[Ohio-talk] Fw: Senators Dodd and McCain Introduce Blind PersonsReturn to Work Act

Fri Jan 29 16:00:51 UTC 2010

Very Impressive I like this!!
Karen

-------Original Message-------

From: Dr. Smith
Date: 1/28/2010 7:02:15 PM
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List
Subject: [Ohio-talk] Fw: Senators Dodd and McCain Introduce Blind
PersonsReturn to Work Act

fyi

jw

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
P.O.BOX 458 Athens, Ohio, 45701-0458
Phone Number - 740-592-6326
"Changing What it Means to be Blind"
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Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 4:25 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.

###

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.

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