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DRC Programs - PABSS

PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR BENEFICIARIES OF SOCIAL SECURITY (PABSS)

PABSS programs across the country and in Arkansas were discontinued 9/29/2012 by the Social Security Administration.
 
The goal of PABSS is to assist beneficiaries with disabilities in obtaining information and advice about receiving vocational rehabilitation and employment services. PABSS also provides advocacy or other related services that beneficiaries with disabilities may need to secure or regain gainful employment.
  • Click here to review Social Security Administration information about this program.
  • See below to review the PABSS Annual Priorities under Employment.
 
All Social Security Administration (SSA) publications may be ordered on line. All the information you need to request multiple copies of materials including materials in alternative languages and formats is available on the SSA website. Simply go to http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/formspubs.htm
 
The Ticket to Work Program offers SSA disability beneficiaries greater choice in obtaining the services they need to help them go to work and achieve their employment goals. Visit the websites below to read more on the Ticket to Work Program.
 
DRC Priorities for PABSS in Fiscal Year 2012
  1. (Goal) DRC will provide disability rights advocacy for people with disabilities who have a right to services under the Federal Rehabilitation Act.
    • DRC will represent Vocational Rehabilitation clients to ensure that they receive information and advice regarding obtaining vocational rehabilitation and employment services or other services (including assistive technology) that a beneficiary with a disability may need to secure, maintain, or regain gainful employment.
    • DRC will represent students with disabilities with transition issues from high school to higher education or job placement.
  2. (Goal) DRC will review and investigate any complaint of improper or inadequate services provided to a beneficiary with a disability by a service provider, employer, or other entity, except SSA, involved in the beneficiary’s return to work effort.
    • DRC will assist beneficiaries in identifying issues and obstacles to their return to work effort and take appropriate action to remedy the complaint.
    • DRC will provide advocacy services and/or technical assistance to individuals with disabilities to maintain, regain or obtain employment through Supported Employment.
    • DRC will review and investigate complaints of employment discrimination in regard to harassment, reasonable accommodations, wages, and other employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
  3. (Goal) DRC will inform people with disabilities of their legal rights at trainings conducted by DRC and other organizations. Training may also be provided to service providers and other organizations.
    • Conduct community trainings on the services DRC provides, sensitivity awareness and on specific topics related to DRC priorities as requested by other agencies.
    • Conduct trainings and/or other activities in collaboration with AR Can Do, Inc. AR Can Do is made up of other non-profits, state agencies and people with disabilities to change perceptions of how society perceives people with disabilities and educate on appropriate ways to communicate and interact with people who have disabilities.
  4. (Goal) DRC will raise issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities at meetings attended by policy makers and/or people with disabilities.
    • DRC will serve on the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Advisory Board’s EmployeeAbility Project to advise the Board at its quarterly meetings on ways to stop discrimination against people with disabilities who are Medicaid recipients.
    • DRC will continue the Arkansas Parent Information Exchange (ArPIE) list serve to share information with parent advocacy groups/Parent Training Information Centers about education advocacy, rights issues and training.
  5. (Goal) DRC will inform people with disabilities of their rights through the publication and dissemination of pertinent information.
    • DRC will maximize its electronic outreach by continuing a weblog.
    • Provide the DRC display and materials in conferences to inform the public about DRC activities to stop discrimination against people with disabilities.
    • DRC will maximize its electronic outreach by publishing video on YouTube and will improve DRC Facebook with timely posts and pictures.
    • DRC will produce three P&A Newsletters and one 2010 Annual Report.
    • DRC will develop and update brochures, flyers, etc. as necessary.
    • Timely information will be posted on the DRC website on each DRC program, upcoming events, cases, investigations, legislation, etc.
    • DRC will attend transition conferences/fairs to inform students and staff about DRC transition services and disseminate DRC information, brochures, posters, etc.
    • DRC will distribute the Client Assistance Program (CAP) and PABSS brochures to high schools to stop discrimination against students with disabilities.
    • DRC will monitor CRPs to inform people with disabilities of DRC services, client rights, and disseminate brochures, posters, etc.
  6. (Goal) DRC will attend meeting to assure people with disabilities have equal access to supported employment.
    • DRC will attend the Alliance for Full Participation Biannual conference.
    • DRC will attend local Alliance for Full Participation Committee monthly meetings to enhance participation.
    • DRC will attend APSE Committee monthly meetings to enhance participation.
    • DRC will attend the Arkansas First Employment Summit in November 2011.
    • DRC will attend the Employment Conference in March 2012.