October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM) is celebrated each year in the month of October. This year’s theme is “My Disability is One Part of Who I Am.” It is also NDEAM’s benchmark 70^th year (1945-2015). The annual National Disability Awareness Month highlights the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities, and the issues they may have in the workplace¹.

2015 NDEAM theme mirrors the Campaign for Disability Employment’s PSA “Who I Am,” currently in national distribution. The PSA features nine diverse people with disabilities sharing the many ways they describe themselves, from personal interests to family relationships to occupations².

In addition to many other groups, Social Security celebrates NDEAM month. Not only do Social Security Disability benefits help support persons with disabilities, the government office also offers a program called “Ticket to Work” with benefits that can help a person prepare for employment, secure a job, and work toward becoming financially independent. Many people have experienced the benefits of this free and voluntary program to get a good job and become financially independent, all while they keep Medicare or Medicaid³.

Those who already receive Social Security benefits because of disabilities are, most likely, eligible for the “Ticket to Work” program. For more information about this program, visit the YourTicketToWork.com website for Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies participating in the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program³.

For more information about National Disability Employment Awareness Month, go to ODEP’s NDEAM page.

Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP supports those with disabilities, and we make it a priority to assist those with Social Security benefits needs. If you, or someone you know, have a Social Security Disability need, please contact our law offices at 1-800-LAW-1010 to learn more.