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Amerigroup Gives Empower Tennessee $50,000 for Technology and Access Program

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Blue background with beige block in middle with text inside that reads, 'Technology and Access Program' Text below block that reads, 'Making Digital Equity a Reality for Persons with Disabilities' Text at bottom of image that reads, 'Made possible by a grant from Amerigroup'

Program will support digital equity for people with disabilities through increased access to technology

NASHVILLE (May 21, 2021) — Empower Tennessee is pleased to announce it has been awarded $50,000 from Amerigroup to enhance its Technology and Access Program. The Technology and Access Program provides solutions for Tennesseans with disabilities who may benefit from expanded access to technology services, equipment, training, and support.

Accessing the internet and navigating it successfully can be a distressing barrier to those who are already on limited incomes, need unique accessibility tools, or require additional training on how to use laptops or mobile devices. The donation from Amerigroup will help provide vital technology resources for people with disabilities and encourage independent living for those who need it.

“We are grateful to Amerigroup for its partnership to help us close the digital equity gap for our consumers. This funding will help us begin to close that divide, provide individual freedom, and empower people with disabilities to succeed in their long-term goals for independent living,” said Brandon Brown, Empower Tennessee Executive Director. “This collaboration is a vital first step in our work to connect Tennesseans with disabilities with the services they need, the people they love, and the everyday activities they deserve.”

The funding will also support providing person-centered technology solutions to empower independence. These may include affordable hotspots, adaptive devices, keyboards and mice, accessibility software, training, and maintenance support.

“Technology tools and resources improve mental, emotional, and social health, all of which contribute to improved community health,” said Chad Pendleton, plan president, Amerigroup Tennessee. “We are grateful to partner with Empower Tennessee to create and deliver innovative technology solutions for people with disabilities as they strive to maintain their independence.”

Those interested in Empower Tennessee’s Technology and Access Program can visit the agency’s website at empowertn.org to learn more and begin the process with an Independent Living Specialist.

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About Amerigroup Tennessee

Amerigroup Tennessee, Inc. helps improve healthcare access and quality for more than 460,000 Tennessee residents who participate in the state’s various Medicaid programs. Amerigroup serves Tennesseans by developing and delivering innovative care management programs and services. Amerigroup Tennessee members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. It provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. For more information about Amerigroup, please visit our website at www.myamerigroup.com/tn.

About Empower Tennessee

Empower Tennessee is a cross-disability, non-residential, consumer-controlled, non-profit Center for Independent Living serving Middle Tennessee. Its mission is to empower people with disabilities with opportunities for inclusion, choice, and independence. The agency provides five core services: information and referral, peer support, advocacy, skills training, and transition to community living. The ultimate impact of Empower Tennessee’s work is a community where people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.

Job Opening: Information & Referral

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Empower Tennessee is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Information and Referral Coordinator.

For consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter, professional resume, and online application form via the button link below by September 4, 2020.

TITLE: Information and Referral Coordinator

POSITION: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Associate Director

SUMMARY:

The Information and Referral Coordinator is the initial point of contact for consumers (people with disabilities) and other interested parties, particularly those who walk-in, call-in, or e-mail the agency, who are seeking or inquiring about services from Empower Tennessee. The Coordinator provides information regarding available agency programs as well as referrals to relevant community resources. The Coordinator also organizes the supplies and materials required by the agency and staff to perform operational and program duties, as well as other administrative tasks, as assigned. The Coordinator incorporates the Independent Living Philosophy (i.e. client-directed goal setting, dignity of risk, peer mentorship, etc.) in interaction with consumers and the community at-large. In all circumstances, the Coordinator represents and advocates for Empower Tennessee and its mission and fosters meaningful collaborations with consumers and like-minded community partners to achieve strategic goals. The Coordinator exhibits the values of empowerment, partnership, fairness, accountability, sustainability, and knowledge in completing job duties.  

DUTIES:

Specific:

  • Greet all visitors to the agency and provide information and referrals to meet the visitor’s request;
  • Answer agency main telephone line and provide information and referrals to meet the caller’s request;
  • Monitor agency main fax and email addresses and provide information and referral to meet the sender’s request;
  • Update and maintain referral database of community resources and contacts;
  • Coordinate and prioritize functions of agency operations (i.e. digital calendars, supplies, equipment, program materials);
  • Support and provide, as necessary, Independent Living core services to people with disabilities, including: information and referral, peer support, advocacy, skills training, and transition activities in the achievement of consumer goals;
  • Coordinate with program volunteers/interns, as needed, to effectively integrate program goals with an engaged and meaningful experience;
  • Document all activities and interactions according to established standards.

General:

  • Adhere to agency policy and procedures;
  • Participate in agency meetings and events;
  • Represent agency in inter-organizational or community meetings; 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education or experience equivalent to a four-year degree, required;
  • Understanding of and commitment to the Independent Living philosophy and disability rights movement, required;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to link clients with, community resources, required;
  • Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as customer service acumen, required;
  • Organized, disciplined, self-motivated, flexible, and cooperative work ethic, required;
  • Working knowledge of, and skill with, computer systems/applications, required;
  • Demonstrated ability to respect and empathize with people of diverse backgrounds/experiences, required;
  • Ability to obtain Level 5 Federal Suitability via an extensive background check, required;
  • Regular access to reliable transportation, required;
  • Willingness to work primarily in an office setting, required;
  • System knowledge of disability-specific resources, including, but not limited to: TennCare and related waivers, DIDD, Special Education, employment, housing, strongly preferred;
  • Personal experience with disability, strongly preferred;
  • Fluency in language(s) beyond English (including ASL), strongly preferred.

Posted qualifications serve as a guide for candidate review and are not fixed in stone. Empower Tennessee reserves the right to deviate from posted credentials in determining what combination of candidate education, experience and skills are best suited to a position.

Empower Tennessee is an equal provider of services and an equal opportunity employer—

Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Application for Employment

Click Here

30 Years of the ADA: A Call for Solidarity and Action

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By April D. Meredith, Independent Living Specialist, Empower Tennessee

On July 26, 2020 we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are truly grateful for the rights and protections the ADA affords people with disabilities. However, another aspect of the ADA that is sometimes overlooked is the responsibility it charges us with – to ensure the legislation is enforced, kept relevant, and improved when necessary – which sometimes requires action.

The ADA is powerful, and so is the population it protects. That said, people with disabilities are not superhuman. We are strong but we have limitations, just like any other group. Much of our wisdom and progress have come from a place of vulnerability. Our strength often comes from trauma that we endure, like the COVID-19 pandemic we are living through right now. That’s why it’s important that we reach out, offer, and accept appropriate support. We must uplift each other. We must also be sensitive to the struggles our peers in other marginalized groups are experiencing.

Many “-isms” such as racism, ageism, and sexism plague our country, and disability-related issues often overlap with all the other ones. This means the disability community is in the unique position to utilize the foundation the ADA provides us to expand on our human rights. It is vital that we pull together, acknowledging the intersection of disabilities and race, culture, socioeconomics, gender, and sexuality. Every marginalized group has experienced a long history of discrimination. However, when you are a person who is both disabled and a member of one or more marginalized populations, you are forced to face multiple barriers to equality. That is why we must combine our resources and our voices through collaboration.

This process begins with respecting each other’s perspectives. Even in areas where we may be able to relate, we should strive to avoid discounting the personal experiences of those in different communities from our own. Being open to having uncomfortable conversations and listening without defensiveness is challenging but essential. We can utilize any privileges we do have to help raise up others. We must be careful not to view the actions of historically-oppressed populations seeking systemic change as threats. When we empower those who are hurting the most, everyone benefits. This is in alignment with the heart and purpose of the ADA.

Despite the confidence shown in speeches, music, protests, social media posts, and other public outlets, these efforts are oftentimes coupled with fear, frustration, and cries for help. When you add the additional stress of a pandemic, emotions are heightened. But this is the perfect opportunity to transform our trauma into positive, lasting change. Let’s take advantage of this crucial state of unrest to show our solidarity for all people with disabling conditions – especially for our black, brown, Asian, economically-disadvantaged, female, and LGBTQ+ loved ones, colleagues, and neighbors who have multi-layered laws, attitudes, and systems working against them. We can work to create inclusive policies, programs, artistic endeavors, communities, and support networks. We can show up and speak out. As a unified voice of disabled advocates highlighting the beauty, challenges, and successes of our diverse situations, we will be able to make a more equitable, welcoming, and accessible society. Through our collective actions, we can raise up the Americans with Disabilities Act, and how it is applied, to the standards we expect and deserve.

Job Opening: Technology & Access

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Empower Tennessee is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Technology and Access Coordinator. For consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter, professional resume, and application by May 8, 2020.

TITLE: Technology & Access Coordinator
POSITION: Regular, Full-Time, Salary, Non-Exempt
SUPERVISOR: Associate Director

SUMMARY:
The Technology and Access Coordinator (TAC) works collaboratively with the Independent Living Specialists to increase consumers’ access and independence through technology. The Coordinator also develops technology program standards, works with leadership to develop program funding and budgets, and organizes the supplies and materials required by the agency and staff to perform operational and program duties. The Coordinator incorporates the Independent Living Philosophy (i.e. client-directed goal setting, dignity of risk, peer mentorship, etc.) in interaction with consumers and the community at-large. In all circumstances, the Coordinator represents and advocates for Empower Tennessee and its mission and fosters meaningful collaborations with consumers and like-minded community partners to achieve strategic goals. The Coordinator exhibits the values of empowerment, partnership, fairness, accountability, sustainability, and knowledge in completing job duties.

DUTIES:
Specific:

  1. Develop and maintain a consumer goal-based technology lending program;
  2. Oversee the conversion of materials to alternative formats (i.e. Braille, Large Print, Captioning);
  3. Lead programs and/or initiatives related to consumer and/or community access and technology needs, including, but not limited to: Access Music City, Controls4Control, Empowered Home, and Empowered Business Solutions, as assigned;
  4. Develop/Maintain/Strengthen relevant relationships with community partners to advance program objectives;
  5. Provide information and assistance in identifying and accessing supports needed to increase or maintain community independence in areas such as; housing, transportation, assistive technology, durable medical equipment, and other supports needed by people with disabilities;
  6. Be an advocate with and for consumers regarding specific individual issues as well as systemically bringing awareness and positive change to the community at-large;
  7. Support, and provide as necessary, Independent Living core services to people with disabilities, including: information and referral, peer support, advocacy, skills training, and transition activities in the achievement of consumer goals;
  8. Coordinate with program volunteers/interns, as needed, to effectively integrate program goals with an engaged and meaningful experience;
  9. Demonstrate flexibility and initiative as agency priorities may change;
  10. Document all activities and interactions according to established standards.

General:

  1. Adhere to agency policy and procedures;
  2. Participate in agency meetings and events;
  3. Represent agency in inter-organizational or community meetings;
  4. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Education or experience equivalent to a four-year degree, required;
  2. Understanding of and commitment to the Independent Living philosophy and disability rights movement, required;
  3. Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to link clients with, community resources, required;
  4. Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as customer service acumen, required;
  5. Organized, disciplined, self-motivated, flexible, and cooperative work ethic, required;
  6. Working knowledge of, and skill with, computer systems/applications, required;
  7. Demonstrated ability to respect and empathize with people of diverse backgrounds/experiences, required;
  8. Ability to obtain Level 5 Federal Suitability via an extensive background check, required;
  9. Regular access to reliable transportation, required;
  10. Demonstrated knowledge of assistive technologies, required;
  11. System knowledge of disability-specific resources, including, but not limited to: TennCare and related waivers, DIDD, Special Education, strongly preferred;
  12. Personal experience with disability, strongly preferred;
  13. Fluency in language(s) beyond English (including ASL), strongly preferred.

Posted qualifications serve as a guide for candidate review and are not fixed in stone. Empower Tennessee reserves the right to deviate from posted credentials in determining what combination of candidate education, experience, and skills are best suited to a position.

Empower Tennessee is an equal provider of services and an equal opportunity employer—Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Download Application Here

Send all completed application packages to careers@empowertn.org

Click the image above for
the PDF version of the application.

Click the image above for
the Word version of the application.

SSA Covid-19 Guidance

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Press Release

Friday, April 10, 2020
For Immediate Release

Mark Hinkle, Acting Press Officer
press.office@ssa.gov News Release SOCIAL SECURITY

New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Beneficiaries from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul

“The Treasury Department launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for eligible individuals who do not normally file a tax return, and also announced that it would begin making automatic payments. However, for some people receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration–specifically those who have dependent children under the age of 17–it is to their advantage to go to this portal to ensure they also get the $500 per dependent Economic Impact Payment. I encourage them to do this as soon as possible, and want to provide the following details:

People who receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits and who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who have qualifying children under age 17 should now go to the IRS’s webpage at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments to enter their information instead of waiting for their automatic $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. By taking proactive steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they will also receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. If Social Security beneficiaries in this group do not provide their information to the IRS soon, they will have to wait to receive their $500 per qualifying child.

The same new guidance also applies to SSI recipients, especially those who have qualifying children under age 17. To receive the full amount of the Economic Impact Payments you and your family are eligible for, go to the IRS’s Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info page at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments and provide information about yourself and your qualifying children.

Additionally, any new beneficiaries since January 1, 2020, of either Social Security or SSI benefits, who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, will also need to go to the IRS’s Non-Filers website to enter their information.

Lastly, for Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability beneficiaries who do not have qualifying children under age 17, you do not need to take any action with the IRS. You will automatically receive your $1,200 economic impact payment directly from the IRS as long as you received an SSA-1099 for 2019.

For SSI recipients who do not have qualifying children under age 17, we continue to work closely with Treasury in our efforts to make these payments automatically. Please note that we will not consider Economic Impact Payments as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months.

The eligibility requirements and other information about the Economic Impact Payments can be found here: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center. In addition, please continue to visit the IRS at www.irs.gov/coronavirus for the latest information.

We will continue to update Social Security’s COVID-19 web page at www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/ as further details become available.”

To get more Social Security news, follow the Press Office on Twitter @SSAPress.

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Raymond A Cebula, III, J.D.
President – NABWIS
Program Director
Senior Extension Associate

A Message about Covid-19 from our Executive Director

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To our consumers, partners, friends, and supporters: 

Just over a month ago, a devastating tornado ripped through our community and changed the lives and livelihoods of many of our neighbors. We, at Empower Tennessee, were no different. While no one from our staff was injured or experienced significant damage related to the storm, our office building, in the Five Points area of East Nashville, did. As an agency, thankfully, we didn’t lose any of our equipment or files; but since that day, we’ve been operating remotely with our staff reaching out to consumers to ascertain needs and linking others in the community to recovery resources. I commend our staff in their compassionate and nimble response. I also thank the many, many friends and partners who have offered help. Changes like this can be challenging for so any — especially people with disabilities. We’re here with and for you. 

As March progressed, we all began to experience the growing threat of COVID-19. Each day brought news that was often surreal for us all as we experienced runs on supplies, social distancing, economic hardship, and, for some, illness. Because we were already working remotely following the tornado, we were fortunate enough not to have to shift as abruptly as so many other businesses. We’ve also taken advantage of Zoom and other technologies to keep in touch with each other and our community. Again, our staff have been outstanding in this circumstance and have been innovative in their work to empower people with disabilities during these days and every day. We know this pandemic is serious for us all; but especially for those within the disability community. We’re here with and for you. 

So, while our work is considered essential, we continue to work remotely. We remain available to our consumers and partners, as needed. Here are ways you can keep in touch: 

  • email us at info@empowertn.org; 
  • call us at 615-292-5803 or 615-200-2068;
  • mail us at P.O. Box 292555; Nashville, TN 37229; 
  • send a message through the Contact button on our website. 

Please be patient as we respond to calls and messages; but be assured that we will be in contact with you. 

Also, please see the links below for more information about tornado recovery resources, as well as information about COVID-19 and ways to keep yourself and your family safe and secure during this time of change. 

As always, please let us know how we can empower you. 

Be safe, Be well. Be empowered. 

Brandon Brown
Executive Director 

Blog

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Empower Tennessee Consumers Shine in the Wake of Adversity
Author: April Meredith

On March 3, 2020, Tennessee was hit with a series of devastating tornadoes. Many in the state found themselves suddenly facing structural damage and psychological effects – the Empower Tennessee office building and staff notwithstanding. Despite the direct impact, Empower Tennessee employees quickly regrouped to coordinate outreach efforts. As we checked on the people we serve, we soon began hearing stories of hope, strength, and love even when the individual’s own life had been disrupted. Because March is both Women’s History Month as well as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we would like to highlight commendable actions of some of the kind-hearted women with whom we spoke. Each of these women have selflessly given to others with and without disabilities during our community’s recent time of adversity.

• Albrice recognized the fear and panic her fellow apartment complex residents were experiencing. She clicked into her role as a motherly figure, providing spiritual guidance and a calming voice for everyone around her. While meeting the needs of her daughter and grandchildren, she has treated her neighbors as family and has offered a helping hand whenever they call. Albrice has been a source of stability during these chaotic events
• Carol responded swiftly with care and compassion after the tornadoes struck. As the President of the Mid TN Council of the Blind (MTCB), she worked tirelessly for days to reach out to every MTCB member, checking on their safety and listening to their concerns. She was especially sensitive to the assistive technology and other needs particular to those who are blind or have low vision. Carol has made sure no one she knows feels alone as a result of the tornadoes, nor due to the Novel Coronavirus safer-at-home mandates that followed.
• Clarisse refused to let the tornadoes intimidate her from exercising her right to vote. She utilized paratransit to travel to her polling site on the morning of March 3 and confidently cast her ballot in the presidential primary election. She volunteered that whole day, assisting voters with and without disabilities, to make their experience as stress-free as possible. Clarisse has continued to be a sounding board to friends and loved ones who have needed to talk and process all that happened on the third and since.
• Beverly utilized her faith community connections to provide some comfort and relief to those without power immediately following the tornadoes. She and her husband Alex opened up their church’s doors, and offered all a warm, dry place to charge their phones and communicate with loved ones, or find much-needed resources. Beverly has remained dedicated to her ministry throughout the tornado recovery process and into the pandemic.
• Lacey Looked beyond her personal loss and sought ways she could give to others impacted by the storms. She decided to buy specific recovery items listed on the Amazon.com wish lists of a local community center and school, both of which serve children and youth but were severely damaged on March 3. Lacey has provided safe accommodation for her own students, as she responsibly switched her college course to be online.

While Tennesseans are still recovering from the early March storms, the entire world, including our local disability community, is now tasked with the unprecedented challenge of dealing with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although these specific circumstances are new to us, coping with social isolation, managing limited access to few resources, and working diligently to remain healthy are areas where people with disabilities have become experts. These women will undoubtedly rise to the occasion and guide our peers with and without disabilities to safely navigate the uncertain times in which we’re living. We encourage people with disabilities everywhere to shine during these dark times – leading by example and sharing our wisdom with others. We are in this together! We are Tennessee Strong!