[Flagdu] Fw: [nabentre] Senators Dodd and McCain Introduce Blind Persons Return to Work Act

[davidw]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Freeh,Jessica (by way of David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>)" 
<JFreeh at nfb.org>
To: <david.andrews at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 7:04 PM
Subject: [nabentre] Senators Dodd and McCain Introduce Blind Persons Return 
to Work Act


>
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
>
>
> CONTACT:
>
> Chris Danielsen
>
> Director of Public Relations
>
> National Federation of the Blind
>
> (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
>
> (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
>
> <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org
>
>
>
>
> 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."
>
>
>
> "Blind Americans who want to work should not be discouraged from pursuing 
> employment," added Senator McCain.  "The current SSDI program creates 
> government dependency and limits achievement among blind people.  The 
> proposed reform will enable blind Americans to fully reach their potential 
> in the workforce and reduce the overall number of federal beneficiaries, 
> saving tax dollars for every American."
>
>
>
> This legislation joins its House companion bill, H.R. 886, introduced by 
> John Lewis (D-GA) earlier this year.
>
>
>
>
>
> ###
>
>
>
>
> About the National Federation of the Blind
>
> With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the 
> largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in 
> the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = 
> "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />United States.  The NFB 
> improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, 
> technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.  It 
> is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the 
> nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of 
> the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in 
> the United States for the blind led by the blind.
>
>
>
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