Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

If you or a loved one has a physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult to find or keep a job, Tennessee'sVocational Rehabilitation program may be able to provide you with assistance. Vocational Rehabilitation is a program that is state and federally funded which provides services to individuals with disabilities to help them return or enter into employment. The program was designed to assist individuals with disabilities in competing successfully with others who are currently in the work force to earn a living.

To be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation, individuals must meet specific guidelines related to a physical or mental disability that results in a substantial difficulty to obtain employment. Individuals will meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who determines eligibility with the help of medical examinations, psychological examinations, vocational evaluations, and other diagnostic information secured by the agency to determine the nature and extent of the disability. Applicants who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits based on disability or blindness are presumed to be eligible if they intend to go to work.

For more information about Vocational Rehabilitation Services please call (615) 313-4891 or click here to visit their website.

For more information on receiving SSI or SSDI please contact The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers.

Travelers Aid International has launched a new website that will assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining information and access resources to help them prepare and enjoy a better travel experience. The website is www.USTRavAbility.org and according to Travelers Aid, consists of five sections: Transportation Resources; Airports; Tourism Resources; Disability Organizations and State Resources. There is also a section for visitors to share their various travel experiences.

The objective of the website is to provide a substantive resource to travelers with disabilities that will help take the worry out of their journeys and provide a better travel experience. The website's goal is to also help promote travel by persons who are elderly as well as those with disabilities and to improve the understanding of the travel industry related to persons with disabilities and thus ensure greater ease of travel in the future.

Travelers Aid International is the national association for Travelers Aid agencies across the country. The mission of Travelers Aid is to advance and support a network of human service provider organizations committed to assisting individuals and families who are in transition or crisis and are disconnected from their support systems.

For more information about Travelers Aid call 202-546-1127 or click here to visit their website.

The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) wants to help you find a more affordable place to live. CMHA rental properties are located in neighborhoods throughout areas of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. CMHA is the 17th largest housing authority in the United States and consistently receives recognition as a high performing agency from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible individuals such as persons with disabilities or the elderly. CMHA offers Housing Vouchers which covers the gap between what a low-income family can afford and what the private rental market demands. The vouchers allow low income families more housing options throughout the area and pays for 30 percent of a household's income towards the rent. CMHA makes a housing assistance payment to the property owner or management company to cover the balance of the monthly rent.

CMHA operates 12 high-rise buildings, three large family communities, numerous small family communities and many single-family housing. Social workers are available to help any CMHA resident. They can refer residents to local social service agencies for various types of support if needed. Housekeeping classes and assistance are also available.

If you would like to apply to live at a CMHA facility, you can download its application and deliver it to its leasing center located at 1635 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Due to physical or mental limitations, many adults are unable to protect themselves from abuse by family and friends. There are many forms of abuse. In addition to the commonly known physical, emotional and sexual abuse, many limited adults are abused financially and often times neglected. Below are descriptions of various types of abuse:

Forms of Abuse:

Neglect occurs when the basic needs of a dependent adult are not met by a caregiver. Neglect may be unintentional, resulting from the caregiver's lack of ability to provide or arrange for the care or services the adult requires. Neglect also may be due to the intentional failure of the caregiver to meet the adult's needs.

Self-Neglect occurs when a dependent adult is unable to care for him/herself or to obtain needed care. The impairments result in significant danger to the adult and in some situations deterioration can occur to the point that the adult's life may be at risk.

Abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional) generally involves more extreme forms of harm to the adult, including the infliction of pain, injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or other cruel treatment.

Financial Exploitation occurs when a caregiver improperly uses funds intended for the care or use of the adult. These are funds paid to the adult or to the caregiver by a governmental agency.

If you know an adult who is being abused and are unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental limitations please contact the Tennessee's Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Adult Protective Services (APS). APS investigates reports and assesses the need for protective services of exploitation of adults who are unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental limitations. APS assists in securing shelter, transportation and counseling of those who are abused.

To report any form of abuse to adults with limitations please call the "Abuse and Neglect Hotline" at 1-888-APS-TENN (1-88-277-8366).

Are you in need of assistive technology equipment but not sure where to find it? Well look no further! I found a great program that offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to borrow a variety of assistive technology equipment.

The Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN) now has a Device Loan Program for individuals with disabilities. Through the Device Loan Program individuals may borrow devices from LATAN for a period of thirty-five (35) days. Dependent upon the type and value of the device borrowed a fee may be charged in order to borrow the item. There is also a possibility of being placed on a waiting list to borrow a needed device; however individuals are encouraged to contact the program representatives to ensure the availability of devices needed. Devices that are available through the loan program include:

• Communication Devices
• Laptops with various types of software and vision aids
• Rollator Walkers
• Wheelchairs
• Computer adaptations
• Eye gaze systems
• Environmental control units
• Portable Ramps

LATAN serves Louisiana citizens of all ages with all types of disabilities and with limitations due to aging who need assistive technology and daily living aids. For more information about LATAN and the Device Loan Program call 800-270-6185.

The County of San Bernardino offers free comprehensive health assessments through the Department of Public Health's Child Health and Disability Prevention program (CHDP). The comprehensive health assessments are for children, between the ages of birth and 18, who do not have health insurance and meet the income guidelines. CHDP contracts with medical providers located throughout San Bernardino County. The assessments include the following services:

• Growth and Development Check
• Immunizations
• Dental Screening
• Vision Screening
• Hearing Screening
• Nutrition Assessment
• Health Education
• Tobacco Education
• Testing for Anemia, Blood Lead, TB and others as needed
• WIC Referral for Children up to age 5
• Case Management, when necessary

For more information about CHDP or to find out if your child is eligible for the program call (909) 387-6280 or (909) 387-6359 TDD.

I found a list of shelters that might be of comfort to you or someone you may know who is in need of a warm place to stay. These shelters will provide you and your family with food and a place to sleep. For more information please call the shelter nearest you.

Homeless Shelters:

City of Biloxi
Back Bay Mission
Tel: (228) 432-0301
Offers: Supportive Housing

City of Meridian
Multi-County Community Service Agency, Inc
Transitional Housing
2900 St. Paul Street
Meridian, MS 39301
Tel: (601) 483-4838
Offers: Transitional Housing

City of Cleveland
Bolivar County Community Action Agency, Inc.
Cleveland, MS 38732
Tel: (662) 846-1491
Offers: Transitional Shelter

City of Columbus
Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV
Tel: (662) 327-0136
Offers: Tenant-based rental assistance for disabled individuals

City Of Hattiesburg
Institute for Disability Studies
USM Campus
Tel: (601) 266-5163
Offers: Supportive services for homeless persons with disabilities

Forrest General Hospital
(Pine Grove Center)
2255 Broadway Drive
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Tel: (601) 288-4720
Offers: Housing and supportive services for the disabled

City of Jackson
Gateway Rescue Mission
328 S. Gallatin Street
Jackson, MS 39207-9987
Tel: (601)353-5864

Hinds County Human Resource Agency
258 Maddox Rd
Jackson, MS 39225-2657
Tel: (601) 923-3925
Offers: Case management, housing support services

Stewpot Community Services
1100 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39203
(601) 353-2759
Offers: Food programs, elderly and children's programs and shelters

WWISCAA is a community action agency that provides quality services to individuals/families in need by mobilizing all available resources to enhance the economic and social conditions that encourages family values and promotes self-sufficiency and stability. They provide emergency assistance in a crisis situation, home delivered meals, transportation to health care facilities for the elderly and handicapped, and a variety of educational classes for children and adults of basic education and job readiness.

Services are available at the following locations:

Washington County
Programmatic Office / Case Management
1165 S. Raceway Rd, Greenville, MS 38701,
662.378.8663
Administrative Office, 662.378.5857

Sharkey / Issaquena County
Programmatic Office / Case Management
132 Court Street, Mayersville, MS
662.873.2595

Warren County
Programmatic Office / Case Management
2022 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, MS
601.638.2474

For more information call (662)378-5857 or visit www.wwiscaa.org.

4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs for those with disabilities. Severity of the disability or age does not matter to 4 Paws. Dogs are trained according to their recipient and are able to assist with those who are autistic, need mobility assistance, have hearing issues, need seizure assistance, emotional support or other issues. Since 1998, 4 Paws has placed over 500 dogs with those who have disabilities. The only eligibility requirement for this program is that the individual requesting a service dog has a disability that is defined by the American's with Disabilities Act of 1990.

4 Paws is known across America and throughout the world for their work with children. It uses a three-unit team (parent/caregiver, dog and child) with the adult being in charge of the dog in all public places. This organization is also known for its highly trained Autism Assistance Dogs, which is one of the very few that offer such service.

Although 4 Paws doesn't give aid dogs to individuals freely, each family that needs a dog is asked to help raise at least $13,000. Generally the fundraising takes three to nine months. It costs an average of $22,000 to train one dog so the minimum fundraising requirement isn't that high to get an assistance dog. Families engage in fundraising activities with the organization since volunteers for 4 Paws qualify for a "free" service dog.

More information about this organization can be found on its website as well as an application for the program.

4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs for those with disabilities. Severity of the disability or age does not matter to 4 Paws. Dogs are trained according to their recipient and are able to assist with those who are autistic, need mobility assistance, have hearing issues, need seizure assistance, emotional support or other issues. Since 1998, 4 Paws has placed over 500 dogs with those who have disabilities. The only eligibility requirement for this program is that the individual requesting a service dog has a disability that is defined by the American's with Disabilities Act of 1990.

4 Paws is known across America and throughout the world for their work with children. It uses a three-unit team (parent/caregiver, dog and child) with the adult being in charge of the dog in all public places. This organization is also known for its highly trained Autism Assistance Dogs, which is one of the very few that offer such service.

Although 4 Paws doesn't give aid dogs to individuals freely, each family that needs a dog is asked to help raise at least $13,000. Generally the fundraising takes three to nine months. It costs an average of $22,000 to train one dog so the minimum fundraising requirement isn't that high to get an assistance dog. Families engage in fundraising activities with the organization since volunteers for 4 Paws qualify for a "free" service dog.

More information about this organization can be found on its website as well as an application for the program.

In the art community of California, the talents of artists with disabilities are often overlooked or not taken seriously. This can be a hurdle for both the artist and their audiences. The National Arts & Disability Center (NADC) recognizes this problem and has taken measures to create an opportunity for adults and kids with disabilities to portray their work and further their career. They believe in promoting the full inclusion of artists and audiences with disabilities into all of the areas within the arts community.

Along with assisting artist in jumpstarting their career, NADC also provides technical, financial, and resource assistance. To begin taking charge of your career or interests in art regardless of individual characteristics please visit National Arts & Disability Center to discover further information.
If you would like more information or assistance in regards to receiving disability benefits, contact The Cochran Firm.

Many people with learning disabilities feel as if their world has come to an end. They feel lost, alone and not in control of their lives. The Learning Disabilities Association of Mississippi (LDAMS) knows and understands how individuals with learning disabilities feel. They know that learning disabilities are real and that they cannot be cured or "fixed". However, LDAMS feels that with the right support and intervention, individuals with learning disabilities can succeed in both school and life. LDAMS provides a wide variety of services and information for children and parents including public awareness, support groups, state conferences and seminars. They also encourage parents to be responsible for the education of their children as well as supporting them in identifying their child's learning disability.

LDAMS is a state affiliate of the Learning Disabilities Association of America, a national volunteer organization of parents and professionals. It is devoted to defining and finding solutions for the broad spectrum of learning problems.

If you would like more information on LDAMS and the services they provide, call 601-362-1667 or visit: www.ldams.org

Parents have a very important and vital role in their children's lives. However, this role is not always an easy task to manage, especially for parents of children with disabilities. Trying to find the assistance and resources needed to fully understand and provide proper and adequate parenting for their child can be stressful. However, there is help! This help is available through Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2P). P2P assists Georgia parents who seeking to find more resources, training and support to better provide for their child who has special needs. Parent to Parent of Georgia, also has a Family to Family Health Information Center (F2F). F2F is a free program that provides health information, training and support to families of children and youth with special health care needs. It also aids families in developing the skills necessary to cooperatively and effectively participate in planning and decision making in health-related issues for their child.

To receive further information regarding Parent to Parent services visit the P2P website or call 1-800-229-2038. If you are not a resident of Georgia and would like to find resources such as these in your area please visit Technical Assistance Alliance for Parents Center for further information.

For more information about recieving Social Security Disability benefits contact The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers for assistance.

Cuyahoga County is offering children ages zero to 19 a program that provides free health insurance for low to moderate income families. Eligibility is determined by the number of people living in one household and its total income. Children with mental and/or physical disabilities are eligible for the service. Healthy Start can be used by those who are insured, uninsured or underinsured. If you have medical bills, Healthy Start will pay for them for three months after you were initially billed.

Health care under this program is provided at some of the area's top hospitals and doctor office's. Those who qualify will be able to receive a number of heath care services including:

• Regular checkups


• Immunizations


• Dental care


• Eye care


• Prescriptions


• Hospitalization


• Emergency care


• Prenatal and/or postnatal services

If you don't live in Cuyahoga County, don't worry! Healthy Start is part of the State Insurance Children Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). You can call your local county Human Services agency and ask about the free health insurance program.

As the summer heat increases, the Tennessee Department of Human Services '(DHS) is also increasing its efforts to ensure the safety of Tennessee residents. During summer months many residents are hesitant to turn on their air conditioners in an attempt to keep their energy bills low. In a recent General Assembly, legislatures have come to the rescue by expanding the eligibility of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The change has expanded the eligibility guidelines from 125% to 200% of the federal poverty line. With the recent change, a family of four can now earn up to $44,100 a year and be eligible for LIHEAP benefits. LIHEAP is a government program that is designed to assist low income households with their home energy bills. Assistance does not directly go to eligible clients or applicants; however payments are directly made to the local utility company on the client's behalf. Although eligibility is determined by income guidelines, assistance is additionally determined on a priority point system to households with members who are elderly, disabled and/or under the age of six.

For a list of local LIHEAP agencies and to receive more information, visit: http://state.tn.us/humanserv/adfam/liheap/liheap-agencies.pdf