with your money or finances. One who would be a close friend or relative would be in a better position to help you with that than someone who isn't as close to you. And, let's face it, yes, even disabled people have been ripped off by those who have posed as a well-meaning helper. Perhaps, you can dress yourself and bathe, but you need help with clothing and other color or identification with various items. The close family and friend would fit the bill here, also.
In addition to family and friends who can help you get places and run errands, there are many within churches or civic organizations who are sometimes available to help. Many of these individuals don't get paid but serve as volunteers to help in such need. Consider going to the church or civic events yourself. Not, just to get someone to do something for you, but, you yourself have a lot to contribute to the group. You can share your own experiences and help foster discussion within the group. Sometimes there are senior centers in your area which offer recreation and games where you can interact with seniors and others who are disabled. Yes, church is mainly for meeting with God, I admit; but, there are also many other wonderful people there with whom you can build valuable relations. It's true that, although most Christian people have a heart to reach out and help those who are les fortunate than themselves, let's face it, many still do not know how to approach or relate to those with disabilities. And, the disabled themselves may still be grabbling with getting accustomed to living in this sphere of life themselves. You as a disabled person don't have to do all the initiation as far as reaching out to others. Yet, we do have to many times, go beyond our little world. We must let the public at large know that it's all right to have a disability; that we are not strange or odd or funny creatures; that we live an otherwise normal life just like anybody else.
Many who have been on disability for a while and are getting their benefits through social security and medicare, are now on disability insurance such as a medicare advantage plan. Many of these plans offer the extra advantage of health clubs such as free membership to your local Silver Sneakers program at your local YMCA; most people now just call it the Y, for short. You may have to get someone to take you to the Y, but once there, you can walk around the track if you are able to do that, or work out on the equipment, or take a spa or swim. The reason the private insurance companies, such as Humana and others offer this service as part of your coverage, is because they believe that keeping active means keeping healthier longer!
Some churches now, such as the one at which I serve as pastor of senior adult ministries, offer a midweek or morning alternative to the traditional set service times. This allows seniors and the disabled of the community, regardless of denominational affiliation, to all come together for a time of worship, fellowship, and yes, eating too. The attendance in our group last Wednesday numbered 95, with people from our church and a great number from the community at large. And this was with no real promotion or paid ads in the paper. The music, worship, fellowship Bible preaching, and free lunch helps to share a little sunshine with the disabled and those who are in the Golden year season of life. More of what my particular ministry, including disability, nursing home, and blog and podcast outreach can be found at:
http://www.tonybroome.com
And, speaking of nursing and retirement homes, this is a great opportunity for those of you who are yourselves struggling with disability, to gain valuable resources, insight, encouragement, and just plain old good fun and fellowship!
Be blessed! And, keep a smile on that face of yours. God loves you and we're gonna make it through this thing!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Disability Support Groups
Support groups have always been a way of help for those in different situations of varying disabilities or other recovery, grief, treatment such as cancer, or, even motherhood. Support groups allow you to get together with others who are in the same or similar circumstance as yourself. Together, you share your experiences and trade how to's and, as the title suggests, give and gain Support among each other.
Many communities, for example, have cancer, diabetes, and blindness, usually called VIP or Visual Impairment support groups. There may or may not be a specific Support Group in your area for Disabilities; but, there are no doubt others with whom you can fellowship and stand united in mutual cause. Your local church, civic, or senior center will be a good place for finding people who would not only share your interest, but also would give you valuable support and hints to help you through your new situation in life which is now staring you in the face.
Remember, you don't have to Go It alone! There are people who are going through the same or similar situations. Many of them have already been accustomed to dealing with the system and paperwork which seems so daunting and overwhelming to you. And, if there isn't a particular physical location support group in your area, you can always get on the phone and talk to people that way. If you have access to the internet, there is a ton of resources like this one available to help you deal with your disability. The internet itself can act as your support group. There are websites for access technology and resources to help you:
www.medicare.gov and www.socialsecurity.gov are, the official US medicare and social security websites with support and resources that you can get to right away. The senior center in your area, even if you have a disability but are not of senior years yet, will be able to provide you with information that will help you as to the current availability of support and other resources tailored to your particular area.
But, whatever you do, don't allow yourself to become isolated. Get in touch with others who are close by and more than willing to give you a helping hand. And who knows? you just might find the friend of a lifetime!
Many communities, for example, have cancer, diabetes, and blindness, usually called VIP or Visual Impairment support groups. There may or may not be a specific Support Group in your area for Disabilities; but, there are no doubt others with whom you can fellowship and stand united in mutual cause. Your local church, civic, or senior center will be a good place for finding people who would not only share your interest, but also would give you valuable support and hints to help you through your new situation in life which is now staring you in the face.
Remember, you don't have to Go It alone! There are people who are going through the same or similar situations. Many of them have already been accustomed to dealing with the system and paperwork which seems so daunting and overwhelming to you. And, if there isn't a particular physical location support group in your area, you can always get on the phone and talk to people that way. If you have access to the internet, there is a ton of resources like this one available to help you deal with your disability. The internet itself can act as your support group. There are websites for access technology and resources to help you:
www.medicare.gov and www.socialsecurity.gov are, the official US medicare and social security websites with support and resources that you can get to right away. The senior center in your area, even if you have a disability but are not of senior years yet, will be able to provide you with information that will help you as to the current availability of support and other resources tailored to your particular area.
But, whatever you do, don't allow yourself to become isolated. Get in touch with others who are close by and more than willing to give you a helping hand. And who knows? you just might find the friend of a lifetime!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Senior Health Insurance Information Program
I wanted to talk briefly with you about the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, SHIIP for short, which is available in almost every state or territory where you live in the United States. This program has trained volunteers who are specialized in helping people in their specific area to understand their choices in medicare, medicare advantage, medicare supplements, and part D drug coverage plans which are available to them. You can go to the official medicare website: www.medicare.gov and do a search on SHIIP which will show your particular area contact information. Although, I push the internet as much as anybody, in this case, there's nothing like the good old telephone and the one on one interview with the person in your local area. He or she will be able to advise you on your choices. You will feel comfortable knowing your options and will be in a better position to make a more informed decision. Again, not only for the disabled, but seniors who are on medicare or medicare related coverage, I would urge you to pick up the phone and call your local social services or senior center in your area. They will be able to either give you the phone number of the SHIIP person in your area, or, in most cases, they will connect you directly. Since these are volunteers who are assisting you, they are not most likely there on location all the time. Simply, leave a voice message with your name and phone number, and briefly tell them that you are calling in reference to the senior health insurance information program for your particular area, and that you are interested in talking to them about your choices.
One thing I'd like to say is, that as public professional volunteers, they will not tell you what to do, but, instead will make sure that you are informed, so that you can make the best decision for yourself. Disabilities and the choices you need to make can be complicated at first and, things do change somewhat every year, which can add to the jumble and confusion of things. But, if you take the guidelines which are provided here and seek out the help which is available for you, many times right there in your particular locale, you will not feel confused or frustrated, and best of all, you will make the right decisions for your particular needs and get the help you deserve and are entitled to!
One thing I'd like to say is, that as public professional volunteers, they will not tell you what to do, but, instead will make sure that you are informed, so that you can make the best decision for yourself. Disabilities and the choices you need to make can be complicated at first and, things do change somewhat every year, which can add to the jumble and confusion of things. But, if you take the guidelines which are provided here and seek out the help which is available for you, many times right there in your particular locale, you will not feel confused or frustrated, and best of all, you will make the right decisions for your particular needs and get the help you deserve and are entitled to!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Disabled Veterans
Veterans are our Heroes! But many of them have become disabled while serving our country.
There is a wide age range of veterans. Not all of them are old retired military guys. Many of them now are women and there are young veterans who are having enormous challenges, not only with returning to civilian life, but also trying to deal with a disability which has come their way while they were serving in our armed forces and fighting to retain our freedom and liberty.
In addition to some of the general benefits which have already been mentioned, I thought it good to devote a post to these wonderful friends of mine and to inform you that there are benefits specifically designed to help disabled veterans. The US Veterans Affairs website: www.va.gov as well as, www.veteransbenefits.org are valuable sites you'll want to explore for yourself or someone who needs help. Many local communities have VA hospitals and support groups. Most of the time, and according to your own particular situation in past military service, treatment and medication is provided at little or no cost. There are VA loans which are available to help in housing assistance or refinancing of your home. This can many times relieve you from the heavy burden of high mortgage payments.
More than anything else, never feel that you are alone just because you are now suffering from a debilitating condition. Many areas have something like: Exchange Clubs, where mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs are loaned out at no charge to those who need them. If you feel more comfortable with owning your own, medicare and related medicare advantage insurance plans will cover most if not all of the cost for these devices, especially if your doctor deems them necessary for you.
Many vets now have Tricare insurance because of having served in the military. This is a wonderful insurance plan for those who have served in the military, because it covers part A hospitilization, part B doctor and specialist visits, and prescription drugs, which are usually covered under part D. Tricare usually pays copayments which many people having original medicare would usually have to pay; that being, 20 percent of the copay cost for medical treatment, and higher copays for drugs. Be sure to talk to the VA and also any local representatives with the social security administration so that your situation can be kept up with and so you can be sure that you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to.
Finally, you can hold your head up high! Disability has come your way, but it's a part of life that we're all having to deal with. You have won battles before, and this one isn't going to whip you either!
There is a wide age range of veterans. Not all of them are old retired military guys. Many of them now are women and there are young veterans who are having enormous challenges, not only with returning to civilian life, but also trying to deal with a disability which has come their way while they were serving in our armed forces and fighting to retain our freedom and liberty.
In addition to some of the general benefits which have already been mentioned, I thought it good to devote a post to these wonderful friends of mine and to inform you that there are benefits specifically designed to help disabled veterans. The US Veterans Affairs website: www.va.gov as well as, www.veteransbenefits.org are valuable sites you'll want to explore for yourself or someone who needs help. Many local communities have VA hospitals and support groups. Most of the time, and according to your own particular situation in past military service, treatment and medication is provided at little or no cost. There are VA loans which are available to help in housing assistance or refinancing of your home. This can many times relieve you from the heavy burden of high mortgage payments.
More than anything else, never feel that you are alone just because you are now suffering from a debilitating condition. Many areas have something like: Exchange Clubs, where mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs are loaned out at no charge to those who need them. If you feel more comfortable with owning your own, medicare and related medicare advantage insurance plans will cover most if not all of the cost for these devices, especially if your doctor deems them necessary for you.
Many vets now have Tricare insurance because of having served in the military. This is a wonderful insurance plan for those who have served in the military, because it covers part A hospitilization, part B doctor and specialist visits, and prescription drugs, which are usually covered under part D. Tricare usually pays copayments which many people having original medicare would usually have to pay; that being, 20 percent of the copay cost for medical treatment, and higher copays for drugs. Be sure to talk to the VA and also any local representatives with the social security administration so that your situation can be kept up with and so you can be sure that you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to.
Finally, you can hold your head up high! Disability has come your way, but it's a part of life that we're all having to deal with. You have won battles before, and this one isn't going to whip you either!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Don't Be Ashamed Of Your Disability!
So what! You have a disability. But there's nothing to be ashamed of.
You have dealt with the initial shock of being a disabled person. You are starting to adjust and are quite proud of yourself, though there are days when you're overwhelmed and knocked back again. You become a little more comfortable at stores, church, or even going out to eat. But when you try to talk to a rep or agency person and investigate some of the resources I am telling you about, the shame and stigma is more real than ever before. Do not allow yourself to get confused and become ashamed at this point. Your self-esteem is already challenged by dealing with things as a disabled person. You must not allow yourself to be put down by anyone, be it individual or agency from whom you seek services.
If you are seeking disability benefits, you have worked for them. You're not asking anything from anyone which isn't already due you. Having paid into the system while working and having taxes withheld, you now as a disabled person need those benefits. You didn't ask for your disability; you did nothing to make it come your way; it just came. It so happens that this is a part of life which has come your way. You don't like everything about it, certainly; but, you have nothing for which to be embarrassed or to feel shame about.
Do not allow the endless forms and questions which the human, social, or counseling services may throw your way to throw you a curve or get you off focus. Your goal at this point is simply to present yourself in a polite and professional way and to get the benefits which are coming to you in the best, most direct, and easiest way possible. The last one is the hardest. Our system has got to change and be overhauled in such a way as to make things easier and more understandable for layman and pro alike.
You've never sat in doctors, wellfare, social security, or social service offices before, but here you are. That's right, and I don't ever want to hear you say that you're ashamed about it. Remember, these agencies and people are here to serve us! not, the other way around. You're not begging them personally for anything. You're just applying in an upright and honest manner for that which is yours anyway; and, there's nothing bashful or shameful about it. There's even a Bible verse which supports what I'm telling you. Romans chapter 5 verse 5: And hope maketh not ashamed. You have hope and are dealing with your disability and trying to rebuild for a better life and brighter future.
Many days lie ahead, but you are going to make it! Hang in there!
You have dealt with the initial shock of being a disabled person. You are starting to adjust and are quite proud of yourself, though there are days when you're overwhelmed and knocked back again. You become a little more comfortable at stores, church, or even going out to eat. But when you try to talk to a rep or agency person and investigate some of the resources I am telling you about, the shame and stigma is more real than ever before. Do not allow yourself to get confused and become ashamed at this point. Your self-esteem is already challenged by dealing with things as a disabled person. You must not allow yourself to be put down by anyone, be it individual or agency from whom you seek services.
If you are seeking disability benefits, you have worked for them. You're not asking anything from anyone which isn't already due you. Having paid into the system while working and having taxes withheld, you now as a disabled person need those benefits. You didn't ask for your disability; you did nothing to make it come your way; it just came. It so happens that this is a part of life which has come your way. You don't like everything about it, certainly; but, you have nothing for which to be embarrassed or to feel shame about.
Do not allow the endless forms and questions which the human, social, or counseling services may throw your way to throw you a curve or get you off focus. Your goal at this point is simply to present yourself in a polite and professional way and to get the benefits which are coming to you in the best, most direct, and easiest way possible. The last one is the hardest. Our system has got to change and be overhauled in such a way as to make things easier and more understandable for layman and pro alike.
You've never sat in doctors, wellfare, social security, or social service offices before, but here you are. That's right, and I don't ever want to hear you say that you're ashamed about it. Remember, these agencies and people are here to serve us! not, the other way around. You're not begging them personally for anything. You're just applying in an upright and honest manner for that which is yours anyway; and, there's nothing bashful or shameful about it. There's even a Bible verse which supports what I'm telling you. Romans chapter 5 verse 5: And hope maketh not ashamed. You have hope and are dealing with your disability and trying to rebuild for a better life and brighter future.
Many days lie ahead, but you are going to make it! Hang in there!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Disability Resources And Benefits
As you can see, when talking about disabilities and the resources and benefits which you might be interested in, it certainly has not been a shortcut topic for a split second blog entry. The resources are out there but many times the system itself has become complicated. And, I wanted to chat again with you because there are a couple of important things we haven't even touched on yet. One of them is the possibility of you as a disabled person, perhaps being elligible for medicaid. Unlike medicare, medicaid is usually administered by the local state or province in which you live. I've already mentioned the official US medicare website at: www.medicare.gov but we didn't get to talk about the fact that there are links from this page for almost any government assistance programs available. If you cannot see and don't have blindness internet training, you can have someone go to the website for you and explore all that is there. Take your time; remember, we have more of it now than ever before. Actually we have the same amount of time, it's just that, we have much more free time on our hands than we did before. Remember, don't get frustrated and try to jump over that big mountain at one time. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither will you get all your answers in one day.
One thing that will help you in determining whether you get medicaid or medicare as a disabled person, is the fact of whether you worked before you became disabled; or, even as a disabled person who is able to work and, perhaps, your job has ended. Regardless of the case, if you have worked, chances are that you will receive disability benefits SSDI payments and, medicare insurance will kick in about two years after starting your initial benefits. On the other hand however, if you have been disabled since childhood and have not worked, and if you have little or no income in your household, you may be qualified to receive SSI payments and would most likely receive medicaid through your state social or wellfare office.
I push the internet as much as anybody and encourage the use of all the information which is here. However, some things are just better the old fashioned way; and, that's not just talking about purked coffee either. So, get someone to take you to an actual eyeball, or at least hearing if you can't see, interview with your local social services office in regard to the programs which are available in your particular area. Things differ from region to region so, don't just take a blanket statement as to acceptance or denial.
The government benefits website: www.govbenefits.gov will be a valuable resource for you as to give you all sorts of info on different assistance programs which might help you. But, even with this, pop on some clothes and get out there to your local social security office. This will insure that you are straight on the social security disability or social supplemental income part of your benefits. To cut chase and get right to the point, this is where your check will come from every month. A phone call ahead will help as they will not only set you up an appointment, but will also give you any instructions as to what type of paper documents you will need to bring with you. This might be anything from a birth certificate, check stub if you work or have worked, social security card of course, and any doctor or medical related forms if you are at that point of the game where you are offering proof of your disability. Remember, I'm not talking as an outsider, I'm one of you; one of us. And I sigh deeply now because I have something to tell you and I'm going to shoot as straight with you as I know how. Don't wait on the system to tell you everything. Many of us have done that same thing in the past and it has taken us years on end to learn what I share with you now in a few moments. You've got to do some snooping and sniffing around on your own. Don't become frustrated; I say it again because it Is frustrating. It is easy to become overwhelmed with it all and just draw back and seclude yourself at home and, just let be what will be. But, you can't just let it be. There's probably no other person who doesn't want to hurt anyone or rock the boat no more than I myself. And this has been one of the hardest things for me to learn to do; to stand up for myself. Well, I suppose that marrying a feisty woman who is sighted has helped me a great deal. She doesn't let anyone run over me and gets mad as the devil with me if I do! Learn to ask questions. Which plan would you choose if this were you? you might ask. What benefit would serve me the best in the long run? Ask about alternatives if what you are applying for doesn't work out. Remember, they aren't just going to volunteer information all the time. But, why? you ask. Isn't that what they are there for? to help us get the benefits we deserve and thereby do a better job in their own particular field or department? Yes, that's my question too, and has been for years. To be honest with you, I don't know why they don't or won't tell people about the benefits which they might be entitled to. I'm sure that sometimes, it's just a matter of some of these people having a clerical job and not really knowing the expertise of the field in which they are working. They don't know enough about it to understand it themselves, let alone educate you and or the general public on the subject matter or information at hand.
Now, before the post gets too long, let me just say, that there are programs for food, heating and fuel assistance, and all sorts of other avenues, especially if you have children under the age of 18 or in full time student status living in your home. And here's the deal. Be honest. Ok? You and I both know that many people are lying through their teeth to the system. Yes, they may get a few dollars now, but other than lying and being a sin, there's always the possibility of getting caught up with. Many have had to pay back undeserved benefits and have really put themselves and their families in a financial bind in the process. Be honest. You will get the benefits you are supposed to get and will also get some sleep at night. We all see in what fix the dishonest greed and temporary gain on Wall street has gotten us into. Sooner or later it will catch up with you. And, it certainly isn't helping our country or families in the slightest. We've got to come together and help each other out; we cannot step all over each other to get to the top. This will not only hurt those on whom we step, but we will ourselves sink sooner or later; because, we are all in the same boat. All of us need help and each other during these trying times.
Well, resources and benefits is one of those almost inexaustable topics, and we'll come back to it as the economic scene unfolds for all of us and as needs warrant. There is the education or training, employment consideration, and independence goals for a disabled person we still haven't embarked upon yet. However, I feel that we need a practical rally pep talk at this point. We cannot just focus on benefits. We have to talk about you as the disabled person. For, you, are the most important piece of gold in this jewelry box. You are more important than a few little benefits some agency or government might give you. Yes, we need the benefits for physical sustinance, but, we also must continually be dealing with the physical and even mental situations which our disability throws in front of us. So, next time, the post will be shorter, but we need a little adjustment session, and we have to make sure that we aren't letting shame and bashfulness get ahold of us. In the meantime, what are you waiting for? The longer you sit there doing nothing, the longer it's gonna take to start getting your money and help with your doctor and medication needs. Get to work. I thought you didn't have a job. Oh, yes you do. Your job assignment is to do something you maybe haven't ever done much of; Help Yourself!
One thing that will help you in determining whether you get medicaid or medicare as a disabled person, is the fact of whether you worked before you became disabled; or, even as a disabled person who is able to work and, perhaps, your job has ended. Regardless of the case, if you have worked, chances are that you will receive disability benefits SSDI payments and, medicare insurance will kick in about two years after starting your initial benefits. On the other hand however, if you have been disabled since childhood and have not worked, and if you have little or no income in your household, you may be qualified to receive SSI payments and would most likely receive medicaid through your state social or wellfare office.
I push the internet as much as anybody and encourage the use of all the information which is here. However, some things are just better the old fashioned way; and, that's not just talking about purked coffee either. So, get someone to take you to an actual eyeball, or at least hearing if you can't see, interview with your local social services office in regard to the programs which are available in your particular area. Things differ from region to region so, don't just take a blanket statement as to acceptance or denial.
The government benefits website: www.govbenefits.gov will be a valuable resource for you as to give you all sorts of info on different assistance programs which might help you. But, even with this, pop on some clothes and get out there to your local social security office. This will insure that you are straight on the social security disability or social supplemental income part of your benefits. To cut chase and get right to the point, this is where your check will come from every month. A phone call ahead will help as they will not only set you up an appointment, but will also give you any instructions as to what type of paper documents you will need to bring with you. This might be anything from a birth certificate, check stub if you work or have worked, social security card of course, and any doctor or medical related forms if you are at that point of the game where you are offering proof of your disability. Remember, I'm not talking as an outsider, I'm one of you; one of us. And I sigh deeply now because I have something to tell you and I'm going to shoot as straight with you as I know how. Don't wait on the system to tell you everything. Many of us have done that same thing in the past and it has taken us years on end to learn what I share with you now in a few moments. You've got to do some snooping and sniffing around on your own. Don't become frustrated; I say it again because it Is frustrating. It is easy to become overwhelmed with it all and just draw back and seclude yourself at home and, just let be what will be. But, you can't just let it be. There's probably no other person who doesn't want to hurt anyone or rock the boat no more than I myself. And this has been one of the hardest things for me to learn to do; to stand up for myself. Well, I suppose that marrying a feisty woman who is sighted has helped me a great deal. She doesn't let anyone run over me and gets mad as the devil with me if I do! Learn to ask questions. Which plan would you choose if this were you? you might ask. What benefit would serve me the best in the long run? Ask about alternatives if what you are applying for doesn't work out. Remember, they aren't just going to volunteer information all the time. But, why? you ask. Isn't that what they are there for? to help us get the benefits we deserve and thereby do a better job in their own particular field or department? Yes, that's my question too, and has been for years. To be honest with you, I don't know why they don't or won't tell people about the benefits which they might be entitled to. I'm sure that sometimes, it's just a matter of some of these people having a clerical job and not really knowing the expertise of the field in which they are working. They don't know enough about it to understand it themselves, let alone educate you and or the general public on the subject matter or information at hand.
Now, before the post gets too long, let me just say, that there are programs for food, heating and fuel assistance, and all sorts of other avenues, especially if you have children under the age of 18 or in full time student status living in your home. And here's the deal. Be honest. Ok? You and I both know that many people are lying through their teeth to the system. Yes, they may get a few dollars now, but other than lying and being a sin, there's always the possibility of getting caught up with. Many have had to pay back undeserved benefits and have really put themselves and their families in a financial bind in the process. Be honest. You will get the benefits you are supposed to get and will also get some sleep at night. We all see in what fix the dishonest greed and temporary gain on Wall street has gotten us into. Sooner or later it will catch up with you. And, it certainly isn't helping our country or families in the slightest. We've got to come together and help each other out; we cannot step all over each other to get to the top. This will not only hurt those on whom we step, but we will ourselves sink sooner or later; because, we are all in the same boat. All of us need help and each other during these trying times.
Well, resources and benefits is one of those almost inexaustable topics, and we'll come back to it as the economic scene unfolds for all of us and as needs warrant. There is the education or training, employment consideration, and independence goals for a disabled person we still haven't embarked upon yet. However, I feel that we need a practical rally pep talk at this point. We cannot just focus on benefits. We have to talk about you as the disabled person. For, you, are the most important piece of gold in this jewelry box. You are more important than a few little benefits some agency or government might give you. Yes, we need the benefits for physical sustinance, but, we also must continually be dealing with the physical and even mental situations which our disability throws in front of us. So, next time, the post will be shorter, but we need a little adjustment session, and we have to make sure that we aren't letting shame and bashfulness get ahold of us. In the meantime, what are you waiting for? The longer you sit there doing nothing, the longer it's gonna take to start getting your money and help with your doctor and medication needs. Get to work. I thought you didn't have a job. Oh, yes you do. Your job assignment is to do something you maybe haven't ever done much of; Help Yourself!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Beginning To Explore Disabilities And Resources
Last time I said we would talk about various disabilities and some resources. I realize that this is a big subject. I'll take the advice I gave to you earlier. Don't try and jump over a mountain to start with. Just take a little step at a time. Perhaps, you have an ambulatory or walking disability. If you're able to take just a few steps it will indeed seem like you've climbed or jumped over a mountain. My particular disability is blindness. I have been blind since shortly after premature birth in 1957. I won't give all the details here because we're here to talk about your situation, not mine. You can read all about my life and ministry at:
http://www.tonybroome.com
Blindness has unique challenges of its own. You deal with everything from transportation, color matching, having to have someone read printed things including your bills to you, (though now there are pc solutions available for basic scanning of printed material which provides some independence for the visually impaired), food preparation, and the list can go on.
Perhaps, your disability is crippling in nature. You may have to have aids such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Perhaps, you need the assistance of another person to help you, such as a family member, friend, or maybe rehab or inhome health care person. Many don't realize that mental illness is just as much an illness and may involve disability as much as any other condition. These disabilities often need special psychological, psychiatric, or medical treatment. Many times, proper diagnoses of these conditions and follow up treatment with the right medications actually result in a reduction, if not an almost absence of the disability. There may be relapse, but adjustment of meds usually helps with the problem.
So, let's not try to take everything in at once when thinking about disabilities and resources. There are many resources out there; far too much to talk about in one session, or even two or three for that matter. But, one of the first things you will want to do as a disabled person, providing that you have your basic physical needs being met and that you are not in any immediate physical danger; is, to make sure that you've gotten the ball started rolling toward getting the financial benefits to which you are entitled. You will want to contact your local social security office by phone or through the internet, if you can do that, or have someone help you with it. The internet itself is a great source for your gaining independence and coping with your disability, but, we can talk about that a little more later. Right now, you want to get things started toward having your case reviewed by the proper persons, so you can start getting your money which is due to you. That's right, if you have worked for approximately five years, you have enough quarters credited to you so that you can draw disability benefits. Don't let pride get in your way at this point. You're not begging or asking anybody for anything which isn't yours, that the person behind the counter wouldn't go after if he or she were in the same boat you are in. Many of these cases will take more than one trip through the system to get it passed anyway. Don't give up. This is a trying time for you already without having to put up with a lot of needless nonsenseable red tape paperwork, but you'll also never get what's yours unless you persevere. Of course, you will need the recommendation of your physician stating your disability in medical terms which most people don't understand anyway. This is reviewed by the social security administration: www.socialsecurity.gov
You will also want to know about: www.medicare.gov
which is the official site for medicare. Once you have received disability for a period of two years, you will begin receiving medicare insurance coverage. Many now opt to get their medicare coverage through a private insurance company by using a medicare advantage plan which gives hospitalization, known as part A, doctor office and specialist care, known as part B, and prescription drug coverage, known as part D. Those first two years may be tough, because it's likely you won't have insurance coverage during that time. This is unfortunate and something needs to be done to insure we have better health coverage in this country. We can certainly learn a lesson from our neighbors north of our border on this one! You can work on your rehabilitation and possible job or further education if your physical condition permits it as you go along. But, you really need to get the ball rolling toward getting your social security disability, SSDI, benefits started right away, since, as stated earlier, they usually drag their feet in getting your money started anyway.
If there is no or very little other income coming into your home, you may also qualify for social supplemental income, SSI, which is also administered through the social security program. If you are blind, for some reason, the laws have it such that you can usually get disability within a short time. Be sure that you send in the proper document stating your disability from an ophthalmologist. This physician is a specialist in the treatment of eye conditions and diseases, and his or her varification of your visual impairment will go a long way toward expediting matters for you in this regard.
Finally, your journey into finding the resources which will help you is not necessarily an easy one without stumps or rocks in the way, but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one. There are other avenues you may want to consider, but we'll save that for the next session posting. After all, you're disabled and we've jumped high enough on that mountain for one day.
http://www.tonybroome.com
Blindness has unique challenges of its own. You deal with everything from transportation, color matching, having to have someone read printed things including your bills to you, (though now there are pc solutions available for basic scanning of printed material which provides some independence for the visually impaired), food preparation, and the list can go on.
Perhaps, your disability is crippling in nature. You may have to have aids such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Perhaps, you need the assistance of another person to help you, such as a family member, friend, or maybe rehab or inhome health care person. Many don't realize that mental illness is just as much an illness and may involve disability as much as any other condition. These disabilities often need special psychological, psychiatric, or medical treatment. Many times, proper diagnoses of these conditions and follow up treatment with the right medications actually result in a reduction, if not an almost absence of the disability. There may be relapse, but adjustment of meds usually helps with the problem.
So, let's not try to take everything in at once when thinking about disabilities and resources. There are many resources out there; far too much to talk about in one session, or even two or three for that matter. But, one of the first things you will want to do as a disabled person, providing that you have your basic physical needs being met and that you are not in any immediate physical danger; is, to make sure that you've gotten the ball started rolling toward getting the financial benefits to which you are entitled. You will want to contact your local social security office by phone or through the internet, if you can do that, or have someone help you with it. The internet itself is a great source for your gaining independence and coping with your disability, but, we can talk about that a little more later. Right now, you want to get things started toward having your case reviewed by the proper persons, so you can start getting your money which is due to you. That's right, if you have worked for approximately five years, you have enough quarters credited to you so that you can draw disability benefits. Don't let pride get in your way at this point. You're not begging or asking anybody for anything which isn't yours, that the person behind the counter wouldn't go after if he or she were in the same boat you are in. Many of these cases will take more than one trip through the system to get it passed anyway. Don't give up. This is a trying time for you already without having to put up with a lot of needless nonsenseable red tape paperwork, but you'll also never get what's yours unless you persevere. Of course, you will need the recommendation of your physician stating your disability in medical terms which most people don't understand anyway. This is reviewed by the social security administration: www.socialsecurity.gov
You will also want to know about: www.medicare.gov
which is the official site for medicare. Once you have received disability for a period of two years, you will begin receiving medicare insurance coverage. Many now opt to get their medicare coverage through a private insurance company by using a medicare advantage plan which gives hospitalization, known as part A, doctor office and specialist care, known as part B, and prescription drug coverage, known as part D. Those first two years may be tough, because it's likely you won't have insurance coverage during that time. This is unfortunate and something needs to be done to insure we have better health coverage in this country. We can certainly learn a lesson from our neighbors north of our border on this one! You can work on your rehabilitation and possible job or further education if your physical condition permits it as you go along. But, you really need to get the ball rolling toward getting your social security disability, SSDI, benefits started right away, since, as stated earlier, they usually drag their feet in getting your money started anyway.
If there is no or very little other income coming into your home, you may also qualify for social supplemental income, SSI, which is also administered through the social security program. If you are blind, for some reason, the laws have it such that you can usually get disability within a short time. Be sure that you send in the proper document stating your disability from an ophthalmologist. This physician is a specialist in the treatment of eye conditions and diseases, and his or her varification of your visual impairment will go a long way toward expediting matters for you in this regard.
Finally, your journey into finding the resources which will help you is not necessarily an easy one without stumps or rocks in the way, but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one. There are other avenues you may want to consider, but we'll save that for the next session posting. After all, you're disabled and we've jumped high enough on that mountain for one day.
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