Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Welcome to align to lead. I'm Dr. Megan Parks, and today we're talking about real solutions for women's health, healing and balance.
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Welcome to align to lead. I'm Dr. Megan Parks. Here we're going to explore how people align their health, their capacity and their choices with the life they want to lead. But what happens when illness or disability changes someone's ability to work. And the systems that are meant to provide support feel impossible and impossible to navigate. Today we're talking about advocacy, resilience, and what it means to lead your life when the path forward is uncertain.
My guest is Dr. Carletta of Dominion Disability Advocates, an organization that helps people navigate the Social Security disability benefits process.
DBA says its team includes people who have worked within the program, bringing firsthand knowledge of procedures, forms, and administrative hearings. Dr. Carleto, welcome to align the lead.
Thank you.
[00:01:05] Speaker B: Thank you for having me. Dr. Megan.
[00:01:07] Speaker A: Absolutely. We love this. And disability claims are super confusing. And so it's exciting that there's an organization that's here to walk alongside them to help navigate all the disinformation or what to do next.
[00:01:23] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:01:24] Speaker A: I always say I find disability claims, well, they're going to be more than just a form because behind it, it's going to be the person managing their major health pain. It might even be affecting their family or financial issues and even identity that they once revolved around work and independence. And I believe the first leadership challenge is often knowing when to seek support.
So with that said, Dr. Carletta, beyond the paperwork, what do you wish people understood about the human experience behind Social Security disability benefits claim?
[00:01:59] Speaker B: It is a process for the human being that has to file. It's a process that they will have to employ a lot of patients. Yes, it is a disability claim, but it's a human story, like you mentioned. So understanding, getting their story out through the process is the most important thing now.
[00:02:17] Speaker A: Absolutely. Love that. Because sometimes we just look at forms and all the to dos and the legal system and it just. We miss the person behind it. We miss the score.
[00:02:26] Speaker B: Absolutely. Absolutely.
[00:02:29] Speaker A: When someone's health changes and it changes their ability to work, how can that shift affect their identity, even their confidence and the way they see the future?
[00:02:40] Speaker B: It can quite have a quite profound effect. So many people become depressed in their process. They're used to providing for themselves, being the dependable one, not having to depend on others or even a process to support them. So having that gumption to just stay encouraged in that process is critical.
[00:02:59] Speaker A: Absolutely. How does your organization Come alongside them and help them with this process.
[00:03:05] Speaker B: Well, one of our taglines or our missions is to be agents of hope in the process. That bureaucratic process can be so daunting, it can actually overwhelm someone, even the most informed person. But our role is to walk alongside of them and be a partner in their process and instill hope.
[00:03:23] Speaker A: Yes. No, I absolutely love that.
What do you feel makes it difficult for those capable, independent people to even begin to admit that they need support?
[00:03:34] Speaker B: I think again, so many people are used to being self dependent. It's the way our society is set up. And so just being able to say I need help, maybe putting aside the pride and understanding that this program is in place for those times in our life where we simply cannot handle self sustainment. So understanding that it's just a part of the life process.
[00:03:54] Speaker A: Oh, and that's a good point because I feel like again one, it's sometimes hard to ask for help, and I'm sure you see this, that people who need the help are not trying to get the help either.
[00:04:06] Speaker B: Absolutely. And so often delaying getting help can be a determinant of income. Sometimes even waiting a month can be giving up benefits. So the moment that someone recognizes that they need to help is to throw off the lifeline.
[00:04:21] Speaker A: Oh, and that's a good point because a lot of times we just wait. Can it get better? Do we really need it? Absolutely. It's so vital, so vital.
Families, how can they help? How can they respond constructively to help support that person going through it?
[00:04:37] Speaker B: I think to just be a support, empowering support system, not a controlling support system. Not wanting to do it for them, but letting them guide the level of help they need. Reminding them, encouraging them, praying for them.
[00:04:54] Speaker A: Love that, Love that. I was just going to even ask you, give me examples because you know, our intention is definitely, you know, you feel bad, but sometimes we don't always do it constructively, especially those people we love.
[00:05:08] Speaker B: Absolutely, absolutely.
[00:05:12] Speaker A: Understanding about disability benefits create unnecessary fear or even discourage people from asking informed questions.
[00:05:20] Speaker B: I think the most popular one is that when you apply for disability, it's a permanent sentence. That's not at all the case. Oftentimes the disability process, the program is designed to serve as a bridge, not a parking lot. So understanding that we all in this process with them, hope that they will improve, but it's not, doesn't have to be a permanent sentence for them. It's just a bridge to get them over the season of life.
[00:05:46] Speaker A: I love that. Like I've never heard it said. That way. And that is so good, you know, and I guess kind of you want to go a little bit more in depth into that because yeah, I will be honest, I had that miscommunication or really thought, hey, okay, this is. Once you get it, you get it. So can you explain to them how it can be a bridge rather than just this is your reality from this point forward.
[00:06:09] Speaker B: At any point you can withdraw from the disability process. If you find that you can adapt to other work, you can withdraw your claim. But more importantly, it is so many conditions improve over time. That's why their medical diary set by the Social Security system.
There are people who are on it for a lifetime, but it can just be a bridge for this season of life until you're able to get your health to a point where you can return to substantial full time work.
[00:06:36] Speaker A: Nice. Very, very nice. Now a random question. Do you guys help them determine whether or not they're able to just make it a little bit of a bridge rather than a permanent. Do you help them talk to like figure out if they need it or if they're okay just maybe dropping the case or how to even go about that process?
[00:06:57] Speaker B: Yes, in our intake process we do a full realized intake to assess. You know, the definition of disability is you are unable to work at least 12 months or more or that condition is expected to end in death and they are unable to perform substantial gainful acts activity. Well, the agency Social Security puts a dollar amount on that. So we're able to help them assess if they're working part time, if they're wanting to continue to work. We help them assess at every level of what that claim will look like and the propensity for approval.
[00:07:31] Speaker A: No, I absolutely love that because I honestly, I'll be honest, as a provider, I've had patients over the years that they were going for disability and you know, again, I don't always know if they're going to be able to get it or not, but I love that defin and having a better understanding, I think it kind of can empower those to say, hey, yes, I need this because or I also need this for this time period.
[00:07:57] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:07:59] Speaker A: From your perspective, what personal leadership look like for someone who can't control their health circumstances but still want a voice and what happens next?
[00:08:10] Speaker B: Well, it's being really actively engaged in your medical process, having those difficult conversations with their doctors. So many people go to the doctor and they say that I'm fine. Well, everything that they tell their doctor is recorded in their medical records. So making sure. That you're telling your doctor everything. If you're not fine today or you haven't been fine, make sure you're communicating that. If the medications are giving you side effects, make sure you're communicating that. All of that difficulty or the challenge that you're having that needs to be discussed with your doctor. And we do that without even thinking, oh, I'm good.
I'm fine. And so having those open conversations, taking notes at the doctors, taking notes before you go so that you can ask the pertinent questions as it relates to your care. And oftentimes taking someone with you, that can help be the recorder can also be helpful.
[00:09:01] Speaker A: Oh, no. That is so good. And you are so right. Yes. Even in general, you see someone at church and how you doing? I'm fine.
[00:09:08] Speaker B: Absolutely.
It's an automated response.
And if you're fine, my question is, why are we having a conversation? Conversation about you apply.
[00:09:20] Speaker A: So true. And you can hear it in their voice or their posture or their body language, and it's. It's definitely telling us something. That they're not fine.
[00:09:29] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:09:30] Speaker A: Now, with this again, because this is like, this is probably a whole new world for everybody listening, myself included. How does your organization come alongside them? Are they all right? Do you coach them like. Like those questions that they really should be talking to their provider about or even this documentation? Because as you mentioned, it's so typical for us just to say it's fine and it's not. But little do the patient realize.
Documented. It's documented. And so when they're going into court and they're telling, you know, I'm having this issue, and the records from their doctors say I'm fine, you know, can you explain to them how or how your guys's organization comes to or even how big of a deal it matters to be very honest with those questions and what's really happening in their lives,
[00:10:22] Speaker B: it is very important to be honest. Your medical records tell a story. And our company is experts at helping our clients, from beginning to end, at every level, navigate the Social Security process. A lot of people don't know or forget that I actually worked for the Social Security Administration for eight years, and I took claims for that entire eight years. And while we don't make promises as we know what the agency is looking for, we know the conversations you need to be having with your doctors and how to take notes on, you know, daily logs of how your disability is impacting you. So we help you with that paperwork that Social Security will be sending out. We help you complete that and guide you through the process at every level. Someone's holding your hand.
[00:11:08] Speaker A: Very, very nice. Do you, do you ask them or do you prefer that they come then before they see they're a doctor? Or, or is it an after the doctor and kind of what to prepare for afterward?
What would your ideal situation be?
[00:11:23] Speaker B: Well, we've handled clients that have been at every stage and haven't been to the doctor. It's most ideal if you've been to a doctor so that you have an official diagnosis that lets us know what's limiting your ability to work. But we help clients at every phase and we're prepared to walk them through. I like to think our hallmarks are our compassionate service, our experience and just being willing to help guide and educate you through the process.
[00:11:46] Speaker A: No, that's beautiful. And I have to remind everybody, listening, asking for help is not the opposite of leadership. It can be the beginning of a more informed path. After the break, we'll get to examine the process itself and why details, preparation and guidance matter.
We'll be right back with more practical tools to help you feel healthier, stronger and more aligned. Stay tuned.
And we're back. I'm Dr. Megan Parks and this is Align to Lead on Now Media Television.
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I'm back with Dr. Carletta from Dominion Disability Advocates. DDA describes a team with firsthand experience inside the Social Security Benefits Disability Benefits Program, helping clients navigate documentation procedures and representation at administrative hearings.
A conflict system honestly, that can make people feel as though one missed detail will define their future understanding. The process does not guarantee an approval, but it can help applicants participate with greater clarity and preparation.
Becca Carletta, what first questions a person should ask to understand whether they may be looking at the right Social Security Disability Benefits Program?
Thank you, Megan.
[00:13:37] Speaker B: First of all, a person should assess have they worked and paid into the Social Security system? And if not, do their financial circumstances provide for them to apply for ssi? There are two programs within the Social Security Disability System, ssi, which is the needs based federal welfare program for the disabled, and ssdi, which is the program that we all pay into through Our earnings. So having that assessment, also having an understanding about how long their disability is expected to last.
The requirement for Social Security is that your disability is expected to last for 12 months or more. So making sure that their impairment meets that expectation.
[00:14:19] Speaker A: No, that's so good. Like I said, I did not know like the definitions and you know, can you give a good example whether they need the one versus the other just so they might even be able to recognize it on the front end?
[00:14:31] Speaker B: Awesome. Well, we actually do an application for both for every client just to ensure that we don't miss any areas of entitlement. But SSDI is the program that we pay into through our taxes. So as long as you've worked five out of the last 10 years before you're alleging your disability began, you should qualify for that program and meet the non medical requirements. There is a medical process where they have to review the records for both. But ssi, like I stated, are those for those who haven't had the opportunity to provide pay at a level that insures them for disability. Then they have the SSI program, which is the needs based Federal Welfare program. And that program assesses their resources and income to ensure that they qualify.
[00:15:15] Speaker A: No, I love that. Like I said, I was very unaware. I just felt like disability is disability. I did not realize.
I'm sure our listeners out there probably were in the same boat, but that. Thank you for explaining the difference.
[00:15:29] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:15:31] Speaker A: Now, DEA emphasizes the importance of accurate forms.
What kind of incomplete or inconsistent information can create avoidable complications in the application?
[00:15:44] Speaker B: Well, it kind of goes back to the discussion about not really communicating to your doctors. Having those conversations at each visit.
It will create an inconsistency or the lack thereof. Having a lack of conversation with your doctors will create an inconsistency in your medical records. Your medical records tell the story before you even get to talk to anyone to express about your disability. So that is probably premium and keeping a log and a journal of how your disability impacts you. So often someone will think that with a severe disability that they can stand and walk at normal levels. And I'll ask them right then and there. Let's go ahead. Let's have you stand for 30 minutes if that's what you believe. And oftentimes after five minutes they're like, you know what, Dr. Carletta, I can't. And it's just having a moment to sit with yourself to assess how your disability has really impacted you. So when you do get those forms, you can complete them with a level of accuracy.
[00:16:42] Speaker A: No, I like that.
I feel like sometimes, again, maybe it's not with everybody, but sometimes we're trying to play the game. Like, what do I need to say to make this go?
Can you explain to the viewers listening how that can kind of backfire on you?
You're thinking you're your case justice and you might not be. Can you explain to them on that?
[00:17:08] Speaker B: Absolutely. Truth is, I'm your friend and being the most honest because everything is quadruple check. I like to say, from the forms to what you say to what your medical records say, all of that is compared with each other. So having a level of consistency of what's actually going on is imperative. We cannot overstate that enough.
[00:17:29] Speaker A: No, and. And I do. I get that completely. And it makes sense. I think sometimes we're in blinders. It's just this one provider, but they're looking at everything again, they're looking at the story. And if your story has little holes in it, it's a lot easier to keep the truth than figure out what you've been saying along the way.
[00:17:47] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:17:49] Speaker A: Now, experience with the agency procedures help an advocate explain the process without, okay, let's be honest, creating unrealistic expectations about the result, because, as you mentioned, there's no guarantee that you're going to get the result you want. So how. How does your agency help with that?
[00:18:07] Speaker B: Well, we're ultimately responsible for knowing policy, procedures and the law, and your average citizen may not know those intricacies. So that is what I'm held. And I'm bound to, to help keep my client informed of so they get to navigate. Navigate and focusing on their health and having those conversations with their doctors while I focus on the policy and meeting the sequential evaluation steps that every client case goes through.
[00:18:36] Speaker A: Thank you. Thank you again for that clarity. It really is. I believe it helped me. So if you haven't helped anybody, it's. You're helping me here.
Let's be honest. I'm sure it's helping a lot of people.
[00:18:48] Speaker B: That is our hope.
[00:18:50] Speaker A: Absolutely.
What should applicants understand about the importance of medical records? Their work history, their deadlines. And this is going to be a huge one. Responding to official requests.
[00:19:01] Speaker B: Oh, I love this question.
As far as your medical records, again, I will overstate probably too much in this interview that it tells your story. That is what every decision or governing body at every level, they're bound to the medical records.
So it did not happen if it's not in your medical records. So making sure that you report incidences of falls or what have you, that impacts you making sure that gets reported to your doctors, having those truthful conversations.
As it relates to the work history, Social Security is evaluating two things as it relates to your work. Whether or not you can return to prior work or do any other work work as it exists in the national economy. So it's important that you're honest about your work history and all of the details therein beyond those deadline. Beyond that, those deadlines are very critical. Responding to something being requested of you by Social Security in a timely manner, A, is important to the process, but B, it ensures that in a system that is already bogged down, that your claim gets the attention that it needs and they're not waiting on something from you to process.
[00:20:10] Speaker A: Absolutely. Have you seen when people ignore the official request or say, hey, I'll get to it when I get to it? Do you see? Can you explain to them how that that can affect their case, especially negatively?
[00:20:25] Speaker B: Absolutely. It has repercussions that just kind of snowball when you're not invested and you're not keeping the appointments, you're not returning the paperwork. It's a signal to me as your advocate, if I'm, you know, blessed with that opportunity, but also a signal to the agency that you're not vested in this process. So keeping the appointments they set for you, responding to that paperwork, talking to your advocate and getting those critical questions answered. Oftentimes people procrastinate because they don't the fear of the next step or they lack information have that conversation. And that's why advocates and representatives are so important in the process, because they can help you flesh out. Okay, what's causing you not to take an active part here.
[00:21:08] Speaker A: Oh, very, very, very good. I used to tell people, don't make me want it more than you.
Absolutely.
[00:21:15] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:21:15] Speaker A: That's it. And I feel like sometimes when they're not doing it, I mean, I do think sometimes procrastination definitely plays a huge part into it. But I also think overwhelm, you know, you're looking at these forms that are completely great to you. You're navigating a situation that, you know, again, I. I was under the circumstance always going to be for the rest of your life. So do I need this or not? And it's not always the case. So if someone out there is feeling overwhelmed by notices or terminology, let's be honest, sometimes it's like I can't even. I can't even pronounce this word, let alone understand what this means.
What can they do to become active or an active person, participant in the claim, instead of feeling powerless and just basically getting paralyzed with fear and not doing anything at all, give voice to that.
[00:22:07] Speaker B: Find a way to give voice to that, obviously with your family and friends first. But partnering with an advocate, I cannot overstate that. That is what's going to be your best friend in this process. Partnering with someone who knows the law, who's familiar with people having those moments of stagnation or just not understanding that's the most critical thing they can do is find a partner in the process who knows the law, who knows the procedure and can help them navigate through those moments of stagnation.
[00:22:34] Speaker A: Wonderful. How can you give them some easy steps of how that they can claim their voice? You know, I mean, I think sometimes they just, they don't even know where to start or what's needed. Like you mentioned journaling or putting in the specific dates I fell, those type of things. What's important in this process? What's important for them to be able to say it. Some people are like, I don't want to overwhelm you with the details or this doesn't matter. In reality, it could make or break your case.
[00:23:06] Speaker B: I believe the first step is becoming more informed about the disabilities that impact their ability to work.
There's so many avenues of education out there. So educating themselves, educating themselves on the medications that they're taking. So often people are experiencing side effects that they've never connected to the medications.
Having those upfront conversations with your doctors. I like to tell my clients, now that we started this process, have that upfront conversation with your doctor. I'm applying for disability.
Do you believe I can work? Having that upfront conversation provides some information that they would not otherwise have, but will guide them in the process in a way that they wouldn't otherwise have been informed. So having. I cannot overstate having those, those uncomfortable, necessary conversations with their doctors.
[00:23:56] Speaker A: I love that. What I took away was clearance starts with understanding the steps and the information the process asked for. And coming up next, we're going to talk about what happens when the claim is delayed or denied and how to stay grounded while deciding what comes next. We'll be right back with more practical tools to help you feel healthier, stronger, and more aligned. Stay tuned.
And we're back. I'm Dr. Megan Parks, and this is Align to Lead on Now Media Television.
Welcome back to Align to Lead. I'm Dr. Megan Parks and I'm continuing with Dr. Carletta of Dominion Disability Advocates. We've been discussing the challenge of getting started. Now we're Going to look at the emotional, impractical tool of uncertainty, delays and unfavorable decisions.
Because here's the thing. A denial or delay can feel deeply personal, especially when health, income and family stability are already under pressure.
But a benefit determination is an administrative decision. It's not a judgment about someone's worth.
Informed next steps require facts, deadlines, and support.
So my first question I want to ask you is, when someone receives a denial, what do you most want them to understand before they assume the process is over?
[00:25:22] Speaker B: First thing we want them to understand, it is not the end of the line. The process is not over. So many people are denied at the initial level. It's one of the reasons my job exists. It's an opportunity. That initial denial is an opportunity maybe to develop the evidence, maybe to reevaluate the forms that were submitted. A closer look at the claim on the behalf of the Social Security examiner's part. So it's just informational. It is not a death sentence. There's no reason to lose hope with a denial. And it's not personal.
[00:25:53] Speaker A: I absolutely love that because I love the opportunity. We can look at it and feel like dread and everything, or again, have the unfair assumption that this is it. But maybe they didn't have the correct conversations with their provider. Maybe they told them they're fine and now we're. No, let's say what's really been going on. So. No, that's wonderful.
[00:26:17] Speaker B: Absolutely. Dr. Megan. It's just an opportunity to develop the file more. One of the things that our clients forget, and sometimes we do, is that those first level of examiners, they don't even get to talk to the person impacted by the disability. They're really looking through the medical records. So sometimes that can limit that human portion can be very limiting. And if they're just looking at the records, you know, it's just what that story is telling. Let's get. Let's develop that a little bit more as our opportunity there.
[00:26:45] Speaker A: And that just made me think, even, okay, when you're just looking at the facts, you are definitely not looking at the person. So don't take it personal.
[00:26:53] Speaker B: Absolutely, absolutely.
[00:26:56] Speaker A: How would my listeners distinguish the emotional impact of a setback from the practical questions that they need to ask about the decision or possible next steps? When they get that, that decision of, no, it's denied. Like you said, it happens a lot on the first attempt. What can they do?
[00:27:14] Speaker B: I think the first thing they can do is understand that this is an emotional process. It's a roller coaster ride. It Seems so. Acknowledging that it hurts to be denied, I mean, that would be for any of us. But also taking a moment after you felt the feelings is take a look back, okay, what was the evidence that was examined? Did I give them all of the information necessary? What can I provide? What discussions do I to go back and have with my doctors? So taking that objective approach to say, okay, what needs to be developed here?
[00:27:47] Speaker A: Dr. Leather, what I love about that statement is it's so empowering, you know, because again, when we do get that denial, it does feel like a blow personally. It's hard not to take that personally or let it affect your words. But it's not. It's an empowerment. What do we do next? And I love the plan. And so that's exciting.
[00:28:11] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:28:12] Speaker A: Now, dda, it mentions representation before administrative judges.
At a general level. What should applicants expect from a hearing? And what does an advocate's role.
[00:28:24] Speaker B: All right.
A great percentage of our cases are won at that hearing level. A judge is not bound by any of the prior determinations. I always like to. To express that to my clients, because that's good news. You may have had two prior denials, but the judge gets to suspend that judgment and look at the case from a clear set of eyes and objective viewpoint.
I do like to remind clients that a hearing before an administrative law judge is nothing like they've seen on tv.
It is a fact finding procedure. Everyone in the room wants to make the right decision based upon the facts presented.
So having that realization should help bring some ease to any anxiety that a person feels. It is a fact finding procedure that's not designed to be adversarial. It's not designed to be an I gotcha moment. It is an informal fact finding procedure.
[00:29:18] Speaker A: And again, I'm going to just loop that back to the previous conversation. Being honest and telling your provider and not just saying it's fine. Because if it's not fine, that's you're telling them a fact that's not a fact.
[00:29:32] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:29:33] Speaker A: And so they're not trying to. I got you. But they're saying, hey, there's. There's holes into this. You know, what is the truth here?
[00:29:40] Speaker B: Absolutely. And a good advocate will work through those holes with you ahead of time.
[00:29:45] Speaker A: I love that.
How can family members or caregivers provide meaningful support while still respecting that applicant's autonomy and privacy?
[00:29:55] Speaker B: I would ask that family members tap into what their specific family member that's suffering needs. Ask them, what do you need from me? Don't assume. Don't make assumptions. About that, offer to go to the doctors with them, offer to write a witness statement about what they've personally observed about the disability and how it impacts their loved one.
So just partnering alongside and identifying and being a good listener.
So often we undervalue listening. We've got two ears and one mouth for a reason,
[00:30:28] Speaker A: you know, and again, and I, I'm just putting myself in some of these situations. You know, it's like you hear your loved one is having issues or are struggling with something and you want to go in and just fix it. And a lot of times what we think needs to be fixed or how it needs to be fixed is completely opposite of what they need and we make it so much worse.
[00:30:49] Speaker B: Absolutely. And offering that listening ear encourages the disabled one to express themselves. You know, I can remember not too long ago, just from a personal story, back in December, I injured my acl and my family's used to me popping and, you know, doing things. But finally when we had that gut level conversation, here's what I need, here's what I'm battling. I may look and sound positive, but this has been a life change. And so having that listening ear, offering that, you'll be surprised what could come from that conversation.
[00:31:23] Speaker A: No, and, and that goes on so many levels, so many different relationships. Because if we're telling everybody or we're, we're showing up a way that we think everybody, or the expectation, but it's not. How can anybody help you or help support you or be there when you're not even being honest and, or asking or telling them? Because I think communication, and this is everything, communication happens. And people, your family, your loved one, they want to help you. But when you're putting like the, the hand aside and I, I would tease them, don't, don't be stealing my blessing, but a lot of times we just think that. And even my leaders out there or my people who are used to being the breadwinner and providing for the family and everything, and they feel like they can't. They feel like for whatever reason, they have to have it all together.
Absolutely.
[00:32:19] Speaker B: Dr. Megan, if I could share just a brief story. We had a young lady who did not want any family involvement, and we just knew that there were puzzle pieces missing. But she kept all of her family at bay in this process and ultimately she was denied. And we're appealing. And then at that moment, we got a chance to talk to the family and quiz them. It was such an eye opener. Now we're appealing her case with better evidence with witness statements. So there is a saying that closed mouths don't get fed. And I like to think closed mouths don't get their disability awarded. So talk to, to your loved ones, tell them what you need.
[00:32:56] Speaker A: And let's be honest, our family sees the good, the bad, everything in between.
[00:33:01] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:33:03] Speaker A: They know when we're a little bit more bitey and a little bit, you know, make it till we make it in front of everybody else. But they see the real us.
[00:33:11] Speaker B: Yes. Yes they do.
[00:33:14] Speaker A: What habits help someone manage a long uncertain process without allowing the paperwork and waiting to consume their entire sense of self?
[00:33:24] Speaker B: Packing on an extraordinary amount of patience. I always like to say prayer, but trying to do to keep up some normaly in your life, maybe you're not able to run three miles, but do what you can to stay active at the level that you possess the ability to keep some level of normalcy, keep some of your activities.
Don't allow the claims process to consume you in a way that just leaves you more depressed than you enter the process.
So keeping a daily log of how it impacts you, keep that diary.
Sometimes that can be the most therapeutic thing you can do is documenting those life changes that are happening as they are happening and that can serve your claim in innumerable ways.
[00:34:11] Speaker A: No, I can see that. Like, and I, and I thinking of people in my life that like to minimize. You know, I don't want to be a complainer. I don't want to work. It's not that bad, is it? How does, how can they overcome that? How can they, like even the little things can matter and, and those are real things that are happy. You don't have to pretend like you got it all together. But how, how do you help them work through that and see that it's not a thing against them or who they are or their identity, but it's a real thing that they're experiencing.
[00:34:48] Speaker B: Absolutely. I think the biggest thing that I offer my clients is to sit and have some moments of silence with yourself because we're so used to the fake it till you make it culture. Have some quiet time to say okay, I.
How has this really impacted my life? And you will begin to take inventory of things that you did not even realize were impacted. Maybe you're not going to church as much. Maybe you're not able to stand as much as when you're there. You're not driving as much as you used to. Getting out of the house is harder than it ever has been. You're isolated more, you're not engaging with friends. So taking those notes and taking some moments of silent mindfulness to assess us.
[00:35:33] Speaker A: No, that's perfect. And honestly, resilience does not mean pretending a difficult system is easy. You know, that doesn't make us a better person or more efficient. It's a reality check.
[00:35:45] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:35:46] Speaker A: And honestly, I wanted to say it means staying informed, preserving dignity and getting appropriate health. And coming up next in our final segment, we're going to explore the broader leadership lessons for advocates, employers and communities.
We'll be right back with more practical tools to help you feel healthier, stronger and more aligned. Stay tuned.
And we're back. I'm Dr. Megan Parks and this is Aligned A Lead on Now Media Television.
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I'm closing Today's conversation with Dr. Carletta from Dominion Disability Advocates.
We explored the person behind the claim, the complexity of the process and the importance of informed advocacy. Now let's look at what better support and more human centered leadership could mean.
Because the system can be technically available and still inaccessible to the person who needs it. And good leadership asks whether people can understand the process, ask questions, preserve their dignity and make informed choices along the way.
Dr. Carletta, what could employers and community leaders better understand about people whose health circumstances change their relationship with work
[00:37:38] Speaker B: in their processes? From an employer standpoint, oftentimes it's being aware of the accommodations that can be given to an employee who's impacted by disability.
Those in the community need to be really tapped into the resources within that community community because the disabled need support from every angle available. So being tapped into all of the resources for community leaders and for employers understanding what you can do to support that particular employee and refer them to the next steps when they can no longer work for you.
[00:38:11] Speaker A: Now, where can those community leaders and employers find those resources? What are some good ways for them to even start their own research?
[00:38:20] Speaker B: Well, you know what, we have this wonderful thing at our fingertips, the worldwide Internet, a Google search is so empowering, specific to the area, talking to mental health experts in the area, their area doctors, and those who are at the state as well as federal level. There's so many programs and tapping into and meeting with the individuals that's in charge of supporting the disabled on varied levels, including state and federal government levels.
[00:38:52] Speaker A: No, that is great.
When you think about effective advocacy, what's the difference between doing everything for a client and helping them retain a voice in the process?
[00:39:04] Speaker B: I don't find as an advocate that doing everything for any client empowers them. Oftentimes the best claims, the most successful claim are when the advocate as well as the disabled person realize that this is a partnership.
Our brainstorming sessions with our clients, so many things come out of that that we may have not thought of as it relates to that person and their specific disability.
So not doing everything for them is important to the empowerment process. Doing everything for disempowers the client and the maximum levels reached are from the partnership.
[00:39:45] Speaker A: 100% and lovely way to put it.
What would a more accessible respectful disability benefits experience look like from the applicant's point of view?
[00:39:57] Speaker B: Being informed and educated in their process. And we take that very personally at Dominion Disability Advocates we don't just want you to get approval and that is the ultimate goal, make no mistake about it. But I want our clients to emerge educated from their process at every step of the way. So we encourage asking questions. I think that is the most accessible thing we can do is educate in that process.
[00:40:23] Speaker A: That's great. And one thing I've learned about your organization with dda, it offers free consultations and it describes a no fee unless benefits are awarded model.
So with that being in mind, what should prospective clients ask about representation fee terms and any applicable approval requirements before engaging in services?
[00:40:45] Speaker B: Absolutely. Identify what the representative, whomever they choose, what are they giving you in exchange for that expected fee? What do you expect? Will they help you complete forms? Will they keep you informed of the process? What does that informed process looks like? For example, we do every 30 to 45 days where we're doing a touch base with the client. It's a non negotiable to keep them informed in their process. So asking how will I be informed about the status of my claim as it relates to the fee? The fee is set by the Commissioner of Social Security and so making sure that you are charged fees in accordance with that policy, no one should be charging you fees beyond what's set by the commissioner. So whether they go with me or XYZ law firm down the street, that fee is pretty set by the Commissioner. We have to govern ourselves by that. So making sure that your representative does that, that beyond that, those are the most important questions that you can ask.
[00:41:40] Speaker A: No, that's I mean a great starting point and so important that you guys have a governing body and, and that they're, I mean that's empowering just to know that you guys need to follow certain rules and regulations and so when they're doing something and something doesn't feel right or it feels off, there's your answer. So no, that. Thank you.
For someone facing a disability related turning point today, what is one action step that can help them move from isolation and confusion towards more informed support?
[00:42:13] Speaker B: Throw out a lifeline, get some help. Tell your family members, I am going to say get an advocate, get a representative to get on board with you to help you take that next step of actually applying. But have the conversations with all those involved in your process us to get through that stagnation point.
[00:42:34] Speaker A: Can you explain to the audience what it looks like to have an advocate? Because some of them listening may never have realized that they have someone like you or your organization that can walk along them. Can you kind of run through a little. I know every case is different, but can you run through like what a process of that might mean?
[00:42:54] Speaker B: Absolutely. We do a full intake where we assess what's going on with the client, what disabilities are impacting them, and we are most interested in holding their hand at every level. One of the things or the misnomers that, you know, most people don't realize with advocates, we get a front row seat to their electronic file. So we are actually seeing in real time what every examiner and what every doctor is reviewing within the Social Security system. Yes, they have access to an online account where they can follow their process, but we get more intricate details files. We're able to tell them what's going on with the file, what's not going on. If they need to partner with their congressional to get things moving a little faster and we get to explain every level of the process, the whys, what's going on and why is this happening? So you get a pretty informed process with an advocate or representative.
[00:43:49] Speaker A: I'm sitting here thinking, why wouldn't anybody want to do that?
[00:43:54] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:43:56] Speaker A: Oh my gosh. That, you know, just everything you said, it's like I wouldn't even know what to do. And, and I'll be honest, like a lot of people, some people know my, my background. I first was a pharmacy intern before everything. And we would see medications and we would see things that this person, this doctor was prescribing this, but this was an interaction with another one because they didn't see everything and how valuable that is that you're seeing everybody's information as one, because that definitely creates a clarity, that definitely creates a strong case when we're only looking at one part and not realizing all the other parts that you guys have access to.
[00:44:39] Speaker B: Absolutely, Dr. Megan. Because oftentimes we'll see. Oh, there hasn't been a whole lot of movement to this case. So we're on the phone with Social Security saying what's going on.
We are also able to get dire need alerts set for those who are, you know, a great percentage of the population we serve are homeless, living in their cars, living on the street. So we're able to work in real time to expedite the process. You know, it is a long, arduous process, no matter what. But in those situations, oftentimes we're able to get the claims looked at a little bit sooner just by having representation.
[00:45:15] Speaker A: No, that's great. Dr. Coletta, what's one of the most important messages? You want someone who's listening, who may feel lost in this process because it's overwhelming. And again, the terminology, the paperwork, the government level, all of the stuff, what would you like them to be able to hear from the message that we're talking about?
[00:45:36] Speaker B: This does not have to be a lonely walk. It does not have to be something that you manage your disability and manage your claim and manage a very tenuous bureaucratic process. There are people who are prepared, armed, educated, and equipped to walk alongside of you just throughout the lifeline for help, and someone can help you through that process. Ideally, our role is to help someone be able to focus exclusively on getting better and getting the medical attention they need while we navigate the bureaucratic process that can be so encumbering. So don't go through it alone and list all the help at your fingertips.
[00:46:15] Speaker A: I love it. This is going to be a random question because it just has me curious, the whole conversation with you. What got you involved in this specific. Because this is amazing and this is so good for those people out there. And it's a hard time. It's. It's a lot of emotional or feeling like your self worth is on the line. What made you interested in this?
[00:46:37] Speaker B: Oh, I Love this question, Dr. Megan. It draws up so much emotion. As I stated, my mom worked for Social Security and retired from the government after 40 years. And my husband and I were Medicare 2005 hires. And I legitimately enjoyed the work that I did.
I love serving the public, but it was navigating that bureaucratic process also knowing that I was a little bit entrepreneurial. But my prayer was simply how can I use the knowledge that I I gained to serve others? Because I do enjoy the people piece and I just decided I was better suited on this side of the desk. Kudos to all the government workers across the nation that are still in field offices and payment centers and in various components. But I knew I was better suited and there was a need for quality representation on this side of the desk and to help people navigate. And I'm an educator at heart. So it just married with all of that.
[00:47:34] Speaker A: Nobody can say that you're not leading your calling. So this is awesome.
Before we end, where can viewers learn more about Dominion Disability Advocates and the service that your team provides and how to request a consultation?
[00:47:48] Speaker B: Awesome. They can start at our website, www.dominiondisability.com.
they can also give us a call at 873-954-038. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday Eastern Time 9 to 4, and we are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, you name it. Give us a call.
[00:48:10] Speaker A: Thank you again so much for joining me.
[00:48:13] Speaker B: Thank you for having me.
[00:48:15] Speaker A: It's truly been a pleasure.
Well, to those of us who are listening, alignment is not always about doing more or pushing harder.
Is about understanding the reality in front of us, finding trustworthy support and protecting our dignity while we take the next step. I'm Dr. Megan Parks and this is Aligned to Lead on NowMedia TV.
