Making life better in disadvantaged communities - our thoughts on everything - from Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc.
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Here is a question I have about a client I have been working with. A consumer came in and had been denied benefits after a work-related injury. I helped her write a letter of appeal and some other things, called people, and after paying for six months already works comp did pay her benefits for another six months and also her medical expenses got paid.
Now she wants me to help her write another letter and says she needs to get her disability for even longer.
Well, I am not even her counselor any longer since I took a different position. The counselor she has now told her to ask me to help her.
I think her counselor should help her since that is that counselor's job, not mine. It has been almost two years since this person has worked. I don't know which doctor is right about whether she is able to go back to work or not. She looks all right to me but that don't mean anything.
Here is my problem. I want to help people with disabilities and this is why I do this work. I always told all my consumers to call me any time and I would help them. When does it get to be enabling? There is nothing mentally wrong with this woman that she could not write her own letter.
I think maybe she could go back to work and her new counselor thinks so too and that is why they told her to go to me because maybe they didn't want toe deal with her. Two years is a long time to be saying you can't go back to work.
Now she has told some of her relatives that I am just too mean to help her.
First of all, my background in Voc. Rehab. is in excess of 10 years, working on a tribal 121 project. I have come across a few situations like this.
What I would recommend is to encourage her to work with Voc. Rehab. because they are they only one's who will be able to provide her assistance with traning. Given that Workers Comp is not working with her or has closed her case. If not, they have a obligation to work with/coordinate assistance for this person and that should be done with Voc. Rehab. Because the law stipulates that a person who has a medically or psychologically diagnosed disability then they should be allowed to apply for Voc. Rehab. Has his person been accepted or determined eligible for Voc. Rehab. if so, then they have an obligation to help this person, not you.
I have also, put myself in this situation with current or former clients. When you are the only person that certain individuals feel comfortable with, then they will almost always count on you. What I have done is to inform them that I work certain hours and that I have a peronal life. This person needs to take on their own direction and work toward a Goal, with the assistance of Voc. Rehab.
In closing, the clients remarks about you are not appropriate, you should confront this and make her understand that her demeaner will determine who and how much help she will get.
As far as employment or other assistance, this is Voc. Rehabs responsibility if she has been determined eligible for services. I would also refer her to Protection and Advocacy for further assistance or she can also be referred to Client Assistance Program.
Good Luck!
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No matter what, know that your helping is apppreciated and that there probably is no one else able to do what you can. As well as help in the manner that you do. Also, individuals with disabilities many times are having personal issues and usually hurt those around them without really noticing it.
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It remains to some (such as myself) the fear and long term employment record to be on disability when your handicap is not visable. Pride is a difficult issue when it comes to receiving help when you are unable to work. Maybe it is because you would prefer to have your old life back. I am ready to go back into my field but my problem now is finding another job in my field. I worry my next employer will be concerned that I will be unable to fulfill my job requirements. Not giving up!
She can always work on a PASS Plan or Trial Work Period. This would allow her to work and still receive her SS check monthly. She would also be able to receive a pay check or training stipend from a Voc. Rehab. Project. Either way, she should look at all the options. Please contact the local Social Sercutiy Office in your area or the national office.
Last edited by Willie (2007-04-22 15:47:20)
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