By Guest Blogger Lori Adler, Ticket to Work Participant & Public Relations Specialist for Employment Options, Inc.
Did you know that only 30 percent of jobs are actually advertised? Wow, that says a lot! This means that most jobs are found through word of mouth…. So, job seekers – it’s time to starting talking!
As a rather shy individual growing up, I thought networking was just for CEOs and other executives. I have now learned that networking is easier than I once thought. Networking can be practiced simply by talking about everyday life while interacting with family and friends or meeting new people during your usual routines.
Does this sound like socializing to you? Well, it is! Networking is just like socializing, but with a specific goal in mind – to find out who is hiring and where the jobs are.
The truth is most people love to talk about their jobs. Isn’t it the American way to further a conversation with the question, “What do you do for a living?” One easy way to practice networking is during holiday gatherings this season. Conversations about daily routines and hobbies can help you gain insight as to who might be hiring in the coming year.
So you might be wondering, “How do I start these conversations at parties?” Well, when you are connecting with someone, find out what he or she does for a living. Often many people will tell you first about their job; then, you can lead into ,“Where do you work? Does your company ever hire for [insert your job goal]?” Or you can ask, “Do you know someone who is hiring in my field of…?” Remember, as you are talking, gradually let them know what your career goals are and that you can be a dedicated and loyal member of the team.
Mingling this holiday season allows you to have fun, but also remain focused on your goal of finding a new job. Remember, you can be festive and focused!
I do have exciting news for those of you who, like me, have a disability and who are looking for work. A few years ago, I learned that there is an established ‘network’ of agencies that has a treasure chest of jobs waiting to be tapped into for people with disabilities. This is huge and has helped thousands return to work – including me!
The U.S. Social Security Administration approves agencies called “Employment Networks” (ENs) to assist those on Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSDI/SSI) in finding job opportunities nationwide. (The word, “Network,” is used again!) Not only do these networks help us connect to employers, but they also help job seekers with their resumes, interview coaching and more – thus, giving the SSDI/SSI job seeker a head start in making valuable networking connections!
You may be thinking, “How do I access all the agencies in my area?” It’s easy! The Ticket to Work website helped me find a list of Employment Networks and how to contact them. The site has as an interactive map where you can search by state or zip code – all in one place! You can also call the Help Line at (866) 968-7842 to talk to a representative one-on-one.
Finding these networks is actually the first step in getting started in the program. Anyone between the ages of 18 - 64 who is receiving SSDI/SSI is automatically eligible to use the free services of the program. These networks and Ticket to Work have changed my life, because I am now working from home!
If you aren’t receiving Social Security benefits, don’t fret! You can email help@myemploymentoptions.com to receive a free job resources list of agencies, forums and websites that offer valuable resources.
Remember: People hire people! Starting everyday conversations can unlock doors to great job discoveries. Ticket to Work’s Employment Networks are the map leading to a treasure – your new job and greater independence!
Lori Adler is a Public Relations Specialist for Employment Options, Inc., a nationally-recognized Certified Social Security Administration (SSA) Employment Network for the Ticket to Work program. The company has been in business for over 20 years and handles both work-at-home and on-site job placement.
* Please note: the links above are provided for informational purposes only. Disability.gov does not endorse any particular EN or other service providing part-time or full-time employment opportunities.
My girlfriend has a 12 year old son that was recently diagnosed with cancer, Leukemia. He has frequent chemotherapy treatments, which are in another city of Connecticut, approximately 20 to 25 miles away. She has a part time job and had to take Family Medical Leave. She does not have a vehicle and is in desperate need of finding a way to get her one. I am wondering if you are aware of any resources that she can utilize in order to help her with this. She lives in the state of Connecticut. I am doing what I can to help her with the situation, but as you and anybody else would know, in today’s economy, is very difficult. She does receive Social Security for her other two children who also have disabilities. Any information you can provide me with would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
Hi Michael,
You may wish to visit the Working Cars for Working Families website to see if there is a program in your state that could help your girlfriend purchase a vehicle (http://www.workingcarsforworkingfamilies.org/find/application.html).
You may also wish to reach out to your local Independent Living Center (ILC) to see if they know of any resources that may be able to assist her. A list of ILCs in Connecticut can be found by visiting http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/connecticut.html.
Also, your state or local American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/index, choose the tab that says “Find Local ACS”) of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society chapter (http://www.lls.org, enter your zip code in the box that says “Find your Local Chapter” near the top of the right hand side of the page) may be able to provide additional information on resources available in your area.
Best,
The Disability.Blog Team
I have MS, and I am looking for work to do at home! Maybe phone work, computer work or mailings? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Gayle
Hi Gayle,
If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you may be eligible to return to work through the Ticket to Work program. Through this program, working from home may be an option.
For more information about the Ticket to Work Program, visit http://www.choosework.net/about-program/program-overview.html or call 1-866-968-7842 Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM-8:00 PM EST.
Staff members of Employment Options, an Employment Network (EN) in the Ticket to Work Program, are frequent quest bloggers for Disability.Blog. Employment Options offers full and part time work, both on site and at home, in states across the country. Visit http://myemploymentoptions.com/for-job-seekers/ to find out more. (Please note, this link is provided for informational purposes only. Disability.gov does not endorse any particular EN or other program or service that provides employment).
If you are not receiving disability benefits, but are still interested in work from home opportunities, Employment Options has put together a resources list of websites, forums and agencies that they recommend. Send an email to help@myemploymentoptions.com to receive the list.
Best,
The Disability.Blog Team
Can you be considered legally disabled without filing for disability payments? My husband makes good money – I’m not financially in need. But I would like some help with job placement and other things that are just too difficult for me to manage on my own. As I understand it, I can’t just declare myself disabled and have access to these benefits, though.
My wife has had a form of muscular dystrophy for the past 26 years. She has been disabled since 1993. Her physician has documented evidence that she has been disabled since this time. We have been on a four year journey of denials and accusations for Social Security. Our first denial in 2008. They called her disease an “alleged disease” with “alleged symptoms” and “alleged doctor’s evaluations” in our last hearing in October 2012. This was after we we told in December 2011 that she was wrongly denied. But then she was denied again. We were told on January 7, 2012 that concerning her latest denial from January 3, 2012 that too much time had expired and we could not appeal for a hearing, 4 days had past, the law states we have 60 days. In the hearing on October 16, 2012, the judge wanted to dismiss the case before the hearing. Our attorney had to speak to him for 20 minutes just to continue with the case. My wife’s doctor had a narrative with diagnoses and then questions and answers about the disease and her condition. The judge (who has been noted to ask for bribes) gave little weight to the the medical report. He stated he did not agree with it. Even the law states medical reports are to be given the most weight and priority. The judge called the condition (muscular dystrophy) an alleged condition with alleged symptoms. I guess we should have paid the judge? Is that very common? What is the going rate to pay off the judge?
I filled out a form for my grand-daughter for disability, because she has bi-polar disorder. I can’t find my bookmark. The website stated that the rest of the application had to be filed within a month. What do I do now?
Hi Marjorie,
If you saved your form during the initial application process, simply go to https://secure.ssa.gov/iCLM/Ent002Submit.do and enter your application number and the applicant’s Social Security number. If you did not save the form, or do not know the application number, please contact the Social Security Administration’s hotline at 1-800-772-1213 from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM Monday-Friday to speak to a representative who can assist you.
Best,
The Disability.Blog Team
My question here is where is the program Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS), and also the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program? These programs provide benefits-related assistance to individuals under a grant from Social Security. I got an email from a benefits specialist stating that congress ended these grants, because they felt they were not a priority, which is nonsense. I am going to be like Gabby Giffords here now stating there was no reason for these programs to be eliminated just because Congress thinks we the disabled aren’t good enough. We are people, too, who benefit from there programs. I had them for years til they were eliminated and now as far as I am concerned, they just don’t care for us people either.
Hi Sinead,
Please be aware that Protection & Advocacy agencies (http://www.napas.org/en/ndrn-member-agencies.html) provide protection and advocacy services for all people with disabilities, not just those who are Social Security beneficiaries. These agencies are federally mandated, and many of them also run the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) in the state, which protect the rights of people who receive services from state Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation.
In addition, Social Security beneficiaries that were previously served by the WIPA program can now contact the Social Security’s Ticket to Work program in order to find assistance with work incentives, benefits planning, job placement and career development. For more information on the Ticket to Work program, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work or call the program’s hotline at 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-833-2967 TTY).
Best,
The Disability.Blog Team
I recently called the Social Security Administration office on Monday 1/22/2013 to do a change of address. The representative I spoke with started out very pleasant and helpful until I mentioned that two of my checks had been put in the wrong account and were never recovered in July 2010. The representative’s attitude changed and she began to berate me like I was a child or someone she knew and had treated her badly. I was called a liar and told I was ridiculous and how dare call with such nonsense. She proceeded to tell me how I had cashed the checks which also meant she was calling me a fraud. I am so upset that this has caused me problems sleeping. And to add insult to injury, I have been unable to find help in filing a complaint against this representative for the Social Security Administration.
I am sixty years old, disabled person and how dare she speak to me this way. Some people should not deal with the public if they cannot be professional at a job that deals with the disabled and elderly.
Can you please tell me how, or with whom to file a complaint on this matter? This is the second time someone from the SSA has berated me and called me a liar and enough is enough.
I live in apt housing in Philadelphia that has 247 units and only one parking space for people with disabilities. I have asked them to put in more spaces for persons wth disabiliities, but they say they can’t. What phone # do I call to make them put in more spaces? No one answers at 1-800-514-0301. HELP.
Hi Robert,
Please contact the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania. You can call them at 1-800-692-7443, Ext. 400 or email them at intake@drnpa.org.
Best,
The Disability.gov Web Team
I have been putting out applications everywhere in my area, I’m signed-up with AHEDD and in contact with my Employment Specialist, Debbie, periodically. Not having any luck finding work–becoming very frustrated, feel as though I have nowhere to turn.
I’m not sure if this is the right section, but I’m having problems parking in the new apt. complex we just moved into. It has 96 units and is part of a nationwide franchise. This complex has about 200 parking spaces, but none are designated for handicapped. I need the extra width of a handicapped spot, but was told I would have to park at the farthest point in the complex because there is a spot with a vacancy next to it that I can use until it is assigned. What is the law on this? Can anyone help?
Hello. I am 50 years old, and have existed with a severe TBI for the last 30 years. I have worked with thoroughbred racehorses for the last 8 years. I have became a very good and trusted employee. I would like to own and train a few myself. To do so I could use a grant to purchase a few.
My son had an IEP until 3rd Grade (speech and reading), then the school took him out. We also had a tragedy in the family at the same time. At 10 yrs old, I took my son to the doctor as his behavior was hyperactive, also he has severe food allergies. With the help of his doctor, after 8 months, he was put on medication for ADHD, did very well, and is still doing well. He is in 7th grade now.
Before he was put on medication, he was being bullied at school. When he was put on medication, his self esteem rose, but it took a while for his body to adjust. He was suckered punched 2 times in school and his response was to hit back. I do not believe in violence in school, and he was punished. The principal, who was not there to witness the incident, suspended him. He also asked him to write a report [of what happened], and had him sign it. The last time he was touched in a private area, and did not defend himself, the principal did not believe him and did nothing about it. We went to the Asst. Superintendant at GPS school when he was in 6th grade. All of a sudden within 6 months, my son had an IEP again, but now they said he has autism, which he does not, he has ADHD, and was doing well in an honors class. In junior high, the school put him in a class with children who have special needs and labeled him as autistic. I believe this was a cover up. In order to get our son out of this class, we had to take him out of special education, which his teacher in that class said he did not belong in anyway.
We want our son to be accountable for his mistake. He’s doing very well in junior high, but they will not take the label of autism off of him. He is a bright young man. My problem is the way this has been handled, and the school covering up their mistake. He was in that same school for 7 years, had an IEP until 3rd grade, then was put in ALP reading. How can I get help? They say he has no rights now that we have taken him out of special education. He is doing well, but still has ADHD. There is much more to this story, too much to write. Thank you for your time. – Pamela
I believe in starting businesses for the mentally ill, such as art galleries. I believe in ending world hunger by planting trees of fruits and nuts all over the world. I believe in ending joblessness by turning farms into factories and paying cheap. Also, I believe in ending homelessness by renting and selling rooms cheap, like $10,000 each, to mothers that are single or poor. I believe in turning old factory buidings into several rooms. I believe in giving all homeless people tents and chemicals to purify water and create pumps all over the world.
Our group has been fighting for equality for people with disabilities. We have made a short PSA and are looking at working in another one this summer with more “showing than telling.” I would like to talk with you more through email about these Employment Networks and how they work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz9fDUcLfjM
Thank you for your time!