Government Relations with Amir Ameli
I am excited to introduce myself as your Business/ Government Relations Manager here at Envisioning Access. My name is Amir Ameli, and I joined the team in 2023 with a dual role focusing on development and government relations. Since coming on board, I’ve been diligently working to expand our network of non-profit partnerships while also establishing connections with elected officials.
Our goal is simple yet crucial: to ensure that our organization’s efforts are recognized and supported by those in positions to make a difference.
As your Government Relations Manager, I am committed to ensuring that our organization’s mission is not only recognized but actively supported by legislative bodies at both the state and federal levels. With your help, we can advocate for meaningful change that directly impacts our community.
Our focus is clear: we aim to champion legislation that promotes meaningful employment opportunities, facilitates access to technology for higher education, and addresses the issue of social isolation among our community members. These are not just goals; they are essential pillars in our collective journey toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
I will keep you informed here and through our newsletters about the progress of our advocacy efforts and any legislative developments that affect our community. Your support and engagement are invaluable as we navigate this landscape of change together. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Envisioning Access continues to positively impact lives within our community and beyond.
A Look at the M-Enabling Summit: Insights on Accessibility Innovation
This month, I’m stepping away from the usual updates to share my experience at the M-Enabling Summit in Washington, DC., an annual event that focuses on promoting accessible technologies and services.
Policy Review of the New SSI Rule: “Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations”
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented a rule that will eliminate food from the In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations when determining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility and payment amounts. Effective September 30, 2024, this change is designed to make the SSI process less burdensome for beneficiaries and the SSA itself.
Recent policy updates from the HUD and the VA
The recent policy updates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) mark a significant step forward in helping veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness, find stable housing. These changes are designed to address the specific challenges veterans face when trying to access supportive housing and aim to make the system more inclusive and effective.
Overcoming Challenges & Unlocking Opportunities for Work & SSDI Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two main programs that provide financial support to individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs define disability as an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically verifiable physical or mental impairment. If someone’s earnings exceed the SGA limit, their benefits are typically reduced or stopped.
The “marriage penalty” within the SSI Program
The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides crucial monthly cash assistance to disabled and elderly people with limited income and resources. However, many recipients face a significant drawback: the program penalizes marriage by reducing or eliminating benefits if a couple’s combined assets exceed $3,000.
Government Relations April 2024
I read this heartening piece recently and felt compelled to share it with you. While the journey toward inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in our digital world has faced its challenges, here at Envisioning Access, we’re fervently championing innovative solutions to ensure no one gets left behind in today’s digital era.