Attend this webinar to learn how the Social Security Administration’s new Ticket to Work program increases opportunities for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment. See how the new Ticket to Work can serve as a potential funding stream for supported employment. Learn how you can braid funding from multiple funding streams to help people with psychiatric disabilities find and keep jobs.

Webinar presenters will review changes in SSA’s final Ticket to Work regulations published in May 2008 and explain

• Ticket payments to approved Employment Networks
• Ticket payments based on beneficiary earnings consistent with part-time employment
• Making ticket payments almost the same for SSDI or SSI
• Partnership plus models that allow for ticket payments to both Employment Networks and state vocational rehabilitation agencies for the same beneficiary

Dan O’Brien has worked in the supported employment and rehabilitation field for over twenty years. He managed a nationally recognized exemplary employment program at a mental health center for six years, placing Social Security beneficiaries with serious mental illness in jobs. He worked for 12 years overseeing community vocational rehabilitation and supported employment contracts and from 2001-2004 was the Oklahoma VR Program Manager for Ticket to Work and all employment and job placement service contracts. He has worked for the Social Security Administration since July 2005.

Steve Reeder has more than 15 years experience as a clinician, educator, and rehabilitation counselor with individuals with serious mental illness. Under his leadership and direction, Maryland has been recognized nationally for its groundbreaking efforts in supported employment and evidence-based practices — to align employment services across multiple state agencies, reduce administrative process burden for providers, and streamline access for consumers.