Falling victim to a brain injury can literally change a person's entire life in an instant. Brain damage -- which is often permanent -- can limit a person's cognitive, speech, memory and motor skills, which can make common tasks a major challenge. One Pennsylvania woman is currently dealing with this reality, and her brain injury is over a decade old.
As a 14 year old, the Pennsylvania resident was injured during a soccer game when she hit her head on the ground. Years later, as a 27-year-old woman, she still struggles with the physical impairments caused by her injury. Even though she has transitioned into an independent living situation, she still is having trouble maintaining a job.
Without regular income, living from day to day can be very difficult. Social Security disability benefits are available to people who have paid some money into the Social Security fund, but are rendered unable to work by a medical condition. Furthermore, SSD doesn't have to be a permanent solution; rather, it can be disbursed over an extended period of time until a person is able to meet the requirements of an occupation.
For the Pennsylvania woman in this case, her employment situation isn't the result of a lack of desire to work or motivation. In fact, the woman was hoping that a volunteer position at a hospital would turn into a part-time job, but it didn't work out.
Knowing the Pennsylvania woman's situation, the hope is that she will find a source of income, while still being able to maintain her sense of independence. SSD might be a valuable resource in situations like this. Others who are living with similar may find the same kind of relief from disability benefits.
Source: Associated Press, "Pa. woman with brain injury wants to prove herself," Jeff Hawkes, May 17, 2013
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