CHAPTER 6DISABILITY POLICY
FROM PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO CIVIL RIGHTS
Slides developed by David H. Johnson
Millersville University of Pennsylvania2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.All Rights Reserved
Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
A Fair Definition, A Fair Policy Public policy typically uses binary
definition, which fails to consider degree of disability
No consideration for individual’s self concept
Controversy over qualifications for benefits
© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.All Rights Reserved
Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Public Assistance for the “Deserving Poor”
State programs pre-1935 Social Security Act included Aid to the
Blind Aid to Permanently and Totally Disabled
added in 1950 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
enacted in 1972
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federalized adult categorical assistance programs
Replaced three programs: Old Age Assistance Aid to the Blind Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
SSDI and SSI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is social insurance
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a means-tested public assistance program
Elderly and disabled can receive SSI in addition to Social Security benefits
© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.All Rights Reserved
Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Disability Determination
SSI Income and Asset Tests Federal Definition of Disability is any
physical or mental impairment which prevents an individual from engaging in any “substantial gainful activity ” (SGA).
SGA is defined by amount of earnings
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Appealing Decisions
Level 1: Reconsideration – different administrative team
Level 2: Administrative Law Judge hearing
Level 3: Appeals Council Review Level 4: Civil suit in U.S. District Court
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
SSI Hot Spots
People with drug and alcohol problems Legal Immigrants Children and Older Adults People who are homeless Race
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Veterans Administration
Unlike SSI or SSDI, VA covers partial, permanent disability
Service-connected disability Battlefield injuries Disability incurred or aggravated while in
service
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Disability and Work
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Combined federal and state funds States administer VR
State employment offices Workforce Investment Act
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Removing Work Disincentives Persons receiving benefits lose them if
they work Trial Work Period
Nine months of earnings over a 60 month period
Earnings of less than $720/ month (2010) after deducting work-related expenses
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) Allows SSI recipients to save money to
attend school or for business startup costs
Money saved must be from income other than SSI
Money saved is disregarded in calculating SSI benefits
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Civil Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
Deinstitutionalization Independent Living Movement Independent Living Centers
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
A New Bill of Rights
Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Title V Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Disability Policy for Children
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1975
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB)
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Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy, 7eDiNitto
Discussion Questions
What is the history of disability policy? What is the legal and social definition of
disability? Discuss the controversy over the
definition of disability. Explain Social Security Supplemental
Income.