[rsva-l] bill introduced in Congress

[Ardis Bazyn]

Block quote start
    Senators Dodd and McCain Introduce
  Blind Persons Return to Work Act

  National Federation of the Blind Applauds a Common Sense
  Work Incentive for Blind Social Security Beneficiaries

  Washington, D.C. (January 28, 2010): Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and
  Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today introduced the Blind Persons Return to
  Work
  Act of 2010 (S. 2962), which will allow blind Americans to more easily
  transition from Social Security beneficiaries to income-earning,
  productive
  members of the workforce.

  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a program meant to provide
  disabled Americans with financial support, actually discourages blind
  people
  from seeking employment by placing a limit on how much money they can
  earn.
  This bipartisan bill replaces the monthly earnings limit with a gradual
  phase-out, allowing blind beneficiaries to systematically replace benefits
  with earned income.

  Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
  "The National Federation of the Blind applauds Senators Dodd and McCain,
  both longtime champions of the blind and other Americans with
  disabilities,
  for advancing this wise proposal to reform SSDI so it encourages blind
  beneficiaries to reach their full employment potential rather than
  discouraging them from becoming independent.  Blind people want to work,
  and
  with the right training and opportunity, we can hold any job to which we
  aspire.  Yet because of misconceptions about blindness and flawed work
  incentives in the SSDI program, 70 percent of working age blind people are
  unemployed or underemployed.  We are confident that the Blind Persons
  Return
  to Work Act will reduce the fear of termination of benefits resulting from
  an earnings limit and encourage blind people to join the workforce."

  "Blind Americans deserve the opportunity to enter or advance in the
  workplace without their financial security being threatened by some
  arbitrary limit," said Senator Dodd.  "We can encourage blind people to
  take
  advantage of their independence without punishing them for working.  This
  bipartisan legislation will protect millions of Americans from the risk of
  losing their benefits and will increase the productivity of our
  workforce."

Ardis Bazyn
For inspirational speaking, business coaching, or writing: www.bazyncommunications.com
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Blog: abazyn.blogspot.com
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