Coping with Invisible Disabilities — Invisible Disabilities Association

My Mother’s Day Climb

May 14, 2012 By Angela Pierce Leave a Comment

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. It is a very special day for everyone who has children and families. For those of us who do not have children, especially those who do not have children due to the fact that they have a disability, it can be a bittersweet day. I am grateful for my mom and happy for my friends and sisters who are moms. However, there is still a part of me that feels a void since I am not a mom and will not ever have my own child. It is not only on Mother’s Day that this difficulty exists, but on any day when someone who sees my wedding ring and asks me, “do you have children?” and I look at them and say “no.”

The decision I made to not have children is just one example of how the damage from my rock climbing accident in 1985 continues to be a daily challenge. To this day, if you met me for the first time, you’d never know that I had a series of lifetime disabilities. Other than several scars on my body, my disabilities are invisible. These challenges are compounded by many difficult decisions I have had to make due to my limitations. One of those decisions was the decision to not have children. I have wrestled with this decision since I was in college, just after my accident and still struggle with it 27 years later.

I know that there are many women who can not or choose to not have children, due to health problems and disabilities they live with. The challenge is to find something else that fulfills the desire to take care of other people that all women have. For the past 27 years, I’ve found different avenues to fulfill my desire to nurture and care for others. For example, I’ve been a volunteer at local colleges helping students transition into adulthood. I’ve also worked with young adults who had special needs. I also have regular communication with my godchild and her mom.

Even though I do not have my own children and never will, there are opportunities to get involved in other people’s lives and make a difference. It is not a substitute for my own kids, but it is very rewarding and takes the sting out of the wound. Besides, there are plenty of kids out there who need an adult to be more involved in their lives. For those out there with severe disabilities, invisible or not, nurturing a friend or family member can be just as rewarding. Just a simple phone call, email or sending a card, can make a big difference, not only to the person who receives the call or note, but to the one who sends it.

About Angela Pierce

In 1985, Angela Pierce survived a 125-foot free fall while mountain climbing, breaking her bones in 168 places. Her story of survival is a miracle. The lessons she has learned over the last 27 years are an incredible inspiration to others who must climb their own mountains every day. Visit her website, Falling Off the Mountain.

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey Tagged With: children, disability, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, mothers, parents, personal story

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Heart Attacks Triggered by a Broken Heart

April 30, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Most of us have heard that stress can cause heart problems. We have even heard the stories about a spouse who passes away, then the other follows close behind.

The mother in law of Invisible Disabilities Association’s Founder, Wayne Connell, has recently experienced increased heart trouble after her son Jim unexpectedly passed away last December. Carole has been battling Lung Cancer for the past year and found herself hospitalized shortly after her son’s death, due to severe chest pains, irregular heartbeat, shooting blood pressure and episodes of collapsing. They did not find artery damage, but her doctor said that her symptoms must be from a “broken heart.”

“It’s called stress cardiomyopathy, or ‘broken heart syndrome” (KENS5.com). A recent study discovered how a broken heart can trigger a heart attack.

New research presented this week at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego finds that during mental stress, blood flow through the heart increases in men, but doesn’t change in women. The findings suggest women’s hearts might not adjust properly to stress (KENS5.com).

This is not something to be taken lightly. Connie Pitts is a woman who lives with Fibromyalgia and Chemical Sensitivities, as well as the author of Get a Whiff of This, Connie shared with the Invisible Disabilities Association what happened to her mother shortly after her brother passed away.

My mother died of a heart attack three months after my brother took his own life. During that three months, her eyes lost their sparkle, and she lost over thirty pounds. I do believe it was the grief over her loss that caused her to have a fatal heart attack.

Dr. James Park, an interventional cardiologist at the Texas Health Dallas Hospital said, “What they theorize is the arteries spasm, causing damage to the heart,” he said. “Then, when I do an angiogram to look at the arteries, it looks like there’s no blockages there, but there’s damage to the heart.” (KENS5.com).

Read the full story from KENS5.com in San Antonio.

ARTICLE RESOURCES

A Great Loss for IDA Founder and His Wife

KENS5.com. San Antonio. Study: Broken heart can trigger heart attack. Janet St. James. WFAA.com. April 27, 2012.

Pitts, Connie. Author of Get a Whiff of This. IDA Interview April 2012.

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Disability & Healthcare Tagged With: awareness, disability, illness, invisible disabilities, loved ones, medical information, personal story

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Angels on the Mountaintop

April 27, 2012 By Angela Pierce 5 Comments

Those of us who live in suffering do not realize the depth of understanding we can give to others. Whether it is on the internet, phone, or praying and sending good thoughts to others we know who live with invisible disabilities, we can make a difference. Sometimes our pain and sickness lead us to being lonely. Since we are already angels, we should try to remember that we are suffering for others who do not even know they need our help.

Here are two examples of how God has been able to use me to help someone that did not know they needed my help. One, a friend of mine was having a baby. I went to visit her in the afternoon and found out that nobody else would be there to support her during birth. I stayed with her, postponing my dialysis, which meant more pain for me; however, not only was I able to hold Hadley’s hand during her C section, I was the person who cut the umbilical cord. What an experience for me to be able to hold a new baby’s hand and to be able to celebrate a new life with a good friend of mine. I held the baby, placed her next to my Hadley’s cheek and with tears in both our eyes, we shared a quiet moment that neither of us will ever forget.

A second example was this past week. A good friend of mine from dialysis had been in the hospital for the past 3 days. She had a heart attack brought on by congestive heart failure. While I was visiting her in the hospital, the hospice nurse came in and asked my friend Molly if it was OK with her that I be allowed to stay in the room. Molly shook her head yes. Molly and I were very good friends. The nurse continued to ask Molly questions concerning her quality of life. At this point, Molly was in bad shape and was fighting for her life. The nurse asked Molly if she had spoken with her kidney doctor about the possibility of not continuing dialysis. Molly said no. This was difficult for me to hear, as Molly was making the decision to possibly not get dialysis treatment any longer. The nurse was basically telling Molly that even though her mind was strong, her body was weak and was giving up.

Most people could not go to a hospital to visit a friend or family member and listen to a nurse or doctor have a life and death conversation. Even though its difficult, its very important to be there for people like Molly, when they need us the most. Those of us with invisible disabilities can relate to people like Molly and can truly be an angel during some of the most exciting and difficult moments in people’s lives.

About Angela Pierce

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Relationships Tagged With: disability, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, making a difference, personal story, reaching out, support

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The Only Disability is YOUR Bad Attitude!

April 16, 2012 By Kris Harty 1 Comment

Kick off your shoes and stay awhile.

It sometimes feels like there are few places where people with visible conditions are welcome – and accepted as they are.

Medical settings are often the most welcoming and comfortable places known to those of us with visible conditions. The larger, outside world has way too many issues with the likes of us.

Case in point: a mere one hour time span in the life of…. namely, yours truly.

It happened a couple weeks ago. I was minding my own business, going about my day in the usual way. Nothing out of the ordinary: a professional organization’s meeting, getting in and out of my car and running an errand. Doesn’t seem like it would be all that memorable.

But it was – and not in a warm, fuzzy kind of way.

No, the unfuzziness started early in the morning. Toward the end of a monthly mastermind meeting for speakers and authors that I co-founded, a gentleman who I’ve known for years uttered a showstopper.

He’s known for espousing the power of attraction. All well and good, until he stepped over a line – clearly marked with warning flares.

He was going off in his usual manner, instructing us in the finer points of thinking our way to success. Never mind the heavy lifting of running a business. It would take care of itself if we but thought the right thoughts.

At which point, he turned to me. “This applies to health, too.”

He continued, addressing the larger group again. “I have so many friends with arthritis who whine and complain about how bad it is and how much it hurts. Well, of course it does! That’s what they’re thinking about all the time!”

Apparently not yet sensing – or thinking about – the sudden deep freeze emanating from my pores right next to his, he looked at me and further explained, “You probably didn’t realize the connection.”

The deep freeze deepened. “Ohhhhhhhhh, you’ve told me numerous times.”

Momentary taken-aback pause. “I have?”

“Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.”

Perhaps it was the engulfing silence from me or from my fellow attendees. Perhaps it was the ice cold steel clad stare from my eyes to his, the stare coined the Harty Glare from my long-time friend Lynne. Perhaps a combination. No matter. It shut him down. Perhaps ‘thinking’ it so, does work.

Nonetheless, the best comeback came to me later in my car. What’s with the perpetually delayed response time?? What I should have said is, “How many seven year old kids think about getting rheumatoid arthritis – and then do?? Huh, huh?? Answer me that one, ‘O Think and It Will Be So, Boy.’”

But before I had a chance to think that delayed thought, another something happened as I was getting into my car following our hastily-ended meeting.

Just as I was plopping my irritated self into my car outside the restaurant, a woman walked up to me while my door was still open. “Hey. Lady.”

She looked harmless enough, yet I’m always a little cautious.

Calmly, she proceeded, as though this was the most natural thing she says every day to strangers: “Hey, I just wanted to tell you that when I saw you walk past me inside the restaurant, I could see that you have the mark of the beast on your forehead.”

I was soooo not in the mood to put up with yet another lunatic. My pronounced limp often seems to give strangers an assumed license to comment on any aspect of my physicalness. But this was a whole new direction.

I reached for my door, eye-roll in full swing. She kept up the luna-babble. “You probably picked it up at (insert name of nearest big box store). A lot of people get it there.”

“Nooo, I don’t shop there.”

“Ohh! Then, you must have gotten it at (insert name of large regional grocery store chain). People sometimes get it there, too.”

“I don’t shop there, either.”

“OH, well. Umm, I really feel that God is going to heal and lengthen your legs this afternoon!”

“He already did.”

“Ohhh, well, that’s great.” Door is almost slammed shut…. “Have a blessed day!” Seriously? I’m trying, but dealing with the likes of you cuts into the feel of any blessedness.

No longer in the mood to deal with the world at large, all I wanted to do was go home, alone. But my cat wouldn’t appreciate me not stopping to refill his food supply.

So I drove to the nearest (insert name of big box pet store here). As I walked in, another customer preceded me by five paces. The store’s door greeter, beaming, chirpily welcomed her. The greeter turned her head, saw me, and any lingering smile vanished in an instant. Her mouth clamped shut. I was awarded the ‘up and down’ stare. I stared back. This was not the time to mess with me.

I kept staring. She finally stopped staring. In a stilted voice, she eked out, “Can I help you?”

Not unless you can fix your own problem, honey – whatever it is.

Getting home never felt so good. The only other safe place is a medical setting. Maybe all other establishments need to start posting these signs in addition to no smoking signs: “Thank you for not staring.”

Next stop, the nearest sign company. I think I’ll buy a few thousand shares of stock.

This article originally appeared in NurseTogether.com.

About Kris Harty

The Short Chick with the Walking Stick is Kris Harty, Stickability Specialist. Kris’ expertise as an entrepreneur and a lifelong patient helps entrepreneurs and those in healthcare – on the giving and receiving ends – to persevere and Stick To It-No Matter What! Kris speaks, writes, facilitates and regularly contributes to online medical journals, in addition to recently publishing her first book A Shot in the Arm and a Strong Spirit: How Health Care Givers Help Patients Persevere. She can be reached through her company's Web site, www.ShortChick.com or call 1.877.711.KRIS or through any of the links directly below.

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey Tagged With: author, awareness, disability, discrimination, personal story, rheumatoid arthritis, speaker, visible disabillities

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Mistakes with Reporting SSDI Can Be Costly at Tax Time

March 27, 2012 By admin 3 Comments

Mistakes with Reporting Social Security Disability Income Can Be Costly at Tax Time, Allsup Finds

Lump-sum SSDI awards for new beneficiaries require special attention; Allsup outlines other cost-saving tax tip

Belleville, Ill. – February 17, 2012 – More than 1 million people with severe disabilities became beneficiaries under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program last year. But many of them are likely to improperly report their SSDI payments on their income tax returns, according to Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance representation and Medicare plan selection services.

“It can take months and sometimes years to receive Social Security disability benefits. So, many people receive a one-time, lump-sum amount that includes back payments,” said Paul Gada, a tax attorney and personal financial planning director for the Allsup Disability Life Planning Center. “One of the most frequent questions we receive from claimants at this time of year is whether SSDI benefits are taxable and how to report lump-sum payments on their tax return.”

Up to 50 percent of Social Security disability benefits are taxable each year. The actual amount is determined by adding one-half of the taxpayer’s SSDI benefits to all of his or her other income sources. For 2011, a federal income tax return must be filed if gross income is at least $19,000 for couples filing jointly and $9,550 for individuals.

“The average monthly SSDI benefit for 2011 was $1,072.96 or $12,875.54 for the year. As a result, many people relying on SSDI will not owe taxes,” Gada said. “A problem can occur, however, if they mistakenly report all of a lump-sum payment received in 2011 as 2011 income, in which case they could end up paying too much in taxes.”

According to Gada, it’s essential that both individuals and their tax preparers understand how to report SSDI lump-sum payments. “The IRS allows taxes on SSDI lump-sum payments to be spread over previous tax years using the current-year tax return,” Gada explained. “This means recipients do not have to go through the time or expense of filing amended returns, or pay higher taxes on their current year’s income.”

People who received a lump-sum SSDI payment in 2011 will see this amount included in Box 3 of the Form SSA-1099 they receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Worksheets provided in IRS Publication 915 and discussed in Allsup’s free online guide, Managing Your Taxes, can be used to determine the taxable portion of a retroactive SSDI payment. However, Gada cautions it can be extremely difficult to do this by hand and recommends seeking help from a knowledgeable tax professional or, at the very least, investing in tax preparation software that covers this.

Other Money-Saving Tax Tips and Free Tax Filing Help

About 8.6 million disabled workers received income through the Social Security Disability Insurance program in 2011, including new beneficiaries.

Below, Allsup highlights additional tips that may help people with disabilities and their caregivers save on their taxes. More information is provided in Allsup’s Managing Your Taxes guide on Allsup.com, including links to free tax filing assistance resources.

Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This is a refundable tax credit of up to $5,751. When it’s applied, it could result in a refund. To be eligible, a taxpayer or a spouse needs to have been employed for part of 2011, earned below $13,660 to $49,078 (depending upon filing status and the number of children claimed) and had investment income of $3,500 or less. “Many people with disabilities don’t file a tax return because their income is so low,” Gada said. “But you could lose out on thousands of dollars from the EITC if you don’t file a tax return.”
Credit for people with disabilities. Taxpayers are eligible for this credit of up to $7,500, if they receive taxable disability income from a former employer’s accident, health or pension plan and meet income requirements. For 2011, adjusted gross income (AGI) must be under $17,500 for single filers, under $20,000 for joint filers with one spouse eligible for the credit, or under $25,000 for joint filers with both spouses eligible.
Dependent care credit. Taxpayers who pay someone to care for a dependent or spouse with physical or mental impairments may be able to take a credit of up to 35 percent of day care costs while they are working or looking for work.

Tax Deductions

Increased standard tax deduction. People who are blind or visually impaired may be able to take a higher standard tax deduction.
Medical deductions. Taxpayers who itemize can deduct medical costs if those costs exceed 7.5 percent of their AGI. Deductible expenses include medical and dental costs, travel expenses for treatment, long-term care and medical insurance premiums, and costs for certain equipment for people with disabilities. Taxpayers with a chronic illness, or with a spouse or child with a chronic illness, may be able to deduct costs for attending conferences related to that illness.
Deduct the costs of seeking SSDI benefits. Taxpayers who hired a representative such as Allsup to help them get SSDI benefits and who itemize can deduct the representation fee paid from the taxable part of their benefits.

###

ABOUT ALLSUP

Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Founded in 1984, Allsup employs nearly 800 professionals who deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. The company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information and a Free Consultation visit Allsup.com. Be sure to mention you heard about them from IDA.

The information provided is not intended as a substitute for legal or other professional services. Legal or other expert assistance should be sought before making any decision that may affect your situation.

Above Allsup Press Release published with permission.

ARTICLE RESOURCE

Mistakes with Reporting Social Security Disability Income Can Be Costly at Tax Time, Allsup Finds. Allsup News Room. February 17, 2012.

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Allsup Applauds the Work of the Invisible Disabilities Association

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Tips on Social Security Eligibility

About

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Disability & Healthcare Tagged With: advocate, Allsup Inc, disability, helpful tips, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, pain, press release, social security, ssdi, taxes

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Climbing the Mountain of Weakness

March 20, 2012 By Angela Pierce Leave a Comment

“When you are weak, you are strong.” What does this really mean? For those of us who have invisible disabilities, this is a haunting statement, yet it is one of the most liberating and powerful principles available to us. We want so desperately to look someone in the eye and say, “I’m doing great. How are you?” The reality is that when we are hurting, we are not doing great and we find it difficult, if not impossible, to look at someone in the eye and say, “I’m not doing well at all. Can you help me?” When we find someone who will listen to us and understand how we are struggling, it is a huge boost of strength.

What do I mean by weak? Simply this: The fear of admitting that you are having a very hard time or struggling to the point of not seeing a way out. For example, in the last 2 months I’ve come to the conclusion that I do not feel safe to drive my car due to how I’m doing physically. Telling someone that I can’t take myself where I want to go is very difficult, as it means I have to depend on others. On the one hand, this is a weakness, because I’m afraid to admit to someone else that I need help. On the other hand, it is a source of strength because when I ask for someone else’s help, I’m letting them into my world; when I see that they accept me after knowing this about me, it is a great relief and source of strength. It takes a lot of courage for me to let someone else know my weaknesses. Regardless of their reaction, the courage that I put forth to do this, strengthens me.

Unfortunately, in our culture today, admitting that we are weak, unable, not smart, feeble, or anything other than strong and powerful is frowned upon. Going one step further, it is my belief that we not only frown upon this, but we push people aside who are anything other than positive, strong, full of answers and fully capable of overcoming difficulties. This is true not only for us who live with disabilities, but this attitude exists in our schools, neighborhoods, companies and families.

What does all this mean for you? Admitting that you are weak is OK. Choose an area of your life that you’re having a hard time with. Make a decision to tell someone you trust about this. You will surprise yourself with how this is very liberating and how it will strengthen you.

About Angela Pierce

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey, Relationships Tagged With: disability, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, pain, personal story

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Alert Dogs Put Their Sniffers to Work to Save Lives

March 2, 2012 By admin 1 Comment

Photo Copyright Diabetic Alert Dogs

We all know that a dog’s sense of smell is more keen than a human’s. In fact, according to Dan Warren, a Virginia dog breeder, humans have about 5 million nose receptors, but dogs have about 250 million!

But, did you know that dogs can detect very subtle fluctuations in blood sugar levels? Warren’s company, Diabetic Alert Dogs by Warren Retrievers trains dogs to alert their owner when their blood sugar is dropping, but is still within normal range. Warren is also the Founder, President and CEO of Guardian Angel Service Dogs, the non-profit arm that provides awareness and funding for families to receive a diabetic alert dog.

“They also train dogs to help others with ‘invisible disabilities,’ Warren says, ‘including post-traumatic stress disorder and autism” (salisburypost.com).

Dogs can also be trained to alert their owners of seizures, anxiety, blood pressure and more by barking, pawing and/or licking. Some dogs even know how to dial 9-1-1.

Read Full Article

ARTICLE RESOURCES

Diabetic alert dogs can sniff out health problems. Katie Scarvey. salisburypost.com. Lifestyle. February 19, 2012.

Diabetic Alert Dogs by Warren Retrievers

Guardian Angel Service Dogs

Photo Copyright Diabetic Alert Dogs by Warren Retrievers

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Fearless: Service Dogs Offer Hope and Peace of Mind

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More Than Just a Pet

NEW ADA Revisions Limit “Service Animals” to Dogs

About

Filed Under: Accessibility & Assistance, Coping with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: anxiety, asperger's, autism, awareness, diabetes, disability, illness, invisible disabilities, ptsd, seizure disorder, service dog

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Nurse-Patient Relationships Endure

February 20, 2012 By Kris Harty Leave a Comment

When attending a patient’s funeral, they blended in among the other mourners.

Nothing made them stand out, as they would in their normal work environment.

But this was not that. The graveside service was simple yet honorable. Snippets of conversation floating on the breeze caught my ear.

It was those snippets that amazed me.

I knew nurses were dedicated to their patients, but this was all new territory, at least for me. They seemed completely at ease, as though this was part of what they do everyday.

It made me wonder if it was routine to them.

Do nurses follow their patients beyond bedside duty? Do they feel a responsibility, a caring, a compassion not only for the patient, but the patient’s family?

Once their caregiving is no longer needed, do they still feel a connection to their patients?

Do they go so far as to attend a funeral of a deceased patient who had been in their care?

How utterly and phenomenally lovely and loving is that?

It’s compassion I don’t fully understand, from my limited viewpoint as a patient. It’s one I admire more than I can say.

I would want that for me, one day – a loooong way into the future, preferably.

I listened a bit more intently.

“I’m sorry, I don’t recognize you. Are you a friend of someone in the family?”

“We’re here because we were among the nurses in the hospital who treated him.”

“Oh! I didn’t recognize you. I’m so sorry.”

“That’s ok. You probably weren’t expecting to see us here. It’s the whole ‘out of context’ thing when trying to recognize faces.”

“It’s so kind of you to be here. Thank you so much for taking the time. Our dad received such great care at the end and you helped make a really difficult time a little easier.”

Their conversation created a lump in my throat. Wistful memories flashed in my mind.

As with any funeral, each one takes me back to two specific earlier funerals: my mom’s and my dad’s. While I don’t recall health care givers in attendance, I wouldn’t have been surprised if some had been there, especially among those at my mom’s funeral.

As a college student, I was too wrapped up in my own grief to give much attention to anyone not immediately recognizable. But I do recall the seemingly extra measures of kindness shown my mom by her nurses in her last days, while hospitalized.

The memory of the nurses’ gentle care of my mom impresses me still, a quarter century later.

If they weren’t at her funeral, I know it wouldn’t have been for lack of caring. They seemed the type who would have been there or who would have wanted to be there, if circumstances allowed.

I’m glad they were there for my friend’s dad’s service.

I like to think it’ll be a comfort for him and his family years later. It’s hard to remember details of those days later on; our memories can only store so much in the form of details or grief. I know it had to be comforting at the time.

Those nurses took their patient relationship to the next level. It inspired not only those in the relationship, but the rest of us who had the comfort of witnessing it, if only from a distance and after the light of it faded.

Reprinted with kind permission from NurseTogether.com

About Kris Harty

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Disability & Healthcare Tagged With: author, awareness, disability, doctors and nurses, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, kris harty, personal story, speaker

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Social Security Disability Denial Rates

February 10, 2012 By admin 3 Comments

The following excerpts and statistics were provided by Allsup. For more information and to receive a FREE consultation visit Click Here.

There are four levels in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) review and award system for disability. There is an additional level that takes you out of the SSA system to Federal Court, although only a small percentage of applicants will pass through all five levels.

Level One – Application. About 65 percent of initial applications are denied.

Complete the initial Social Security disability application and in most instances, a detailed Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire. There is an extensive amount of paperwork to complete at this initial level. According to the SSA, it is necessary for a doctor to verify information in the application with pertinent medical information and confirm that the disabling condition will last 12 months or longer. Being vague about your work history and exaggerating the impact of your disability will contribute to your claim being denied.

The Disability Determination Services (DDS) in your home state makes the initial disability determination. They secure medical evidence and arrange for one or more consultative exams if there is not enough evidence to make a decision. DDS employees gather and evaluate all the information to arrive at a disability determination. The wait period at level One may take as little as three months, but the average is four to six months. Only about 35 percent of initial applications are approved.

There are more than 100 rare diseases and cancers that may qualify someone for a quicker SSDI decision through the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances program.

Level Two – Reconsideration. 87 percent of first appeals are denied.

Level Three – Hearing. Approx 62 percent of second appeals are awarded to applicant.

Level Four -Appeals Court. Only 2 percent of third appeals result in a favorable decision for the applicant.

Level Five – Federal Court. Approximately 70 percent of these are denied with a small amount receiving a decision in FDC that resulted in an award. The remainder of those are remanded (sent back) to the hearing level for an additional hearing.

Read Full Article Here

ABOUT ALLSUP

For more information and to receive a FREE consultation visit Allsup.com.

ARTICLE RESOURCE

Allsup, Inc. About SSDI. SSDI Process. Updated 9/8/2011

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Free consultation with Allsup for those who are not receiving benefits and do not have representation.

About

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Disability & Healthcare Tagged With: Allsup Inc, disability, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, social security, statistics

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Facing the Mountain of Insecurity

February 4, 2012 By Angela Pierce 2 Comments

I have been involved with the Invisible Disabilities Association for a few months and have found it to be very helpful in many ways. I’ve met several people who share some of the same struggles I do. I have also really enjoyed telling my story through the blog and hope it has inspired others.

A while back I was asked to consider telling my story on video. My first reaction was “Oh my gosh, I can’t do this.” The reason I struggled with doing a video was because I had been having a difficult few months physically to the point where I was not able to get my hair done for six months. What I realized is that my real struggle is that I don’t want anyone to see my real sickness. I thought that having my hair done would somehow cover up my invisible disabilities and would make me feel more secure.

I realized that it is very important for me to look as “normal” or “healthy” as I can before others see me (outside of my doctors, who see me at my worst – LOL!). I find myself fighting in many ways to look and feel healthy, but I know that I’m not. Therefore, anything I can do to change my outside appearance becomes more important. While this may sound vain, to people like me who can’t hide their disability when they are not feeling well, a good appearance has much more meaning than I’d like to admit. It is a form of security that helps me feel better about myself.

To conclude, what I’ve learned (the hard way) is that living with an invisible disability means that some days I’m going to look and feel like crap. Period. However, that is OK. Some days my struggle is going to be so hard that I could not hide it or make it look better no matter how hard I try. I found that I’m better off putting that energy into something that I can do to try and best manage the pain for that day and not worry about how I look because I know that it won’t make any difference.

About Angela Pierce

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey Tagged With: disability, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, looking good, pain, personal story

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University Creates Awareness of Invisible Illness and IDA

January 17, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

McGill University in Canada brings awareness to living with invisible illness and the Invisible Disabilities Association. The McGill Daily, an independent publication, is “Currently the second-largest student newspaper in Canada and the most widely read.” It has been “the training ground for generations of journalists since its inception in 1911.”

In his article, Advocating for InvisAbilities, Ethan Yang discusses how people can accommodate those living with chronic illness. In the article, he writes about several specific conditions, challenges and judging people by their appearances. Yang also shares with the readers about the work of the Invisible Disabilities Association.

Read full article here!

ARTICLE RESOURCE

Advocating for invisAbilities. The McGill Daily. Ethan Yang. January 12, 2012.

Getting Assistance with Chronic Illness from College Faculty

Relationships and College with Illness

About

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Relationships, Youth & Children Tagged With: advocate, awareness, college, disability, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, newsletter, pain, personal story, spreading the word, support

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Hanging on to Hope

January 6, 2012 By Kris Harty 2 Comments

“I can’t do this anymore.”

“What? You have to keep going. You can’t quit. You’re needed. You’re fantastic at what you do.”

“No, it’s too hard. I’m exhausted. There’s too much to do and never enough time. I’m fighting on every front and I have no more fight left. I’m tired of being responsible, tired of doing it all and doing it well. Really, there’s barely time even to do a lousy job at the required basics.”

My friend was struggling in her job and at home. I didn’t like what I was hearing, but I understood. I’d previously slid down a similar slimy slope.

There were no grab bars, no traction, no hay bales to cushion the landing along that slope. It was all downhill, like a runaway sled careening down an icy hilltop.

Has your sled slipped down that same slippery slope of overwhelmingness?

I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit to anyone, most especially myself. I’d wanted to quit workplaces in the past, I’ve wanted to quit my own business, I’ve wanted to quit as a patient, I’ve wanted to quit watching loved ones as patients.

I’ve wanted to quit. But it’s been seldom when I’ve followed through on that desire.

There’s much I have to learn, but this I know: the ‘how’ of how we keep going when we can’t keep going, might be found in a simpler answer than we realize.

The how lies in hope. Consciously or unconsciously, we hang on to hope. We hope for a better day, situation, outcome. We know it can be better than it is. We wait for the day when it is just that. We do what we can to bring it on, and if there’s nothing we can do, we patiently plow through the days until the sun glints through the clouds.

Along the way, we hold on to the hope of the heartfelt relationships of our lives, the intrinsic value and purpose our relationships and work bring us, and the unexpected humor that catches us off-guard.

There is funny in almost everything, including overworked, underappreciated, ‘get me the bleep out of here’ workdays. During some past jobs, I had been known to keep going merely by telling myself that the workplace, in all its messed up unglory, was there simply to entertain me. And not only that, but I was paid to be an interactive audience! I silently voiced a ‘bravo’ for true-to-form stellar performances from colleagues, administration and customers.

I could choose to be either annoyed or amused by their antics and interactions with me. When I chose to become detached and amused, the day was not as bleak as it had been. There was reason to chuckle and smile. From there, I could pass on the good humor, so to speak, to others and be re-energized by it myself. It might be an unorthodox coping mechanism, but sometimes unorthodox is what survival requires.

You can so do this, too. Bravo, you!

Reprinted with kind permission from NurseTogether.com

About Kris Harty

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Finding Humor Tagged With: author, awareness, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, perseverance, personal story, speaker, support

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A Great Loss for IDA Founder and His Wife

January 1, 2012 By admin 5 Comments

IDA Founder and his wife are suffering a great loss. Wayne Connell’s wife, Sherri lost her brother Jim just before Christmas of 2011. He had struggled with severe pain for many years and took a bad turn after major neck surgery last summer. Although he was clearly suffering, this was very unexpected, as Jim passed away in his sleep.

Jim was a “Harley Man.” He loved motorcycles, fast cars, go carts and dune buggies. He also had a gorgeous voice and loved to sing karaoke. But most of all, Jim was a family man. He loved his momma more than anyone or anything in life and he was extremely close to his sisters.

One of his favorite sayings was, “Always remember, Family First!” His Mom always told him, “You have the best characteristics any man could ever have and I call that “Tough and Tender.” She was so proud of her boy and of the man he had become, he was her Rock.

Jim wasn’t just a “Big Guy” in stature (protecting his sisters), he was the one with the “Biggest & Best Hugs” and a really “Big Heart.” He was a very giving man who loved to help others. There were well over 200 at his memorial service and even more at his life celebration dinner. Person after person told stories of how Jim always put others first and was always there for them when they needed help.

Jim was very supportive of the work that the Invisible Disabilities Association does to help others like his baby sister, Sherri. He traveled to attend the banquets with pride for what IDA was doing to bring awareness and support around the world. In addition, for nearly 20 years, he was a part of the local Toy Run, taking toys to children in the hospital in a parade of motorcycles and hot-rods.

He will live in many hearts forever!

ADDITIONAL STORIES

IDA’s In Memory Page: Jim Mitchell

Reach Out to People Living with Illness and Pain in 2012

About

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey Tagged With: family, IDA Founder and President, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, loved ones, memorial, news, outreach, pain, personal story

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Climbing the Mountain of Pain Management

December 21, 2011 By Angela Pierce 4 Comments

Living with pain is very difficult, as there are many times when there is no way possible for me to get rid of it or be comfortable enough just to relax. Having physical pain can be a constant obstacle for many people, including myself. Instead of remaining angry or frustrated, I try to create soothing options to mitigate the pain, like soaking in a hot bathtub or by taking deep breaths. One thing I have to learn to live with is managing the pain.

Another thing that helps me to manage the pain, is to create distractions. While the pain in my body is real and not just imaginary, I’ve found that activities that take my attention help me to focus on other things , such as reading or watching a good movie, especially if it makes me laugh.

Sometimes the pain is so bad, I feel like giving up. Even admitting it is a struggle.

There are many definitions of what chronic pain is, as everyone’s body and tolerance levels are different. What I’ve found to be important is to seek out help as soon as the pain sets in, as it becomes harder to talk about as the pain gets worse. As in my own case, I began noticing that my Fentanyl patch began losing its impact and the pain began to increase. I tolerated this for months and did not speak up about it. Now it has caught up with me and has become more of a crisis, as the pain level seems to have hit a tipping point.

If you’re living in pain, I would suggest that you try other possible solutions to mitigate the discomfort before turning to medication. A few examples are, acupuncture, physical therapy, or light exercise in a swimming pool. These are examples of things I tried before turning to narcotics, which for me was a Fentanyl patch. The reason I suggest trying non-medication solutions first is because you avoid long term risk to your body brought on by possible side effects and long term effects from the medication.

If you are new to chronic pain, I understand the frustration, anger and other emotions that say, “this is too much.” I know from experience that it seems like some days feel like they’ll never end, as well as the pain. In this case, medication can be a short term solution while you explore other alternatives for a longer term solution. The key is to take one day at a time and not worry about tomorrow, next week or anytime in the future.

Disclaimer: Please check with your doctor before stopping or starting any medication, treatment, therapy or exercise.

About Angela Pierce

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey Tagged With: disability, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, medications, pain, personal story

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Calm Amidst Chaos

December 7, 2011 By Kris Harty Leave a Comment

Calm amidst chaos?

Isn’t that an oxymoron?

Calm amidst chaos. When I heard that phrase today, it stuck in the little cobwebby corners of my grey matter.

Since then, it’s been rolling around, breaking through some of those sticky strands.

Given that I’m writing this article today, the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I can’t envision any calm amidst the chaos of that day, or the days immediately following it.

The heroes who helped, the heroes on-site, the ones in the hospitals – they likely didn’t feel any more calm than the victims or their loved ones felt. But I’m betting that if any calm was found that day, it might have been felt by the injured who were in the arms of, or under the gaze of, any of the emergency workers, including nurses, doctors, paramedics or any other healthcare professionals.

Maybe it comes naturally to some, maybe it’s in the educational training, but healthcare professionals seem to exude a certain calm in any storm, on or off the job. Lucky for the rest of us whose days might deteriorate at the mere sight of a torn fingernail.

While it’s in no way the same scale or significance of event, I would say that most of us experience individual shakeups that might feel like our own mini 9/11. Most often, our biggest shakeups involve sudden health crises of our own or of a loved one.

At those times, our world is unexpectedly rocked. We don’t know what’s going on anymore. What our calendars showed as priorities, no longer are. The world we thought we knew is wiped away and replaced with the unknown. Lots of unknowns. More question marks than answers.

What happened, and why? How do we fix it and recover? Or do we? Who needs to be involved? Where do we go from here? How much time will it take? What does the future look like – and can I get a guarantee with that?

In the meantime, in the haze, we’re left wondering if it’s the left foot or the right foot that takes the next step.

If we’re fortunate, we have family or friends whose presence can be calming. Often times, though, they’re struggling with the same issues we are. It’s hard to lean on a pillar if the pillar itself is leaning.

The ones not leaning are strangers: those strangers who take care of us when we can not, who guide us through unknown territory, who lend some calming compassion to an otherwise objective frame of mind.

It’s the calm we need when the terrain around us changed without our permission. We need a little guidance around the newfound stones, rocks and boulders in our path.

We lean on you, our healthcare professionals. We might have only met, but it’s your strength and calm that keeps us navigating through the fog.

Our individual, private catastrophic events are ones you see every day. They don’t throw you off as they do us. If they do, you’re a master at disguising it. And the Oscar goes to…YOU!

I long ago lost count of how many healthcare professionals calmed me during my own health crises or those of loved ones. Repeatedly, you’re there, offering calming reassurance, even in the face of unknown or fatal outcomes.

If only for an instant, you make me believe I’ll be ok, no matter the outcome.

#####

Reprinted with kind permission from www.NurseTogether.com.

About Kris Harty

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Disability & Healthcare Tagged With: author, caregiver, disability, doctors and nurses, humor, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, speaker

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Fearless: Service Dogs Offer Hope and Peace of Mind

November 28, 2011 By SueKindred 3 Comments

I subscribe to a blog called Fear-Less. It’s about taking charge of your life … moving through fear to the truth … which is never words and is always the feeling. Fear-less means having less fear, but FEARLESS … well that means intrepid, brave, daring and courageous. All synonyms for people living with an invisible disability—every second of every day. IDA, the Invisible Disabilities Association, has a new motto: Invisible No More. And, to do that … to be that, you have to be FEARLESS.

One way to be invisible no more is to show up to life every day with a service dog at your side. These highly trained dogs step into the darkness and help individuals – and their families – cope every day with pain and fear and rise above it. These folks begin to have hope. To believe that today, just for today, it’s going to be OK. And, Hope is Good!

Not only does a service dog offer hope, peace of mind and help with the fear and pain – they are a beacon that allows the public to understand that sometimes what they can’t see is really the truth. Heads turn when a service dog and his handler walk into a room, and just by being present they help raise awareness about invisible disabilities. It’s not uncommon to hear whispers of “why does that person need a service dog, they look OK”, or “they’re certainly not blind or in a wheelchair, why do they need a dog?”

At Guardian Angel Service Dogs, not only do we provide hope for people fearlessly coping with invisible disabilities, we are raising awareness about the myriad of ways that service dogs can help people who “look good”.

In this season of giving and gratitude, I’m grateful that there are people who make profound changes in the world around them by fearlessly navigating their life with a service dog by their side.

RELATED ARTICLES FROM IDA

IDA’s Service Animal Links Page

More Than Just a Pet

NEW ADA Revisions Limit “Service Animals” to Dogs

UPDATE on Author: Sue Kindred has resigned from her position with Guardian Angel Service Dogs.

About Sue Kindred

Sue Kindred is the former Executive Director of Guardian Angel Service Dogs, Inc, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide awareness about service dogs, as well as providee service dogs for individuals and families struggling with invisible disabilities. Additional Resources Diabetic Alert Dogs and Warren Retrievers.

Filed Under: Accessibility & Assistance, Coping with Invisible Disabilities Tagged With: asperger's, autism, diabetes, disability, Guardian Angel Service Dogs, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, pain, ptsd, seizure disorder, service dog, traumatic brain injury

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Falling Off the Mountain of Trauma

November 16, 2011 By Angela Pierce Leave a Comment

Have you ever been in a car accident or known someone who has? Have you ever experienced another type of accident that either injured you or left you fearful? Have you ever had, or know someone whose had a serious health condition or one that scared you? Most of us can identify with one of these situations. By definition, you’ve lived through trauma, which is defined as a wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury or an experience that produces psychological injury or pain.

When you hear the word “trauma”, what comes to your mind? Most people would picture a car accident, a heart attack or someone serving in the military who has been seriously injured or has seen others get shot or killed. While this is true, trauma extends far beyond the common pictures or stereotypes in most of our minds. For example, this month we as a nation remembered ten years back to the attacks of 09-11. For many people who may not realize it, 09-11 was a traumatic experience, regardless of where you were when it happened. Reality is this: Trauma is much more common in most people’s lives than we realize. Our human nature does not want to admit this, as it is very painful and embarrassing. Unfortunately, running away from trauma or sweeping it under the rug only makes it worse. Trauma is a one type of an invisible disability and a mountain that many people “fall off of” metaphorically.

Many of you may know my story that in 1985, I had a serious rock climbing accident, falling 125 feet and breaking my bones in 168 places. At the time of my accident, I realized that I had suffered serious physical trauma. However, just as damaging, if not more damaging, was the psychological trauma. It was not until 17 years later that I got professional counseling to help me through my accident. What I learned from my counseling is that I had not only suffered physical trauma, but also serious psychological trauma. My counseling was very helpful because it got me to open up, admit some difficult struggles I was having, and it helped me to learn to live with myself regardless of what I had been through.

In summary, many people are living with ongoing trauma and don’t realize it. I understand that the subject of trauma is serious and not one that many people enjoy reading about or discussing. However, my intent in writing this blog is that people will be honest about their lives as well as those they care about. Trauma, as bad as it is, can be managed and people who go through traumatic difficulties, can find peace and freedom to live their lives.

About Angela Pierce

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey Tagged With: accident, disability, injury, invisible disabilities, personal story, post traumatic stress disorder, trauma

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Photographer Uses Her Camera to Tell Matt’s Story

November 14, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

Freelance Photographer, Ilona Berzups, had been spending time at Tent City 3, one of three Seattle area homeless encampments. Ilona said, “I’m a photographer and my storytelling tool is my camera. I have a deep interest in humanizing those who are beaten down and marginalized in society, a deep interest in re-sensitizing people to their less fortunate neighbors by making it personal.”

Matt had been homeless for much of his adult life and living in a tent at this camp for the past three. Although Ilona had been visually documenting the camp and getting to know the residents for about a year, she had never talked to Matt. She noticed the scaring on Matt’s body and face, in which she and many others often assume was the result of being burned. Ilona admitted, “I wanted to meet this man but for weeks I struggled with my apprehension at facing Matt’s disfigurement, experiencing incredible guilt for being so weak towards another human being. I choke up thinking about it.”

Finally, she was introduced by another resident and friend of Matt’s, Miss Merrita. “When I met Matt what surprised me the most was how all my preconceived notions and fears immediately melted away. He was just a pleasure to talk to – interesting, articulate, sincere – and then I saw Matt ‘the man,’ not the homeless man or the disfigured man – just this amazingly resilient human being” Ilona described.

It turns out that Matt had never been in a fire at all. In fact, he has actually lived with 11 types of cancers since he was just two years old. One of the cancers is called, basal cell nevus syndrome, a genetic form of cancer passed down through his family for six generations. Matt lives in constant pain and has had over 1,700 surgeries, all of which have left many scars.

In addition to a very long battle with illness and homelessness, Matt has also endured a discrimination that most cannot fathom. Not only do people stare, but they also scatter on the bus and he has even been called a monster. After this kind of treatment, a person may assume Matt would be an angry man; yet, those who know him, call him very special, loyal and loving friend.

In one of their meetings, Matt told Ilona, “I want to change the way people see the less fortunate, homeless, disabled, however they want to call or name them, we are all human beings and all have rights to certain things in this life.”

Ilona quickly decided she wanted to create a photo essay to capture the many facets of Matt’s life. Ilona explained, “Matt’s journey has been incredibly hard and still inspirational. I’ve been able to capture a part of his journey visually and my hope is that it be received with the sensitivity and care it deserves.” Ilona added, “My desire is that his visual story will make others examine how they see and (consciously or unconsciously) treat those who are different.”

The essay was just released on November 14th and is titled, Walking with Giant - One man’s battle with homelessness and debilitating illness.

Matt was a Special Guest at the Invisible Disabilities Association’s 2011 Honor Awards Banquet. He shared a bit of his journey, which brought the audience to their feet! Matt’s story is inspirational and will change your life and your mind about judging others, before taking the time to get to know them. Read full story and watch his video.

Photo for this article copyright Ilona Berzups, used by permission.

ARTICLE RESOURCES

A Lifelong Journey with IDA Special Guest, Matt Barrett (Article and Video)

ILONA BERZUPS Photography

Ilona’s Photo Essay, Walking with Giant – One man’s battle with homelessness and debilitating illness.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Order Matt Barrett’s Poetry Book, A View from the Street

Matt Barrett’s Website, A View from the Street

Matt at the 2011 Invisible Disabilities Association Awards Banquet

About

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey Tagged With: awareness, basal cell nevus syndrome, cancer, disability, homeless, illness, invisible disabilities, Matt Barrett, pain, personal story, photo essay, photography

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I Can’t Do This Anymore

November 10, 2011 By Kris Harty 2 Comments

“I can’t do this anymore.”

“What?? You have to keep going. You can’t quit. You’re needed. You’re fantastic at what you do.”

My friend was struggling in her job and at home. I didn’t like what I was hearing, but I understood. I’d previously slid down a similar slimy slope.

There were no grab bars, no traction, no hay bales to cushion the landing along that slope. It was all downhill, like a runaway sled careening down an icy hilltop.

Has your sled slipped down that same slippery slope of overwhelmingness?

I’ve wanted to quit. But it’s been seldom when I’ve followed through on that desire.

There’s much I have to learn, but this I know: the ‘how’ of how we keep going when we can’t keep going, might be found in a simpler answer than we realize.

The ‘how’ lies in hope. Consciously or unconsciously, we hang on to hope. We hope for a better day, situation, outcome. We know it can be better than it is. We wait for the day when it is just that. We do what we can to bring it on, and if there’s nothing we can do, we patiently plow through the days until the sun glints through the clouds.

There is funny in almost everything, including overworked, underappreciated, ‘get me the bleep out of here’ workdays and at-home days. During some past jobs, I had been known to keep going merely by telling myself that the workplace, in all its messed up unglory, was there simply to entertain me. And not only that, but I was paid to be an interactive audience! I silently voiced a ‘bravo’ for true-to-form stellar performances from colleagues, administration and customers.

You can so do this, too. Bravo, you!

#####

Reprinted with permission from the Journal of Nursing Jocularity.

About Kris Harty

Filed Under: Coping with Invisible Disabilities, Personal Journey Tagged With: author, discouraged, finding humor, illness, perseverance, personal story, rheumatoid arthritis

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November Shines the Spotlight on Family Caregivers

November 1, 2011 By admin 4 Comments

Allsup promotes National Family Caregivers Month in November with free posters, caregiver brochures

Belleville, Ill. – Nov. 3, 2011 –More than 65 million parents, sons, daughters, spouses and others are family caregivers in the United States, but many of them remain anonymous, according to National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA). November is National Family Caregivers (NFC) Month and this year’s theme is “Identifying Family Caregivers.” Allsup, a nationwide Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) representation company, is pleased to be an NFCA founding sponsor, and is offering free NFC Month posters and caregiver brochures to recognize America’s family caregivers.

According to NFCA, a key strategy to help identify family caregivers is to include questions about whether someone is, or has, a family caregiver on medical intake forms. “Without such information, the role of a family caregiver in the health and well-being of a person with a chronic condition is essentially negated,” said NFCA president and CEO Suzanne Mintz. “In some situations, it may be obvious that someone is or has a family caregiver, but if it isn’t in the record, it may not be taken into account when developing a care plan for both parties.” Mintz added that capturing caregiving information on official medical records can help ensure that caregivers’ roles, as well as their own health, receive more attention.

In an effort to better identify and understand caregivers with high burdens, NFCA and Allsup surveyed more than 1,500 NFCA members. The NFCA/Allsup Family Caregiver Survey provides insights on family caregivers’ needs, interests and concerns.

Among survey findings:

Nearly one-half (45 percent) have household incomes less than $40,000.
More than one-third (36 percent) care for a spouse or partner, and 42 percent care for a parent.
Nearly one in 10 (9 percent) of responding caregivers and about a quarter (27 percent) of their care recipients receive some type of disability insurance, with Social Security Disability Insurance being the primary type for both groups.
Nearly half (47 percent) of the responding caregivers were interested in getting help with Social Security disability claims.
Nearly two-thirds (60 percent) were interested in getting help with Medicare plan selection.

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, Allsup is offering informational brochures on SSDI and Medicare, as well as a free gift to family caregivers during November. Anyone can access and order the brochures.

Caregivers [and patients] interested in learning if they or their care recipients may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, or who would like a free Medicare needs screening, may go to Allsup.

Free NFC Month posters are available for download or ordering at , and clicking on “Request Materials.”

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ABOUT NFCA

National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness, disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to help transform family caregivers’ lives by removing barriers to health and well-being. For more information visit www.thefamilycaregiver.org.

ABOUT ALLSUP

Above Allsup Press Release published with permission.

RELATED ARTICLES ON IDA

Allsup Applauds the Work of the Invisible Disabilities Association

Common Mistakes When Social Security is Denied

Living with Unlimited Purpose

November Shines the Spotlight on Family Caregivers

Pain and Social Security Disability Benefits

Six Advantages of Representation for SSDI

Social Security Disability Denial Rates

Spotlight Shines on Invisible Disabilities Champions

Tips on Social Security Eligibility