Register your child for a free gift from Santa (12 and under) Click here.

To set up a booth Click here. Email the form to admin@deafvermont.com

Important information from the SSA office in Baltimore, Maryland:
Social Security Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increase for 2018 is 2%
This applies to all Social Security (SSI, SSDI, retirement, blind) beneficiaries.

How much is your new COLA increase? Multiply by .02 to your current amount to estimate your 2018 amount.
Example for SSDI:
Billybob earned SSDI of $1,173 in 2017. In 2018, he will earn new COL increase of $1,197.
$1,173 X .02 = $23 increase. Be sure you use correct .02, NOT .20, smile….

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) thresholds:
2018 New: $1,180 per month 2017 current: $1,170 per month

Trial Work Period (TWP) thresholds:
2018 new: $840 per month 2017 current: $850 per month

Social Security Administration Deaf or Hard of Hearing support information:
https://www.ssa.gov/people/deaf/ Some videos in ASL.

Feel free to contact me: email: bill.hudson@vermont.gov or my Video Phone:
802-881-0125. Be aware I can only guide you to help find your answers and you might need to contact SSA. Their website: www.ssa.gov

VIRS is hosting another raffle to benefit the Yolande Henry Community Fund and there are some Great Prizes!

* Grand Prize is this Handmade Cow Quilt made by Elaine Morse. Other prizes include:
* A $200 gift card to Stoweflake Resort
* handmade batik handbags
* placemats and napkins
* a Dunkin’ Donuts Basket
* a Badger Balm Bucket
* a Smuggler’s Notch Bash Badge and more!
Check it out and buy your tickets here: https://rafflecreator.com/pages/16735/yolande-henry-community-fund-summer-2017-raffle
Drawing will be held Friday, September 29 at the Communications Expo at UVM (you do not need to be there to win).
Thank you for supporting this important fund for Vermonters!

Thank you for supporting this important fund for Vermonters!

And here is a brief description of the fund if you want to add that:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that private businesses provide and pay for interpreting services when serving Deaf consumers. For family gatherings at private residences or halls, there is no one legally responsible to pay for those services. The YHCF pays for interpreting services for funerals, weddings and family social events that without an interpreter the Deaf family member would be unable to participate fully.

Thank you so much.

Bridget
Program Coordinator
VIRS
28 Vernon Street, Suite 412
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 254-3920
(802) 275-0104 VP

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