United Spinal Association and Allsup Host Free Return-to-Work Webinar for Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Oct 24, 2013, 09:10 ET

BELLEVILLE, Ill., Oct. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association's membership division, National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) and Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation, will host a free webinar -- "Back to Work with SSDI—It Doesn't Have to be Scary!" on October 31.

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The webinar will:

Provide a snapshot of the current employment environment for people with disabilities.
Address common concerns SSDI beneficiaries have about returning to work.
Describe resources available to help obtain and maintain employment, including the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program.

The webinar is free and takes place Thursday, Oct. 31, from 3-4 p.m. EDT, in observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"This webinar will empower all people with disabilities to seek new employment opportunities and reach their professional goals," said Marlene Perkins, United Spinal's VP of Corporate and Donor Relations.

"We are proud to partner with Allsup to help individuals overcome the common misperceptions and fears about returning to work with a disability," she added.

The Allsup Disability Study, Income at Risk, reported that for the second quarter of 2013, individuals with disabilities experienced an unemployment rate nearly 90 percent higher than people with no disabilities.

For individuals who cannot continue working due to a terminal condition or disability that is expected to last at least 12 months, SSDI is an important resource that they have paid for through their payroll FICA taxes. It provides a monthly income, access to Medicare and other benefits, including the Ticket to Work program.

"Just thinking about re-entering the workforce can be a scary proposition, but it doesn't have to be," said webinar presenter and Allsup manager of Strategic Alliances, Tai Venuti.

"Ticket to Work provides valuable job readiness and employment assistance, but you can only access those supports after you obtain your Social Security disability benefits," she added.

"If you are thinking about applying for SSDI or have a claim pending, the information in this webinar can help you visualize how a return to work could be possible," said Venuti.

For a free SSDI eligibility screening, visit Expert.Allsup.com or call (888) 841-2126.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

About Allsup
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. Visit http://www.Allsup.com or connect with Allsup at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Marlene Harmon-Perkins
http://www.profnetconnect.com/marlene_harmon-perkins

SOURCE United Spinal Association