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6941 Navigating and Expediting Access to Social Security for Transition and Late Diagnosed Adults [CRC Session]


Thursday, July 24, 2014: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
209 (Indiana Convention Center)
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Should I apply for Social Security? What are the myths? What is the Hidden Curriculum? How can I maximize & expedite getting benefits? This is a necessary session for service providers, families and individuals who need this myth busting, accurate information rich with strategies. Actual SSI/SSDI documents will be shared. Security Social Security Disability benefits for transition-aged teens and late diagnosis adults is a process that is fraught with much misinformation. Further, the requested information is not fully representative of the entirety of information needed to be successful in securing the benefits.

A. First steps: will begin by:

  1. Identify the myths through interaction from the participants
  2. Clarify the myths and replace misinformation with facts
  3. Address the grief issues related to accepting this option
  4. Creating the bullet point list of needs within the Social Security System’s areas of limitation (each participant can take this home)

B. Then the individual and/or family needs to create a fully conveyed expression of the areas of limitation that not only discloses but educationally explains the limitations and how employment is implicated in the face of these needs.

C. Then we will explain how to “stack the deck” by securing various assessments and reports which must be timely and fully expressive of the individual’s needs. This includes:

  1. Establishing or reestablishing therapeutic relationships
  2. Creating sustained engagement with these therapists/providers
  3. Communicating to the therapists/providers precisely what information is required speaking specifically to the areas of limitation

D. Timelines

  1. Clients will rarely be approved at the first 60-day review. We will facilitate understanding what the client/family should be doing during this waiting period.
  2. When the appeal paperwork comes, the client must execute a response in a mandated timeframe. Appeal content will be discussed.
  3. Hearing: Time for the attorney. How do you find a good one?

Provider participants will learn how they can enhance their contribution to the reporting process. Families and individuals will understand what they can do to maximize and expedite a positive outcome.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will critique the pros and cons of securing Social Security benefits. Participants will be able to recognize that the fears and misconceptions surrounding Social Security benefits, including that if a person is intelligent, well-educated, or have had some employment success, they cannot obtain SSI/SSDI, are myths.
  • Families and providers will discover how service providers can be supported to fully report limitations. Service providers will revise how they articulate to insure maximum understanding.
  • Participants will be able to complete an application form and identify the "Hidden Curriculum" and technical language to use to maximize the opportunities for approval. Individuals will be able to cite an actual, final reporting from a client who was successful.

Content Area: Transition Planning and Options for Adulthood

Presenter:

Dena Gassner, Ph.D., student
Director Center for Understanding
Dena Gassner

Dena is the Director of the Center for Understanding, providing training and information worldwide. Boards for the Arc US, GRASP and the Autism Society benefit from her unique expertise. Wife, mother and non-traditional Ph.D. student at Adelphi University, she's living an authentic life including--not separate from--her own autistic identity.

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