Program Updates

Education Update

1. PWDF has a new campaign to solicit donations and grants that will allow us to distribute materials at no cost to consumer groups, the intended beneficiaries of PWDF’s products. The “2009 Video Distribution Campaign” seeks donations in any amount from any individual or organization that may be interested. For further information, feel free to contact Spencer Williams by email at Swilliams@pwdf.org or via telephone at (415) 931-3070.

The press release for “2009 Video Distribution Campaign” can be found here.

2. People With Disabilities Foundation has hired Spencer Williams as our new Program Manager for Public Awareness and Education. For more information on Spencer, please see our Staff page.

3. PWDF is currently in the planning stages regarding the production of our third training video. Focus groups with mental health professionals and mental health consumers continue to be held to ensure that our next video effectively addresses issues found to be lacking in coverage and of relevance to people with mental disabilities. If you have any suggestions or opinions regarding possible topics, please email Spencer.

4. PWDF will shortly announce our next 3-hour seminar to be held in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Advocacy Update

As of December 19, 2008:

1. PWDF's class action case, Davis v. SSA, Case No. 6-6108-MHP, N.D. Cal., is still suspended while Defendant, the Social Security Administration (SSA), and Plaintiffs further consider a settlement. For more detailed information, please contact PWDF directly.

2. As announced before, PWDF is considering holding a do-it-yourself Social Security overpayment workshop. If you or anyone you know of may be interested in attending this workshop (to be held in an easily accessible location in the San Francisco Bay Area), please contact us for additional coordination logistics. This workshop will only be held if sufficient interest is demonstrated.

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.