[Nfbsatx] Fwd: [nfb-texas members] Fw: Senators Dodd and McCain Introduce Blind Persons Return to Work Act

[Jose Martinez]

Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 3:25 PM
Subject: 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)

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.





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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 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.