Description

Join UpLift and Disability Right’s Iowa’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance team to learn about the complexities of navigating the disability benefits system. Expert Certified Benefits Counselors will walk attendees through real-life scenarios of Iowa families utilizing public benefits and securing employment. 

Learning Objectives

1. List at least three differences between a Title II disability benefit from Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
2. Describe the work incentives available for Title II and SSI disability beneficiaries interested in wage or self-employment.
3. Apply how employment can impact an individual’s disability benefits through Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid to two real-life scenarios of Iowa families.

Speakers

Tammy Crouch, BS, CWIC
Community Work Incentives Coordinator, Disability Rights Iowa

Tammy received a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Bellevue University. Previous experience includes working as a Disability Navigator, Employment Specialist, and Disability Resource Coordinator, emphasizing Benefits Planning for Beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. She received her CWIC certification from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014. Tammy has also been involved with many projects related to Ticket to Work, Iowa Medicaid Waivers, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. She is active in her community and serves on several committees addressing barriers to housing, transportation, education, and employment. 

Mistie Johnson, MBA
Project Director of Community Work Incentives, Disability Rights Iowa

Mistie graduated from Walden University with an MBA and followed her passion for serving people with disabilities both personally and professionally. Having several family members who live life to the fullest every day with disabilities, she works tirelessly to ensure that they have a voice through a strong connection with disability advocacy. Previously, Mistie worked to reduce employment barriers for transition-age youth and young adults with disabilities by collaborating with local employers as an Employment Training Specialist within the WIA Youth Program. Mistie also facilitated an Employment Network, supporting Ticket to Work Program participants, and is a former Disability Navigator under the Navigator Grant for Iowa.

Jenny Lynes, MA, CWIC
Community Work Incentives Coordinator, Disability Rights Iowa

Jenny’s passion for social justice is influenced by her parents, who were employed in higher education and social work fields. Before joining the DRI team in 2021, Jenny worked in several roles at colleges and universities, including accessibility/disability services, admissions, orientation, financial aid, and academic advising. Her most recent role was the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa, where she oversaw the day-to-day management of the department while supporting students connected with SAS. Throughout her time in that position, Jenny advocated for greater accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities across campus. Highlights of her time with SAS include organizing the 2018 Iowa Regents Disability Summit: Self, Expressions of Individuality, and the Groups to which People Belong, transitioning the department to a social justice-focused philosophy, and implementing an online case management system to support students, faculty, and staff better. As a CWIC, Jenny counsels beneficiaries receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability on the various work incentives and other supports available. Jenny enjoys breaking down complex and often confusing regulations for individuals to ensure they access and take full advantage of their rights.