Institute for Economic Empowerment

This Blog from the inovative staff at Job Squad highlights several hard working West Virginians and demonstrates the success that can be acheived through Customized Employment practices in a wide variety of employment settings. Kudos to all at Job Squad and to the individuals featured on the Blog.    

State cuts to Medicaid are highlighted in this piece from the Wall Street Journal. Good coverage of how cuts to funding had already impacted the lives of persons with disabilities.

Interesting piece from the Washington Times regarding Joe Klein's remarks on columnist Charles Krauthammer ability to editorialize on issues that require a first hand perspective.  Mr. Krauthammer uses a wheelchair.    

Is bitterness a mental disorder?

http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-05/new-psychiatric-diagnoses-new-millennium this links to article discussing some of the nuances and difficulties associated with updating the Diagnostic Statistical Manual.  In a book shelf somewhere near you in 2012.

With the assistance of an SBA loan, Virgil Mathis starts a business aimed at helping veterans get jobs. The article  outlines many of the issues surrounding veterans with disabilites and employment. 

An April 2, 2009 US News and World Report article  highlights Joe Steffy and his Kettle Corn enterprise.   The business grossed more than $50,000 last year and continues to grow. The article mentions Dave Hammis, of Griffin-Hammis Associates, and the support and guidance they provided to Joe Steffy during the start up of his business .  Click on the title "How 1 Autistic Young Man Runs a Business" to read the full article in a new browser window.

Here is an interesting article highlighting one veteran's experience in receiving benefits.

Senator Tom Harkin released this statement earlier this week. http://harkin.senate.gov/pr/p.cfm?i=309274 The statement addresses abuse of persons with disabilities working and living on a Turkey Farm in Iowa.  Please see blog listing How can this still happen?  Harkin is interested in looking at  the 14C program run by the Department of Labor as one response to what appears to be a very ugly episode.

It is sad that this is not an isolated case. Here is yet another incident  where the Social Security Administration mails checks to people begging SSA to stop. Link

The NISH sponsored National Engineering Desing Challenge (NEDC)  http://www.jets.org/programs/nedc/index.cfm  is being held this week in Arlington Virginia. Folks should check the link and try to attend the morning presentations. Technology continues to change the lives and lifestyles of persons with disabilities as the following article demonstrates http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204165529.htm   The NEDC students represent the future of rehab engineering and we hope will soon be engaged in the kinds of projects highlighted above.