program update

Education Update

We are very happy to welcome Carmen Lee, PWDF Program Coordinator for Public Awareness and Education.

Local trainings

On March 12, 2015, PWDF sponsored an online live streamed workshop entitled “Disability Discrimination Lawsuits: Ensuring Equal Access to Advocacy for Clients with Mental and/or Developmental Disabilities.” The workshop is now available for viewing on YouTube, and we are continuing to offer 1 hour of California Continuing Legal Education credit for the course. See our Events page for more information.

On June 17, 2015, PWDF Legal Director Steven Bruce presented a workshop on “SSDI (Title II) and SSI (Title XVI) Work Incentive Rules and Overpayments,” at Hope Services Pacifica Family/Caregiver Meeting at the Pacifica Sharp Park Library in San Jose.  Based in San Jose, Hope Services’ mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

International exchanges

On May 6, 2015, PWDF hosted a delegation from Russia as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which is intended for current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields to experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts.  PWDF staff met with seven delegates to discuss programs and services that promote the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  The exchange with the delegation was highly informative and enlightening for both parties.

On July 20, 2015, PWDF hosted another IVLP delegation of disability advocates from 20 countries (Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chile, Dominican Republic, The Gambia, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Laos, Liberia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, People’s Republic of China, Romania, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Vietnam) for a discussion of best practices for raising awareness of IDD issues and sharing information campaigns to dispel myths and stereotypes.  Their visit was timed to coincide with the 25^th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Public Awareness 

On July 1, 2015, April Banerjee, PWDF Program Manager for Public Awareness and Education, attended the 2015 ADA Month Kick-off Celebration, held at San Francisco City Hall and hosted by the San Francisco Mayor’s Office on Disability and Community Alliance of Disability Advocates (CADA).  April met with San Francisco Supervisor Eric Mar, and shared with him information about PWDF.

At the July 17, 2015 San Francisco Mayor’s Disability Council meeting, April discussed PWDF’s 15^th anniversary celebration this summer, highlighting our advocacy and public awareness activities.  Her presentation is available for viewing on demand at SFGovTV at 11 minute.

On July 22, 2015, Carmen Lee, PWDF Program Coordinator for Public Awareness and Education, attended “A Debate on Treating Mental Illness: Should We Bring Back Asylums?” hosted by the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.  See related article here.

On July 26, 2015, Carmen also attended the grand opening of the exhibit, “Patient No More! People With Disabilities Securing Civil Rights,” in celebration of the 25^th anniversary of ADA at the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley.

April Banerjee discussed her work at PWDF in the Spring 2015 issue of UC Hastings Magazine.

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.

For inquiries about PWDF’s Public Awareness and Education Program, please contact our Program Manager, April Banerjee at education@pwdf.org.

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.