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E-News Article

 

PWDF: Focus on Mental Disabilities

PWDF Update

 

Advocacy Program Update

 
Zoya Yarnykh has joined PWDF in the new role of Managing Attorney. She has previously worked for the agency as Staff Attorney and also serves on PWDF’s Board of Directors. Zoya’s practice has always focused on representing plaintiffs, including children with disabilities who were abused in their educational setting, and their families, in federal court for violations of Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 while an associate at Law Offices of Todd Boley.

PWDF is focusing on Social Security Administration (SSA) abuses related to severe mental illness and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We represent Social Security claimants when their disability benefits are denied, from the initial application through federal District court. We also counsel and advise recipients of benefits on post-entitlement/eligibility issues, such as work or medical reviews, redeterminations, and overpayments.

In 2005 we began placing particular emphasis on violations of due process, such as when an SSI recipient’s benefits are ceased without a pre-termination hearing. Other examples include SSA withholding 100% of an SSI beneficiary’s check, when only a maximum of 10% is permitted based on an alleged overpayment. PWDF is considering filing another complaint against SSA for these types of systemic violations.

PWDF continues to provide consultations to employees on employment discrimination and equal access to individuals with psychiatric and/or IDD. The agency also provides guidance to employers in accommodating these individuals in the workplace. Please visit our online store for a complete list of available training videos.

PWDF’s next two legal clinics for Social Security disability beneficiaries with post-entitlement / eligibility issues are on August 30, 2018 and September 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Consultations are by appointment only; for more information, call (415) 931-3070.

PWDF Profile

Who We Are

People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.

Services

Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant’s disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney’s fees.

Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF’s educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.

Continuing Education Provider: State Bar of California MCLE and Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

PWDF does not provide legal assistance by email or telephone.

 

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