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Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network Newsletter For Your Benefits

Issue 6, Vol 2, February 2008

This newsletter highlights navigator news and happenings as well as offering tools, information and resources on navigating employment programs and services for people with disabilities. Contact Theresa Kulow at kulow@eri-wi.org with your ideas, articles, comments or suggestions.


2008 DPN Calendar:


Mark Your Calendars for 2008 Navapaloosa!

Navapaloosa 2008

Our annual Navigator exchange called Navapaloosa is scheduled for June 3 and 4 in Prairie Du Chien. The event provides opportunities to share products, services, events that have proven successful among Navigator peers. This year we will have presentations about the State of the DPN and Employment Network National Perspective under Ticket to Work. We will also have one interactive event and the remaining time for "brag & steal" – actual exchange of a products among Navigators.

This year we will feature a Blues Brothers theme, so grab your hat, sunglasses and jacket and join us.

Welcome Patty!

Photo of Patty BrantonEmployment Resources Inc. is pleased to announce that Patty Branton, Bay Area Navigator, recently accepted the position of Wisconsin Disability Program Navigator Project Coordinator. The Navigator Project Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Wisconsin Disability Program Navigator Project which is designed to build the capacity of the Wisconsin Workforce Development System to serve job-seekers with disabilities.

The primary objectives are to raise the core competencies of all Wisconsin Navigators by promoting best practices; implementing project programs and activities; facilitating meetings and communications; and determining project training needs and requirements. The position is with Employment Resources Inc. through a Training and Technical Assistance grant funded by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development with funds through DOL and SSA.

Patty, a Navigator since August of 2006, brings a wide-array of experience to her new position including event coordination, promotion and outreach; experience with individuals with both physical and cognitive challenges; disability employment solutions and job placement. She also served as a Medicaid Specialist in the administration of long-term care and disability programs and services. We are pleased to welcome Patty and look forward to her contributions to the Wisconsin Disability Program Navigator project. Patty began her new position in January 2008.

Navigator Training & Technical Assistance Center:
Patty Branton
Employment Resources, Inc.
4126 Lien Rd., Suite 104
Madison, WI 53704
608-246-3444 ext. 238
branton@eri-wi.org

Navigator Highlights

What does a Navigator do? Highlighted below are some of the varied projects Wisconsin Navigators were involved in during 2007. In 2008, we are looking forward to being even more involved with employers, communities, and area one-stops in our efforts to empower individuals with disabilities seeking employment.

Michael Muthig, Southwest Wisconsin Navigator, brought together Social Security Administration staff including Area Work Incentive Coordinator Robert Monahan and a Social Security manager, a beneficiary’s appointed non-attorney representative, and another guest of the beneficiary to resolve an SSI eligibility issue. The SSI beneficiary had received a Notice of Planned Action to cease benefits. The beneficiary decided to appeal and Mike assisted the beneficiary to file a timely request for reconsideration and research the issue in the Social Security Policy Manual and Code of Federal Regulations. All parties consulted felt that the issue was extremely complex and that a reconsideration might go either way. The stakes were very high because if the beneficiary lost the reconsideration, benefits would cease at least until the next level of appeal, which we were told could take 12-18 or more months. The cessation of benefits would have been devastating to the beneficiary. In the end, due to a recognized exception to the eligibility issue, the individual remained eligible. The beneficiary expressed that this was a, “life or death” matter and was very grateful for Mike’s assistance and his knowledge of community resources.

Photo of John Nedden-DurstNorthwest Wisconsin Navigator John Nedden-Durst and the Assistant Director at the local Independent Living Center had the opportunity to collaborate on a broad-based one-year project that will help increase access to telecommunications and Internet-based information, including employment-related information/services for persons with disabilities. John helped promote the importance of Internet access to people in rural areas who are looking for work and who could access job leads, complete resumes, file applications online and the inclusion of employment in the promotional materials and outreach through housing authority and independent living center newsletters. John also conducted outreach on this project with all workforce partner agency staff, UW-Stout's Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, ABC Health Families staff and one traumatic brain injury support group.

Photo of Steve JohnsonIn late December 2006, the Western Wisconsin Navigator, Steve Johnson, was selected as one of 3 Navigators nation-wide to sit as a member on a National Advisory Council (NAC) for the Community Transportation Association’s and Easter Seals’ transportation curriculum project. The primary goal was to work toward developing an effective curriculum that will lead to expanded employment-related transportation options for people with disabilities. Curriculum and related materials included information that Navigators and front-line workforce personnel can use to strengthen their knowledge of transportation resources for people with disabilities and other transportation disadvantaged populations.

Photo of Hugh SwansonHugh Swanson, Kenosha's Disability Program Navigator, coordinated the 1st annual Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) event at the Kenosha County Job Center on Oct. 17 2007. The event brought together many of Kenosha's disability services, local high schools, and local businesses. DMD is designed to bring students and job seekers with disabilities into the workplace where they can learn about various career opportunities. Through DMD, students or job seekers are paired with a career professional to learn what it means to work in that field or occupation, observe work for part of the day; identify necessary skills; and learn about possible internships or employment prospects. While DMD is an event that lasted a few hours, mentors and mentees are encouraged to stay in touch after the event. Mentoring is invaluable and beneficial for both the mentor and student, advancing career development and personal growth. Due to the positive feedback and the resulting connections made at this event, Hugh hopes to bring event more participants together next year.

Photo of Randy JohnsonThe transition from school to work is one of the most challenging for individuals with disabilities. Randi Johnson, West Central Navigator, partnered with a grassroots parent and family group seeking funding for employment and transition related projects. The Navigator assisted in the grant writing process and helped to focus the group’s planning process. The Bremer Foundation awarded the group three years worth of funding, $34,000 for the first year and the remaining 26,000 over two years. We have approached other foundations for support and in the future we would like employers to invest in the future of our youth. The group is now named “Project BRIC” – Building R Inclusive Community. This is a group that is committed to creating employment for people with disabilities.

Photo of Jane BuddeAlso, being resourceful about funding, Jane Budde, South Central Navigator, noted that Walmart has always invested in community groups and organizations. Recently, after reviewing a letter that she submitted, a new NAMI chapter received $1,625 to assist with their efforts in a new region.

Photo of Alex AnnoyeAlex Annoye, Fox Valley Navigator, met with a gentleman working in a manufacturing environment entering data into a warehouse machine. Due to a childhood illness, he only had the ability to input data with one hand. But he had worked there for 19 years and was very good at his job and knew the program well so he was above average in his productivity. A few months prior to meeting with Alex, the software on his computer was changed and he no longer functioned at as high of a level even though he was still knowledgeable in his field. He wanted to access DVR to receive training in the new software, but didn’t explain his situation well enough, got an unfavorable initial response and refused to apply. Alex met with him, talked about other ways to approach his situation. They talked about accommodations and looked on the Jan Network at different devices that would make it easier to input data with one hand. He liked some of the options, so we then went back to DVR and approached it that way. He is currently working with DVR and his employer to get software to accommodate his disability and feels much more comfortable at his job.

Announcing New MAPP/HEC Specialists

Some of you may know that as part of the 2008-2012 WDBN project, the Health and Employment Counseling (HEC) Program has been in the process of being re-designed. The program will place more of an emphasis on outreach and education regarding the Medical Assistance Purchase Plan (MAPP) as well as provide consumer assistance regarding HEC enrollment and participation. Effective March 1, there will be MAPP/HEC Specialists (formerly called HEC Screeners) that will correspond to the DHFS Pathways Regions. The organizations contracted to provide a MAPP/HEC Specialist are:

The specialists will be asked to:

  1. work with a variety of area partners to identify audiences in order to deliver workshops and materials to consumer and professional groups regarding the availability and value of the Medicaid Purchase Plan for Wisconsin citizens with disabilities who are employed or seeking work and
  2. provide assistance to MAPP/HEC consumers that includes benefits information sufficient to make an informed decision regarding further program participation and employment, with follow up regarding their eligibility and desire to participate in MAPP while seeking work.

Stay tuned for revised contact information for the MAPP/HEC Specialists soon to be found on the WDBN web site.

Accessible Technology Offered at One-Stop Workforce Centers

From the Great Lakes ADA Accessible Technology Bulletin

Access is an AssetOne-Stop Workforce Centers are the centerpiece of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). The One-Stop system operates through a network of centers in each state. These workforce centers provide job training, education, and employment services at a single neighborhood location. States are required to have at least one center located in each local service delivery area. Any city or county with a population of 500,000 or more is automatically approved as a local workforce investment area.

Every individual, including people with disabilities, has the right to access the basic services offered by a Center. These services include skill assessments; information on employment and training opportunities; and unemployment services, such as job search and placement assistance and up-to-date information on job vacancies. Wisconsin Navigators assist in their One-Stop Centers to ensure accessibility needs are met and staff are trained on accessibility resources.

The One-stop centers are accessible for people with disabilities. Under the law, it is not sufficient that the One-Stop system simply respond to requests for assistance and accommodations from people with disabilities. When local One-Stop systems design services, they also are required to proactively anticipate the needs of people with various physical, mental, and sensory disabilities. The following is a list of technology a user with a disability could expect to see to ensure accessible resources.

For more information about the One-stop Centers and complete accessibility requirements visit One-Stop Centers: Service Accessibility Checklist. http://www.onestops.info/article.php?article_id=16

Department of Housing and Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced grants to assist lower income individuals with obtaining accessible affordable housing. The $124.8 million in Grants through Section 811 will assist low-income individuals with disabilities by increasing community supports services and by enlarging the supply of rental housing. Individuals will pay 30 percent of adjusted incomes with the government paying the remainder of the monthly rent. More Information.

Hot Topics

Ticket to Work!

More Navigator Resources: Ticket to Work

At a recent meeting, the Navigators discussed upcoming changes to the Ticket to Work Program which connects beneficiaries with employment service providers (known as Employment Networks) to achieve individual work goals. The Ticket to Work Program provides Social Security beneficiaries real choices in obtaining the services and resources they need to find and maintain employment, while providing a safety net to help during this transition. With the help of Employment Networks, disability beneficiaries who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income can take the next step toward work while maintaining their benefits.

In order to improve the Ticket to Work Program, Social Security has proposed the following changes to the regulations:

  1. Extending eligibility for the ticket to a new group: MIEs (beneficiaries for whom Medical Improvement is Expected) who have not yet had their first continuing disability review.
  2. Restructuring Employment Network (EN)
  3. Encouraging a VR-EN partnership:

Social Security believes that these proposed revisions of the regulations will:

Transportation Update

More Navigator Resources: Transportation

Bobbie Benson-Crone, WisDOT, provided information on the current status of the Human Service Transportation Coordination (HST) for Wisconsin. Bobbie also provided a brief overview of the County Federal Grants including 5310, STRAP, New Freedom, WETAP. She asked that Navigators promote upcoming meetings in their areas. She will keep us updated. If you would like more information contact Bobbie at bobbie.benson-crone@dot.state.wi.us or our contact Navigator Steve Johnson, Western WI.

Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA)

More Navigator Resources: Work Incentives

The WIPA project is a voluntary program for people with disabilities who receive either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and are interested in working. Individuals receive information about benefits and federal and state work incentives. The Social Security Administration (SSA) designed the WIPA project to provide knowledge and support to beneficiaries who want to work and are unsure of how employment will affect their Social Security Benefits. Understanding the options and possibilities can help a person make an informed choice about going to work. Find a Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Specialist.

New Disability Navigator Joins the Job Center Staff!

Mai Maes has recently joined the staff at the Wisconsin Job Center in Green Bay as Bay Area Disability Program Navigator. The Disability Navigator operates in regional job centers to serve as a resource to the community with the objective to reduce the unemployment rate of Wisconsin residents with disabilities. Mai has been asked to help individuals with disabilities "Navigate" through the complexities of seeking, obtaining and retaining employment. She connects individual consumers with employment programs and services, housing and transportation possibilities as well as providing training to Job Center staff.

As Navigator, Mai also provides assistance to employers located throughout the ten counties within the Bay Area Workforce Development Board jurisdiction. Here are some of her possible services: information and training regarding current adaptive technology; on site staff training in issues related to the successful work site accommodations for individuals with disabilities; identifying and connecting businesses with Job Center Business services and programming already available to support the employment and retention of individuals with disabilities. Mai provides her services to both individuals and employers at no cost. If you have questions or seeking information on hiring and/or retaining persons with disabilities, contact Mai Maes, Disability Navigator Program at: Phone: 920-448- 7217, Cell 920-660-1833 or e-mail her at: mamaes@newcurative.org.

Training & Education Events


National ADA Symposium and Expo

Date: May 12–14, 2008
Place: St. Louis, MO

For more information check out the website at: http://www.adasymposium.org

The National ADA Symposium is the most comprehensive conference available on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability laws. This premiere event offers a session schedule offering a wide range of topics. You can customize your schedule to meet your individual needs and interests.

Presenters at this conference are key representatives from agencies involved with the ADA and those agencies include: U.S. Dept. of Justice, EEOC, U.S. Access Board, U.S. Dept. of Labor and the U.S. Dept. of Education.

NEW! 2008 Legal Issues Webinar: Employment and the ADA

DBTAC Great Lakes A D A Center This webinar series will use an accessible online conferencing tool. The Online Conferencing System is a fully accessible integrated data and voice medium that enables users to conduct workshops over the internet from just about any computer with a network connection and web browser. Participation is enhanced with use of a personal microphone. Visit the ADA Legal Issues Webinar schedule page to learn more or register now.

Upcoming Webinars:
– March 4, 2008 – Medical Inquiries/Hiring/Confidentiality
– April 22, 2008 – Disability Harassment/Retaliation/Discipline

2008 ADA Audio Series

The ADA Audio Conference Series provides in-depth information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Accessible Information Technology and other related topics. This program is designed as a springboard to enhance an individual's existing knowledge base or facilitate continued learning regarding regulations and trends under the ADA. Visit the ADA Audio Series Schedule page to learn more.

Upcoming Audio Conferences:
– March 18th, 2008 – The Nature and Scope of Discrimination in Hiring Under ADA Title I
– April 15th, 2008 – There are no IEP's in College
– May 20th, 2008 – Employer Best Practices: Recruitment and Hiring of People with Disabilities
– June 17th, 2008 – Accommodating Employees with Psychiatric Disabilities in the Workplace

Rehabilitation & Transition Conference

Date: April 9 –11, 2008
Place: Kohler, Wisconsin

For more information check out the website at: http://www.rfw.org/RehabConference/2008/RehabConference.htm

Continue your professional development and education at Wisconsin's premiere conference for rehabilitation and transition professionals. Presenters are renowned statewide and nationally, or are rehabilitation professionals practicing innovative strategies for assisting consumers. Tracks includes Collaborative Partnerships, Best Practices, Employment, Autism, Ethics, Management, Transition, and special interests.

AT Across the Lifespan

Date: March 6–7, 2008
Place: Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point, WI

WisTech, in partnership with the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI), presents the 2nd Annual AT Across the Lifespan Conference.

More information about the conference can be found on the WATI website at: http://www.wati.org/Conference/Conference.html


Ongoing Training:

Job Openings:


Work Incentives Benefits Specialist

Employment Resources, Inc., a Madison-based non-profit organization, seeks a person with exceptional analytical and communication skills to assist people with disabilities in understanding the effect of work on public benefits and the use of work incentives as a way to move away from public benefits toward employment. The successful applicant will be trained in all areas of public benefits typically utilized by individuals with disabilities.

If you don't mind some travel around south central Wisconsin, enjoy helping people succeed, like doing outreach and have knack for numbers, Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI) wants to talk to you. The position location and hours of work (.75 to 1 FTE) may be flexible depending on the successful applicant. ERI is an equal opportunity employer with great people, creative work environment, excellent benefits and generous time off policies.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume by March 15 to: Employment Resources, Inc., 4126 Lien Road, Suite 104; Madison WI, 53704 or email webmaster@eri-wi.org.



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