Month: July 2012

TELL CONGRESS NOT TO SHUTDOWN IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS!

 

From AAPD

Help People Get Back to Work

Click here to contact your Congressional Representatives!

Most people receiving assistance from Social Security Disability programs would like to gain economic self sufficiency by going to work. They want to be able to do this without jeopardizing their benefits if the attempt to go to work is ultimately unsuccessful. Due to the complexity of the rules for starting work, while continuing to receive benefits temporarily, the government has established two important programs to aid beneficiaries:

  • The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program (WIPA) helps beneficiaries understand their options when they try to enter the workforce, and
  • The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program furnishes advocacy and other legal services to protect the rights of beneficiaries seeking to enter the work force

There has been a delay in reauthorization of WIPA and PABBS and funding is about to run out! Unless there is prompt action to continue funding, the programs will have to shut down. While reauthorization is being considered, the Appropriations Committees can allow Social Security general administrative funds to be used to continue the program until October 2012, and then appropriate new funds specifically for WIPA and PABSS

Tell them to support prompt Congressional action and help persons on Social Security disability programs achieve employment! You can do this by:

  • urging your Representatives and Senators to support reauthorization of WIPA and PABSS
  • Ask your Representative and Senators to contact members of the House &Senate Appropriations Committee and ask that funds be made available immediately so that WIPA and PABSS will not have to be shut down while reauthorization is being considered!

Andrea Scarpino on the radio Today

Hello lovelies,


Just a quick July update to let you know that you can listen to me prattle on about poetry TODAY (Monday) at noon (Eastern) by clicking the “click here to listen live” button on the following link:http://www.wjpd.com/

I’m being interviewed as part of the UP Book Tour (readingtonight as well) and if you listen closely, you may just hear me mention Johnny Cash. Cause that’s how I roll.

Hope all is well,

Andrea

Watch Out! A Blind Man Has Entered Your Shop!

I apologize for bringing my guide dog into your store. I apologize for needing your help. And I’m sorry you must point me in the right direction. I understand your day is precious. I know you were having a perfect meditation before I entered your establishment–you were navigating the circle within the circle, the dances of the gods known only to Proclus. And now, here I am, the walking manifestation of decay, a perilous figure from a lost battle. 

So much happens in the hubbub of the city, bells and parades, and then a blind man walks into your shop. You poor sonofabitch! Watch out! It might be catching! 

Yes, you should think of me as the soft breeze of calamity. 

Meanwhile, what am I up to? I want to buy a book at Barnes & Noble, but I’m told I can’t come in. I want to buy some batteries at the computer store on 6th avenue and Lo! I’m told I can’t come in. I want to take a taxi, and you guessed it, I can’t get in. 

Let’s review: books, batteries, and a business meeting. Not bad for a man who symbolizes malevolent fate!