Michigan: Whitmer announces additional assistance to lower the cost of food

Most people with disabilities who qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income through the US Social Security Administration) also qualify for food assistance benefits. In a recent press release, Governor Whitmer announced additional help with food costs:

Whitmer Announces Michiganders to Receive Additional Assistance to Lower the Cost of Groceries
April 19, 2022                      
 
"LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer today announced all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will continue to receive at least an additional $95 monthly payment in April to help lower the cost of groceries and ensure Michiganders can keep more of their hard-earned money. The additional assistance will help approximately 1.31 million Michiganders in more than 700,000 households.

"'Michiganders will receive additional assistance to put food on the table in April as we continue growing our economy,' said Governor Whitmer. 'This relief ensures that families can thrive and help us build on our economic momentum. We will continue collaborating with our federal partners to get things done by lowering out-of-pocket food costs and put money in people's pockets with our proposals to roll back the retirement tax, triple the Earned Income Tax Credit, and lower the cost of gas.'
 
"In April 2020, some Michigan residents began receiving additional food assistance under this program. In May 2021, all eligible households began getting extra monthly benefits. Federal approval is necessary every month.
 
"Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card from April 16 - 25. These benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.
 
"All households eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount. Households that received over $95 to bring them to the maximum payment for their group size will continue to receive that larger amount."...

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For additional information on accessing benefits and future plans to help people on fixed incomes with rising costs, see the press release...

Severe Autism Awareness: An Interview with Isaac

April is Autism Awareness Month. 

Severe autism takes many forms, but lets be honest, it makes many people uncomfortable. It is not well understood by the general public. Even families that have been living with severe autism for decades and can tell you exactly how it affects their family member, are almost as clueless as everyone else as to its cause and how to treat it effectively. Sometimes there is a reluctance to speak about it because it contradicts the rosy picture that is painted by advocates for people with autism who are not intellectually disabled and have average or above average abilities. It is as if using the autism label for people who are not performing at this level will reflect badly on people who are. 

In this video, Irene Tanzman introduces her son. She projects their affection for each other, but without needing to wear rose-colored glasses to see severe autism clearly.

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An Interview with Isaac, Diagnosed with Severe Autism

Apr 1, 2022

Irene Tanzman

This is my interview with my son, Isaac, an adult diagnosed with severe autism. I filmed this video in April 2022, Autism Awareness Month. Most often, the autism you hear about is not the type of autism that my son and many others have. It seems to me that Autism Awareness for this type of autism seems at its lowest point since my son was diagnosed. The kind of autism that the public is aware of is not the autism that Isaac has. Individuals like Isaac need quality disability specific programming and instruction to lead productive and fulfilling lives. They need therapies such as behavioral, speech, and occupational therapies. This type of help is nearly impossible to obtain. While Isaac is quite loveable and endearing, the idea that he will work in competitive employment is not realistic. He needs the type of services that the National Council on Severe Autism advocates for. Please be aware that this type of autism exists, and that people like this need help and services. Thank you for watching my video.

Visit my website at: https://irenetanzman.com/ . 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/itanzman . 

Visit the National Council on Severe Autism: https://www.ncsautism.org/