Federal Websites of Importance!
Advocating for Individuals with Disabilities
SOCIAL SECURITY LINKS
SSA POMS ON LINE—http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/poms
SSA Disability Definitions---http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook
SSA Plan for Achieving Self-Support—www.passonline.org
SSA Ticket to Work Site—www.ssa.gov/work
CESSI Ticket to Work Site- www.cessi.net
Maximus Ticket to Work Site—www.yourtickettowork.com
Area Work Incentives Coor. (AWIC) www.ssa.gov/work/beneficiaries/awic.html
The AWIC coordinaties work incentive initiatives and SSA’s employment support programs in a specific geographic area. The AWIC works with the SSA Regional Office Coor. And the local Work Incentive Liason (WIL).
Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) functions:
This site includes a link to lists of BPAO’s by state.
http://www.ssa.gov/work/ServiceProviders/BPAODirectory.html
The Disability Planner
General Information on how the Social Security Administration defines disability: www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify4.htm
Red Book –A summary guide to Employment Support for People with Disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance And Supplemental Security Income Programs – a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of the SSDI and SSI programs: www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html
Social Security Handbook
The basic guide to the social security programs : www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/Handbook/ssa-hbk.htm
FEDERAL LINKS
http://lcweb.loc.gov/homepage/lchp.html
-This will connect you to the Library of Congress. At this site you can explore the issues as many congressional staff do, when they begin to research a subject.
http://lcweb.loc.gov/global/legislative/congress.html
-This web site will give you your legislative directories, connect you to current legislation, congressional calendars, and congressional support networks.
http://thomas.loc.gov
-Use Thomas to get copies of bills, proceedings, floor activity, and updates on current legislation.
http://www.fedstats.gov
-Here you will find the statistics you need when you are speaking to public officials. This site will also provide you access for 70 Federal Agencies.
http://www.ssa.gov
-Social Security Administration (SSA) home page. On the SSA web page you will have access to the latest information out of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
The Work Site: Comprehensive SSA information on work issues can also be found on the SSA website listed above.
CMS Website:
www.cms.gov
· CMS Medicaid Information: www.cms.gov/medicaid/
· CMS Overview of Medicaid: www.cms.gov/publications/overview- medicare-medicaid/default4/asp
· CMS Medicaid Buy-in Program Information:
· www.cms.hhs.gov/twwiia/buyinqa/asp
· Medicaid Eligiblity Groups
· www.cms.hhs.gov/twiia/eligible.asp
· For all other questions go to www.cms.hhs.gov and search.
· Medicare website: www.medicare.gov
Federal Poverty Guideline
www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/
Food Stamps
www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/
HUD
www.huduser.org/databases/il/fmr02/index/html
http://www.doj.gov and http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahoml.htm
-The first web page is the home page for the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the second is the DOJ information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.
http://www.dhhs.gov
-Department of Health and Human Services: here you will find the most current information regarding key programs. Explore this site and you will find information regarding research, testimony presented before congress and valuable information that will impact the health of our nation.
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add
-This web page will take you to the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD). You will find important information regarding the programs run through the ADD office. Programs such as Protection and Advocacy, University Affiliated Programs, the Developmental Disabilities Councils and Projects of National Significance may be accessed from this web page.
http://www.gao.gov/index.htm
-The General Accounting Office (GAO) is used regularly by Congress to obtain information surrounding public funds. Often when Congress is seeking more details before introducing legislation, they will ask the GAO to study a topic. Upon completion of the study, the GAO will present their findings before Congress. Congress then will use this information to formulate legislative policy.
http://www.hud.gov
-U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is an important site for individuals with disabilities. You will find information regarding available resources surrounding housing and information on initiatives being planned by HUD.
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP
-Office of Special Education Programs is the site you want to also key into your favorites. This site will provide you with up to date information regarding special education across the country.
http://usworkforce.org
-It is designed to provide answers to current and emerging questions about the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act. It represents an unprecedented collaboration between public and private sector groups and individuals to provide access to workforce information and resources and to apply that information toward innovative and effective partnerships and programs.
http://www.ed.gov/EdRes/EdFed/OtherED.html
-Various informative sites such as NICHCY, NCDDR, NIDDR, NARIC, NCIP, NCEO, OSERS. All of these web sites are important, but NICHCY and NIDDR provide valuable information that is key to people with disabilities and their families.
http://www.disabilitydirect.gov/
-To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Office of Disability Employment Policy created this site. It provides one-stop online access to resources, services, and information available throughout the Federal government.
http://www.dol.gov/dol/odep/
-Under the leadership of an Assistant Secretary, will be to bring a heightened and permanent long term focus to the goal of increasing employment of persons with disabilities. This will be achieved through policy analysis, technical assistance, and development of best practices, as well as outreach, education, constituent services, and promoting ODEP’s mission among employers.
WEBSITES TO ADVOCACY
http://www.c-c-d.org
-The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
http://www.self-determination.org
-Project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is changing the lives of people with disabilities. It is based on four principles: Freedom, Authority, Support, and Responsibility. This site will provide you with links, and information on the status of Self-Determination in our nation.
http://www.cossmho.org
COSSMHO is the sole organization focusing on the health, mental health, and human services needs of the diverse Hispanic communities. COSSMHO's membership consists of thousands of front-line health and human services providers and organizations serving Hispanic communities. The organization was founded in Los Angeles in 1973 as the Coalition of Spanish-Speaking Mental Health Organizations to represent and advocate for the mental health needs of Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban American, Central American and South American communities in the United States.
http://www.aphsa.org
The mission of APHSA is to develop, promote, and implement public human service policies that improve the health and well being of families, children, and adults.
http://www.adapt.org There's no place like home, and we mean real homes, not nursing homes. We are fighting so people with disabilities can five in the community with real supports instead of being locked away in nursing homes and other institutions.
Virginia Agencies and Organizations of Importance
http://www.vadrs.org/ - Department of Rehabilitative Services
http://vadrs.org/essp/whatsnew.htm - DRS “What’s New Updates”
http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/ - Virginia Department of Medical Assistance
http://www.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov/ - Virginia Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services
http://www.dss.virginia.gov/ - Virginia Department of Social Services
http://www.vddhh.org/ - Virginia Department of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.vdbvi.org/ - Virginia Department of Blind and Visually Impaired
http://www.vopa.state.va.us/ - The Virginia Office of Protection and Advocacy The Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy (VOPA) helps with disability-related problems like abuse, neglect, and discrimination. We also help people with disabilities obtain services and treatment. All callers receive help with these problems. Individuals with problems, targeted in our program goals, may also receive advocacy services and/or legal representation.
Virginia Workforce Centers –
One-stop access to workforce, employment and training services of various programs and partner organizations. Each Virginia Workforce Center provides services required by federal legislation plus services designed to meet the needs of the local community. Most VEC locations have been designated as Virginia Workforce Centers, and VEC services are provided through many centers operated by other partner organizations and contractors.
http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/wia/index.cfm
Virginia Roadmap to Services – www.varoadmap.com
Virginia-specific Medicare and You 2006 handbook.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/tools/materials/publications/state/Handbook2006/10050-VA.pdf
Ticket to Work – www.yourticketto work.com
WorkWorld - http://www.workworld.org
www.vaaccses.org – comprehensive listing of all Federal/state/and local agencies. Look for updates on training activities as well as Public Policy updates.