Finance & Employment

People with SCI, especially those who are not insured, often need assistance to get or stay on top of the bills. If you're not a youngster, then you probably have enough years in the workforce to qualify for Disability income from Social Security. And if you don't qualify for Disability income, you might qualify for SSI - Supplemental income. Talk with a social worker about the particulars if you can. Your first step will be the informational pamphlets from the Social Security Administration website. To qualify in the state of Oregon, you'll need to go through the Disability Determination Service. You may be in need of vocational training to learn a new skill that allows you to work with your new set of abilities. This could mean college, or specialized training. There are incentives for some companies to hire the disabled, and it would be a good idea to be familiar with this before your interview.

Social Security Administration: For supplemental disability income.

Blanche Fisher Foundation: Non-profit organization whose purpose is to assist disabled or physically handicapped persons who are in financial need. The Blanche Fischer Foundation funds whatever will foster independence.

Vocational Rehabilitation Division: Serves persons with documented disabilities, providing employment counseling and guidance. In Hillsboro, call 503-648-7114 (I don't know if this is only for residents of Washington County.)

Office of Disability Employment Policy: Mission is to bring a heightened and permanent long-term focus to the goal of increasing employment of persons with disabilities.

Eugene-Springfield Business Leadership Network: Encouraging businesses to employ people with disabilities. Site includes organizational information and success stories.