Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program
(WIPA)
Many of our students who receive Social Security disability benefits
want to work, but often face barriers to doing so. In an effort to
overcome these barriers, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has
introduced a series of work incentives and other supports to promote
employment among disability beneficiaries. However, because the use of
these supports is low, (less than five percent of beneficiaries use the
work incentives), the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
program, an SSA-sponsored program, promotes employment by
providing beneficiaries with information about SSA work supports.
WIPA helps students determine whether they are eligible for Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income
(SSI). Eligibility requires a person be deemed unable to engage in
substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a significant and long-lasting
health condition. Because of this requirement, many benefit-receiving
students who may be willing and able to work are often afraid of losing
their benefits if they earn “too much.” WIPA educates beneficiaries
about work incentives and the effect of increased earnings. A key feature
of the WIPA program is its emphasis on ongoing interactions with
beneficiaries as they reenter the workforce.
ACCES-VR
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational
Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) offers access to a full range of employment
and independent living services that may benefit persons with
disabilities throughout their lives. Through its administration of
vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs, VR
coordinates policy and services relating to:
Transition and youth services for high school students and
youth up to age 25 with disabilities from school and post
school to adult services;
Vocational rehabilitation services for working age
individuals with disabilities;
Independent living services for people with disabilities of all
ages; and
Business services for hiring a qualified diverse workforce
The seeds of adult success are sown during youth. The system
established by the Board of Regents to administer education and
vocational services for people with disabilities fosters this and has
evolved into a national model, designed to focus on our students and
produce results.
CUNY LEADS
CUNY LEADS is a unique program designed to prepare CUNY students
with disabilities to make realistic academic and career choices and
develop the skills that will result in successful career outcomes. The
program was established to facilitate the successful academic and career
outcomes for students with disabilities who are enrolled in CUNY
programs, providing services for eligible students including:
Academic advisement
Career counseling
Resume preparation
Interview preparation
Internship preparation
Job seeking assistance
Job placement assistance
Advocacy skills
This exciting program is free of charge for all eligible candidates and
available on all CUNY campuses. Each campus has a LEADS advisor
assigned to it that will partner with various agencies and businesses to
provide the necessary assistance to students.
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