vesid building in elmira

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DID SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE GO TO FAR

The governor paterson skit was criticized by governor paterson and advocates for the blind.Paterson told reporters he can take a joke but he called the snl skit a third grade depiction of people and the way they look that could lead others to believe that disability goes hand in hand with an inability to run a goverment or business.I run the place i work in so i dont have to worry about being discriminated against paterson noted.The national federation for the blind considers the snl skit a attack on all blind americans.they also say he looks like hes disoriented and befuddled because of his blindness.I dont agree snl makes fun of everyone people with mental illness,retarded people deaf people hes portrayed befuddled because of past behavior by him

CAPABILITIES

1149 SULLIVAN STREET

ELMIRA,NEW YORK 14901

SESJOBS@STNY.RR.COM

OVERCOMING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Stigma begins by labeling someone.Stigma by definition is a mark of disgrace and shame.Stigma has 4 components:

-Labeling someone with a condition

-stereotyping people with that condition

-Creating a superior us group and a devalued them group resulting in loss of status in the community

-Discriminating against someone on the basis of their labor

A diagnosis is a label a label can offer reassurance that your condition has a medical cause and can steer you towards treatment labels arent all negative and dont all result in a stigma many illnesses today are gaining acceptance and empathy,like breast cancer today people talk about it and hold benefits for survivors advocates wear wrist bands and ribbons.People with breast cancer would never be ridiculed by people with mental illness still face ridicule.

Why does stigma of mental illness continue?
mental illness suggests its not a medical or physical illnessTo some mental refers to a problem caused by your own choices and actions.People may blame you and think its all in your head.People may think people with mental illness are weak or lazy they should just get over it.

In reality mental illness has very complex causes a mix of genetics,biology and life experiences,most of them are beyond your control.

Some mental health conditions have more stigma attached then others like schizophrenia has more stigma compared to depression.

Harmful effects of stigma

-pretending nothing is wrong

-refusing treatment

-rejection by family and friends

-difficulty finding housing or a job

Coping with stigma

-get treatment

-surround yourself with supportive people

-dont equate yourself with your illness

-share your own experience

-monitor the media

join a advocacy group

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (G.A.D.)

Is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive uncontrollable and often irrational worry,about everyday things which is disproportionate to the source of worry.The excess worry interferes with daily living like thinking the worst is gonna happen in health matters,money or familymatters.People with G.A.D.exhibit a variety of physical symptons like:fatigue,headache,nausea,muscle tension,difficult swallowing,trembling,insomnia,sweating,hot flashes.These symptons must be persistant for at least 6 months for a diagnosis.About 6.8 million american adults experience G.A.D.It affects twice as much women as men.About 2.8% of the adult population 18-54.

Some research shows G.A.D. may run in families and usually start at earlier age.Symptons may manifest slower than other anxiety disorders.

treatment may include antianxiety meds or/and antidepressants.

Behavioral therapy relaxation techniques

cognitive therapy teaches patients to react differently to the situations and bodily sensations that trigger anxiety symptoms.
more information on G.A.D. at the website http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/gad/index.shtml

HOW TO EXPLAIN EMPLOYMENT GAPS

Whats the best way to explain an employment gap?It depends on the situation and what you did when you werent employed.
When listing dates on your resume you dont need to list the month/year if you were in the position for over a year or if your position spans multiple years.For example you could say 2000-2004(rather than june 2000-july2004)this gives you some room to cover the gaps.
Start your resume with a summary statement and career highlights section so you are highlighting your skills and accomplishments rather when you did what.
Did you volunteer or freelance when you werent employed.These experiences count as work and can be used on your resume.List them as you would other jobs.
Whats most important is to tell the truth.If you lie it will probably come back to haunt you.Employers verify work historyHonesty is the best policy good luck!!!

FILLING OUT A JOB APPLICATION

Filling out an application is very important make sure your application is:

1)neat

2)legible

3)has your job descriptions

4)complete

5)shows contiuity in work history they will ask about gaps

Try not to use red flag words like: fired,quit,personal conflict,dissatisfied,arrested,fight with supervisior,didnt like the work,personal problems,no transportation

Use words like:mutual agreement,relocation,resigned,temp employment,seeking advancement,needed career change/growth
good luck

your rights as an employee with a disability

The americans with disabilities act requires employers to treat workers with disabilities equal in every part of employment.People with disabilities cannot be discriminated against because of their disability.

2)Employers cannot ask any question on the application that would give them information about your disability.example they couldnt ask would you need accommodations to do this job.

3)You can tell them if you want about your disability but they cant ask

4)Once you are offered the job you can ask about special accommodations you need on your job.Your employer can ask you for a letter from your dr confirming you need accommodations.

5)You have the right to all benefits the other employees receive.You cannot be denied health insurance

for more information call the disability resource group at 770-451-2340 or visit the website at http://www.gaada.info/

When you tell others about your disability you should anticipate misunderstanding and not be thrown off by them.Have information ready to correct the misconception.Try not to get defensive but be sympathetic about others point of view.
For more information on the americans with disabilities act of 1990 write to the
equal employment opportunity commission
1801 L street
nw,washington dc 20507
phone 202-663-4900

supported employment services

Supported employment service is one part of capabilities inc.Capabilities inc is a non profit corporation that assists people with employment barriers to obtain their optimal vocational goals.Supported employment services is located at 1149 sullivan st in elmira ny.Vesid (vocational and educational services for individuals with disabilities)or cbvh(commision for the blind or visually handicap)has to refer people to supported employment services.Supported employment services is funded by state and county grants this means there is no cost to the consumer.The services are broken down into two phases:intensive and extended
Intensive services supplies a employment specialist.The goal is to find employment built around your needs and interests.creating resumes,assisting in completing applications,preparing for interviews,and developing basic job skills.Individuals can be in the intensive phase for up to 18 months then vesid will review the case and extend services as appropriate.Once you develop stability on the job the extended phase starts
Extended services assists you with maintaining employment and advancing in your career.

starting over with vesid

When you are part of supported employment (capabilities) and you are fired or quit a job you and your job coach have 12 weeks to find another job or they close your case.When your case is closed you start the whole process over again.You have to go to vesid and fill out paper work and get an intake interview.Vesid has 90 days to decide to open your case or not.If you are open then you have another intake appointment and decide if you want to work or get training or school.If you choose work you go to capabilities and do another intake with a lot of paper work and develop your work plan jobs youd like and not like and your working goals.Then you go to meet your employment specialist and go over your work plan and goals and you get started on finding a job. I was fired feb 8 and had my first appointment with my job coach aug 10 the process takes about 6 months but it is worth it. http://www.vesid.nysed.gov this is a link to vesid