Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 1 November 2001 — Page 38

The Muncie Times, November 1, 2001, page 38

SOCIAL SECURITY

People with disabilities make good employees

By James Warmer Social Security Manager in Muncie • In the short story that follows, the employer hired an employee with a disability, Jason. If you never considered hiring someone with a disability, you’ve overlooked a valuable resource. Many Social Security disability beneficiaries want to work and we provide support with our cash benefit and employment support programs to help future employees get the services and health benefits they need to make a successful transition into the workforce. You can make the difference by. hiring a deserving, hard working person. Please take a few minutes and read Jason’s stoiy. At 21, Jason was shot in the head, resulting in severe seizures and memory loss. But Director of Engineering Greg Collard knew firsthand what a help Jason has been in maintaining the Laguna Beach hotel that employs both of them.

Through rehabilitation, Jason has been able to return to work as a preventive maintenance technicianoif there’s a problem in the hotel room that’s not part of housekeeping’s duties, Jason fixes it. A dripping faucet, a door that won’t close,, a lamp that won’t workohe covers it all, with competence, a smile and a great attitude. According to Collerd, Jason has been exceptionally inspiring. He works very hard and puts 110 percent into being successful on the job. “I’ve been very blessed with tlfis guy,” said Greg. “If I could have a hundred of him, that would be great. He goes the extra mile.” His advice to other employers on hiring individuals with disabilities is to “take the chance.” As a employer, Collerd had no fears to address before he hired Jason. He has been around people with disabilities most of his life. In Jason’s case, the accommodations Collerd makes for Jason are minor and Greg is more than willing to provide them. There are no negatives in working with

Jason. The positives abound and reward everyone. Employers seeking to hire people with disabilities can find a wealth of information to help them get started. They will find it on Social Security’s web site at www.ssa.gov/work. Once there, visit the Employers pages/ Suddenly becoming disabled and unable to provide for your living expenses is a frightening prospect to contemplate, especially if, like most of us, you’ve always taken your good health for granted. This is particularly true if you don’t own private, long-term disability insurance to replace your income, in the event you become unable to work. Few workers do. And very few private employers provide this type of coverage as part of a benefit package. But did you ever stop to think that most of you already have valuable disability protection that is part of your Social Security coverage? Large numbers of people are unaware that they can receive more than retirement benefits. Your Social Security coverage includes disability

insurance protection that will pay you monthly benefits if you sufier a serious injury or illness that prevents you from working on a long-term basis, or possibly permanently. And it will also provide monthly benefits to family members. These benefits can continue, as long as you remain disabled. Disabling ■ev'ents can and do happen to people without warning and in unexpected ways. And they don’t just happen to middle-aged or older people. Research studies have shown that young people have a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled, before reaching retirement age. And many of them have a spouse and young children to provide for as well. So you might want to take a closer look at the valuable disability protection your Social Security provides. It is equivalent to a $223,000 disability policy for an average income earner with a spouse and two children. And it will be there if and when you should happen to need it. Social Security has an information booklet that explains the benefits

available, how we decide if a person is disabled and how to apply for benefits. It’s a good idea to read and keep it on hand. I f you have Internet access, type www.ssa.gov to get a copy of the booklet, Disability, or contact us tollfiee at 1-800-772-1213.

Factoids •In 1789, the federal government accepted the responsibility of providing pensions to disabled veterans of the Revolutionary War. And in 1862, Civil War pensions were first paid to disabled veterans. •On Aug.l, 1956, the Social Security Act was amended to provide monthly benefits to permanently and totally disabled workers aged 50 to 64 and for adult children of deceased or retired workers, if disabled before age 18. •Substantial gamful activity for people receiving disability benefits, in 2001, is $740 per month. •Social Security pays Supplemental Security Income benefits to 5.3 million disabled individuals.

Breast Cancer Screeing. . . FREE clinical breast exams FREE blood pressure checks Mammogram referrals when needed In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cooperative effort of: Cancer Services of Delaware County-Little Red Door, Ball Memorial Hosptial Family Practice Residency, Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Ball Memorial Hospital and Delaware County Health Department. When: Saturday, November 3, 2001 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon Where: Cancer Services of Delaware County-Little Red Door 401 W. Jackson St. (Corner of Liberty & Jackson) These clinics are FREE to everyone! No appointment needed! For more information, call 284-9063. Mammograms are paid for by Delaware County Health Department for uninsured participants who meet eligibility Qualifications. I ~ _