Contact John Miller, VP, AHEDD: (866) 902-4333, ext 118

FISA FOUNDATION AWARDS WORK INCENTIVE TRAINING GRANT TO AHEDD

SSA Benefits Management Training for Youth with Disabilities

CAMP HILL, PA (February 22, 2006) -- AHEDD, a regional leader in the employment of persons with disabilities, has received a 3 year grant from the FISA Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA for $80,000.   The goal of this project is to teach benefits management skills to youth with disabilities in order to improve career planning and employment outcomes and access to work incentives.

According to Dee Delaney, Executive Director of the FISA Foundation, “Transition planning is incredibly important.  Correcting the myths and misconceptions around benefits eligibility will open up new possibilities for youth and their families in making the leap to adulthood.”

AHEDD has been providing work incentives assistance and planning to beneficiaries through a cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration since 2001.  The investment from the FISA Foundation will allow the program to expand into the school age population which receives benefits.   “While SSA benefits are extremely important for individuals with disabilities, we find that many young adults are unprepared to effectively balance these benefits in the context of their current and future vocational goals,” states John Miller, AHEDD Project Director.

In Pennsylvania there are nearly 500,000 working aged adults with disabilities who rely on SSA for their income and health care support in lieu of employment.   Through the agreement with the FISA Foundation, AHEDD will work with youth, ages 14-22, in 10 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania including: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler , Fayette, Greene , Indiana , Lawrence , Washington , and Westmoreland counties.  

AHEDD is a private, non-profit agency with a mission to serve the community as a catalyst in the employment and development of persons with disabilities.  Established in 1977, AHEDD serves the community by partnering with business and people with disabilities through a field office network throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware .  

FISA Foundation's mission is to build a culture of respect and improve the quality of life for three populations in southwestern Pennsylvania : women, girls, and people with disabilities.  

---END---