E-Newsletter
Vol. 44 – Summer/Fall 2021: SSI Client Wins for Being Acutely Psychotic; then the Social Security Administration (SSA) Falsely Claims He Has a Million Dollars of Real Estate and Refuses to Process any SSI Check; Psychiatrically Disabled and Transgender Woman, Discriminated Against by S.F. Housing Contractor, Remains Homeless for Three Years Without Restitution
Counsel’s Corner:Psychiatrically Disabled and Transgender Woman, Discriminated against by S.F. Housing Contractor, Remains Homeless for Three Years Without Restitution
Advocacy Update: 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. Presently we have one case in federal court for SSDI benefits, MF v. SSA Commissioner, and several at the ALJ level including one discrimination case based on psychosis and one case with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) where discrimination was found after our client has been homeless for three years. DFEH gave no remedy.
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 HR training videos. Our next three hour seminar is Older Adults with Psychiatric and/or Developmental Disabilities; TBA. We are seeking a Temp to Hire Education Program Manager.