On 08/17/11, group had guest speakers from Work Without Limits - Marie Hennessy, MEd, Consumer Outreach Coordinator and Maura Mone, Project Director. Here is the information from the slides of their Powerpoint presentation.
What is Work Without Limits?
Work Without Limits is a disability and employment initiative in Massachusetts based out of UMass Medical School.
What do we do?
• Partner with state and community organizations and employers to build effective employment programs and supports for people with disabilities.
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• Provide resources and information so people with disabilities can go to work and achieve their employment goals.
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• Provide benefits and work incentives counseling directly to people with disabilities and their families through the BenePlan program.
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• We achieve our work through research, targeted projects in the community, and by engaging businesses and employers.
What we don’t do?
We do not provide direct services to people who are seeking employment or who require on the job supports once they are hired. However, we can help link you to people and organizations who do.
What can Work Without Limits do for YOU?
Get You Connected
• Work Without Limits Website (www.workwithoutlimits.org) – information on Benefits and Work Incentives, How to find a job, Transportation and much more.
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• Peer Networking and Advocacy – link in with our Regional Peer Employment Networks (R-PENS) or with the Employment NOW Coalition to talk about going to work and advocating for change.
Increase your Knowledge about Work
• Resources – booklets, flyers and brochures with information that can help you go to work
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• Trainings –sessions on improving your financial well-being and understanding of how working and earning wages affects public benefits such as SSI or SSDI
Help to shape policy in our state through research
• Research – Through academic research, we’re helping to identify and break down barriers to employment for people with disabilities
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• Evaluation – We’re working to improve employment programs and services
Tips for finding a job
• Assess your skills and interests, and develop a resume that talks about your job history and how it applies to today’s job market.
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• Connect to a One Stop Career Center in Massachusetts.
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• Look for jobs online:
www.gettinghired.com - website for jobseekers with disabilities
www.disaboom.com - website for jobseekers with disabilities
Additional help: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
• Resume preparation,
• Job-seeking skills training
• Electronic job hunting strategies
• Interview skills training
• Finding job leads
What if I have questions about benefits (SSI and SSDI)?
Certified Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) can speak with you on the phone or meet with you in person, and provide services in both English and Spanish.
• If you live in Worcester and Middlesex counties and the counties in Western Massachusetts contact BenePLAN at 1-877-937-9675 (toll-free)
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• If you live in the Boston area of points east of Worcester and Middlesex Counties, contact Project IMPACT at 1-800-374-7475 (toll-free)
What are the resources for transportation?
MBTA Trip Planner - An online tool by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) that helps you chart routes on MBTA public transit.
Google Transit - Plan your route to work with Google Transit in four Massachusetts regions: Pioneer Valley, Cape Cod, Metro West, and Lexington. Gives driving, walking and public transportation directions.
Contact your Regional Transit Authority for route information or information on Paratransit.
Who can I contact for some legal help?
The Disability Law Center (DLC) is the Protection and Advocacy agency for Massachusetts. DLC is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities.
Disability Law Center
11 Beacon Street, Suite 925
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-723-8455
How can I get involved with Work Without Limits?
• Visit the Work Without Limits webpage and give us your feedback www.workwithoutlimits.org
• Sign up online for Work Without Limits e-newsletters and be contacted about upcoming events
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• Attend a training or Peer to Peer event
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