POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: just_joe on January 14, 2008, 02:00:19 pm
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I thought I'd try this and someone might have some information that might help me. I've been positive for 29 years and diagnosed with AIDS for 17. I'm on disability and have recently, because of the development of some new drug therapies, realize that I may be around for years to come. I have an Associate Degree in Nursing and I was thinking about going back to college to get my Bachelors and then on to get my Maters Degree in Nursing. Does anyone know of any financial assistance that is available for people that draw SSD so they can return to school and eventually get off disability?
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Hi Joe:
I am on disabilitiy also. Have been since 1994. I returned to school in the last couple years. Look in the yellow pages, maybe the government pages, for vocational rehabilitation. They pay for school for people who have disabilities, of which HIV is considered one. I'm not sure what state you're in, but the voc. rehab office here won't pay for a master's, only a bachelor's. It's worth a shot though. Good luck!
Peace-
Betty
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Yes it is called the Pass plan (Plan to achieve Self support. Your local disablity office could help you. but you might get better help with The department of rehabilitaiton. It is their job to assess your needs and abilities. with their help you will have a better chance at getting the pass plan to help you. In all likely hood you might try for just the Bacholars degree first and them you could work a shortened shift and go back to school for the masters degree.
I must also advise you that I did this whole thing and it was not easy but it was dooable. But then when my medications got changed because of toxcisity I found my self unable to work after all. It was emotionally devestating. So be aware that your health is changable and that the im portnat part is that you are able to reach your goals one at a time. In ohter words do it for yourself not for society or friends or for any other reason but because it is what you want to do.
I hope you keep me up to date on how you are doing
DAF
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Thanks guys I did go to my Orientation with Vocational Rehab and have an intake appointment next month. I'll see how it goes but I'm in the State of California so I think it will fair well. Thanks for the replies and help.
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since you are in California go to this link and this site can help you.
Disability 101 Working With A Disability in California
http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org/index.htm
Do You have a ticket to work? more info about that here:
http://www.yourtickettowork.com/
Good luck,
Dan