PWDF News: Program Updates

PWDF has continued to hold a monthly Legal Clinic for Social Security (SSDI and SSI) beneficiaries with post-entitlement / eligibility issues.  The clinic is being held the fourth Thursday of every month.  The issues have ranged from questions about being over the resource limit from both earned and unearned income to requests for advice regarding the effect marriage would have on a claimant’s benefits. Our next clinics are scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2014 and Thursday, February 27, 2014.

The advocacy program welcomes licensed Staff Attorney Jeshawna Harrell with 14 years of experience and Advocacy Program Manager Claire Yragui.

Education Program activities in the last two months have focused on projects to reduce discrimination towards people with mental disabilities by medical professionals, advocates, and public agencies; outreach to prospective clients; and networking with other agencies.

PWDF has asked the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and American Dental Association to join us in creating a task force to design protocols and procedures that address health care inequalities in treating people with psychiatric, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities, with the goal of eliminating the health care disparities that affect such individuals.  PWDF also recently submitted two comments regarding the Social Security Administration’s proposed rules for effectively communicating with people with “psychological or emotional” disabilities.  We have conducted an unscientific survey that examines the issue of Parity in Advocacy [see article] and are looking into public forums to bring this issue to the forefront.

In December, we attended Project Homeless Connect (PHC) at the San Francisco Civic Center.  PHC enables nonprofit medical, social service, and other providers to serve homeless San Franciscans with comprehensive services.

We have several upcoming education activities. We will be at the Hyde Street Community Center on February 21, 2014 and at NAMI San Francisco on March 19, 2014.  Both of these events will address SSDI and SSI work incentive programs and post-entitlement / eligibility work reviews for beneficiaries with mental and developmental disabilities.  We will also be participating in the 2014 Tools for Change Conference in March, hosted by the Center for Dignity, Recovery, and Empowerment. Be sure to check the PWDF Events page on our website soon for more information on the event. Our next event will cover Abuse and Hate Crimes Against People with Mental Disabilities: Verbal and Physical Violence by Institutions and Individuals.

PWDF is very pleased to add Sophia Hocini, Program Coordinator for Public Awareness and Education, to the Education Program.  Sophia holds a master’s degree in public health from UCLA and has experience in public health research and academic programming.

We are very interested in hearing from consumers in particular about specific topics of interest.  Check out our redesigned website for event updates or send us your email address to be added to our contact list for event notification.

PWDF is available for speaking arrangements and training sessions regarding reasonable accommodations, employment, housing and other issues regarding the mentally and/or developmentally disabled population.  We have particular expertise in Social Security/SSDI and SSI disability post-entitlement / eligibility issues for beneficiaries with mental and/or developmental disabilities.

PWDF Profile

Who We Are

People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.

Services

Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant's disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney's fees.

Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF's educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.

Continuing Education Provider: State Bar of California MCLE, California Board of Behavioral Sciences Continuing Education, and Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.