A Social Security Lifeline: Kira's Story

-visit www.arcnc.org/social-security-resources for more info-
While widely considered a retirement program by most people, countless individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and others rely on the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Social Security programs as a financial lifeline for independent and semi-independent living, including over 870,000 disabled adult children (DAC) receiving benefits through their parent's work credits.

OASDI programs insure against poverty and are essential for people with disabilities, but this lifeline is at risk. While Social Security is solvent until 2037 , concern over projected shortfalls and a growing discussion of our nation's debt has made this successful, previously "untouchable" program vulnerable to potential benefit cuts. While future proposals aren't clear, one thing is: if communities most impacted by a weakened Social Security don't use their voices to engage in the national dialogue of adequacy and solvency, their benefits may be at risk.

The Arc of North Carolina, with funding from the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) and the support of 12 state partnering organizations, is creating accessible materials to education and empower individuals with IDD and their families.
• Meet Kira, a bold self-advocate speaking out on this issue, and forward the YouTube video to your friends.
• Read up on fact sheets specific to our community.
• Stay tuned to The Arc of North Carolina for ways to interact with your lawmakers and use your most powerful tool for change: your own voice.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• disability
• ssdi
• social security insurance
• social security
• cerebral palsy
• developmental disability
• intellectual disability
• OASDI
• Disabled Adult Children
• DAC
• The Arc
• The Arc of North Carolina
• NASI
• Kira

[XeresKyle]

Hey everyone, I have a very important question. I'm planning on procuring my own place to live, to be self-sufficient and ultimately become independent. I'm moving out of my grandparents house and need to know if anyone has an experience they can share on if I can get a raise to my SSI benefits since I'll be moving out on my own?

[CataclysmicKitten]

This nearly made me cry. I am a woman of 25 on SSD due to mental disorders, and I am struggling to have a semblance of a life, like Kira. I am moved by her drive to continue working, for I am not yet mentally able to be stable enough to hold a long-term job. So many people judge, and also--so many people are turned down for SSD that truly need it. Budget cuts loom, and scare me to death. Thank you for posting this video, SSD needs all the support it can get. And also, God Bless Kira.

[TheLthree]

god bless you :)

[roli252520]

I am disabled also i know what you are going through. stay strong, and pray peace and love

[torocny]

I love U Kira

P-nut

[torocny]

I love U Kira

[WandaLMHunter]

Kira is remarkable and inspirational. Thanks to ARC for putting a human face on the current threat to SSDI and the Social Security safety net.