COMMUNITY CURRENTS

In Memoriam:  Timothy Gibler

By Steven Bruce, Legal Director

With our deepest regrets, People With Disabilities Foundation (PWDF) notes the passing of our first client, Timothy Gibler.  Mr. Gibler became our client in the summer of 2000, when PWDF was founded.  He had received a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) saying that the SSA was ceasing his disability benefits and Medicare because he was working. PWDF took Mr. Gibler’s case and continued with it past the SSA administrative process and into federal district court.¹

Mr. Gibler’s case involved the disparate treatment of Social Security disability beneficiaries who have mental disabilities and work or want to work.  The SSA was trying to cease Mr. Gibler’s benefits even though they knew he had been in a locked psychiatric facility because of his psychosis and therefore was unable to work continuously.  This was also in spite of testimony from his psychiatrist that Mr. Gibler was in substantial risk of mental decompensation.

Mr. Gibler’s case turned into lengthy litigation on behalf of people with mental and/or developmental disabilities and began PWDF’s work to provide equal opportunity in Social Security disability programs for those who work or want to work.  Since then, PWDF focused on discrimination against this population, leading to other federal litigation based on Social Security work reviews. ²  Mr. Gibler’s case thus was the initial case that led to PWDF’s area of legal specialization:  the right of people with mental and/or developmental disabilities to live independently, which includes the right to work, including access to SSA work incentive rules.

PWDF appreciates Mr. Gibler for trusting us with his important case and we send our sincere condolences to his family.

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.