Audio is very faint

Screen is good and Andrews audio is much better 🙂

Good to see you as always!

So is the topic recruiting? I got an email saying you would be discussing planning

Martha Goff (You): There are thousands of adult autistics who receive NO government benefits but are either completely unemployed or are underemployed due to difficulty fitting into workplaces that match their intellectual abilities. Especially true for women, autistics over 35, and those who are not gifted in tech skills

Martha Goff (You): PS we go to work at jobs we dislike and don’t use our full abilities primarily because we need to support ourselves, put money away for retirement and because in the US health insurance is only available to employed people

I agree with what you said Martha.

85% of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder are unemployed, not 85% of Neuro-Diverse.

Hi John Comegys

SSI or SSDI come with health insurance. This is often the reason why people don't risk full time employment, even with benefits, because if they lose the job they lose their health insurance. In my experience in various Autism or Asperger Job Clubs.

Many younger autistic adults have parents who understand autism abs support their children financially. I’m 64 years old, had no parental or government support and have worked at clerical jobs all my life…despite having an IQ tested during high school at 150+

Wow, 85% ??!

Providing more remote work opportunities will obviate the need for much of the commuting that a transportation benefit would cover

Agree about the flexibility 🙂

Yes “cafeteria” approach is good

😂

Andrew you have a great sense of humour!

The US medical system is the seventh circle of hell 👿

Oooooh~!

Didn't know this was gonna be a roast but I'm here for it!

😅😂🤣

Interesting never heard of QSERA

Que sera, sera.

Autumn LOL

Seriously is this what is meant by a company being “self insured”?

Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA)

ABLE is a good choice to have

Yes is QSEHRA that a form of “self insurance” for the company?

When we retire my employer gives us a monthly benefit towards paying for our choice of Medicare insurance plans

Can you help disabled business owners (self employed), with their benefits?

Yes!

Andrew Policies like you describe will really enhance employee loyalty too

Yes Kelly I’d like to know that also

Given the current labor shortage it’s a perfect time for workers to try to carve out some of these concessions from employers

In my experience most people with SSI will not risk full time employment because they will lose their health insurance. To me the solution is universal health insurance or health care. Do you know how much improvement there has been since Obama-care started? Do you know if it will get better under Biden's changes?

Yes John ‼️

Yes, I fear losing my medical insurance.

Universal healthcare is the answer…Obamacare is incomplete

Yes, but if you forgo your SSI and then lose your job you can't pay for insurance and it will take at least a year or two or more to get SSI back, in my experience.

Yes, lets hear about SSI and health care.

What about SSDI

And most of our doctors don’t even accept Medicaid (Medi-Cal here in CA)

Yes the issue about finding doctors is huge

Isn’t that benefit only if the parents paid into Medicare and Social Security?

Isn't it only a limit if you are on medical too.

Will you make yourself available to the Job Club to convince parents and other family members of what you just presented?

My son cannot get SSDI because my husband and I have not paid in.

John can I get the information of when Job Club is. I miss coming to Job Club

What do you suggest for middle age and older autistics who are still working?

Did you say working before age 22 to qualify for SSDI

Amanda, tonight at 7. Is your e mail still amanda07_07_2000@yahoo.com

yes, it still is.

Is it virtual John?

Andrew, you’re lucky your interests and strengths are in areas that are useful to enough people to make a living at it

I'll send you a link. Keith Halperin runs it now and I'll be there tonight.

What is this job club?

I’m interested in the job club too

Yes John C, please post a link about the job club?

I kinda winged it. :)

Andrew, thanks for amassing all of this information for nd’s and working in our behalf.

AASCEND Job Club for people on the spectrum.

Yes John C please post a link about the job club

Can you please share a sign-up link for the Nov ND Summit? Thank you.

Anyone interested send me an email to johndcomegys@gmail.com I'll send a link.

The Job Club is from 7-8 Monday nights. Bring one employment question. Social time after the meeting.

Thanks John

Yeah, I'm definitely burnt out even though I'm doing as well as I've ever done for myself from a salary and benefits standpoint.

You're welcome Martha.

Autumn, Yes ‼️ I’m glad I can retire soon

The need for well being on the job is so critical.

Indeed. I've been on the verge of going on a Leave of Absence under Short Term Disability for some time now.

To get benefits you have to get a diagnosis and that can be very difficult

Thank you for your expertise Andrew.

Thank you. :)

It was excellent! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and insight with all of us.

This has been really helpful, I will contact you soon. Thank you!!!

Blue shirt looks good on you Dr Fong 🙂

Good night everyone - thank you

ThanksDr. Fung!

thank you!