Disability Services

Definitions ADA -- A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. SSI/SSDI -- A person: –can’t work due to… –medically determined physical or mental impairment –result in death or –lasts 12 months or more continuously

Human Service Professional’s Role Know what services are available Provide services with awareness Respond to discriminatory practices within agency Advocate on behalf of client Confront discrimination and prejudice

Voices of Diversity 1.What are the personal issues/concerns expressed by the women on the show? 2.What are the policy issues/concerns expressed on the show? 3.Questions provoked? 4.Create a list of guidelines for working with people with disabilities for human services professionals or develop curriculum for a training for human service professionals.

Twitch and Shout Consider how these questions pertain to disabilities in general, not only as related to Tourette’s Syndrome. What are the personal issues and concerns expressed by the various people? What policy/program issues come up? What questions does this provoke?

Other Realities Breadth of disabilities Disability as culture Unearned privilege –Write down a few examples –Pair up and compare notes –Share with whole group

Americans with Disabilities Act Requires reasonable accommodation be made for people with disability. A disability is defined as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Also covered are people who have a history of a disability or those perceived to have a disability. What are some of the situations your clients may encounter? –They may need accommodation to be able to participate in treatment or receive services. –They may be experiencing discrimination at their job, in school, etc. and need advocacy.

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation A department within DSHS Provides services to people with a disability which makes it difficult for them to get or keep a job. Services include: individualized assessment, counseling, assistive technologies, job preparation, placement assistance, assistance with daily living.

Types of disabilities of DVR clients Cognitive impairment=29% Mobility impairment=27% Mental illness=24% Other=13% Deaf, blind, hard of hearing=7% 59% of clients have more than one disability.

WA State Client Assistance Program Services Explains rights and responsibilities as an applicant or client of rehabilitation agencies. Work to solve problems through mediation and negotiation. Offers information about The Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Offers individualized advocacy services including assistance with administrative proceedings.

Financial Services Disability is defined as: a person can’t work because of a medically determined physical or mental impairment expected to result in death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. SSI-Supplemental Security Income ($674/ rates). SSDI-Social Security Disability Insurance-based on previous earnings.