Navigating labor market

While there are a number of work incentives available for people with disabilities, finding the appropriate program can be a confusing and frustrating experience. People with disabilities often worry that they will lose medical coverage if they return to work, or they wonder if their employment will affect their Social Security or Medicaid benefits.

An invaluable resource for people facing such overwhelming questions is Dave Kromer, the Disability Program Navigator at the Cayuga Works One-Stop Career Center at Cayuga Community College. An expert on disability work incentives and services, Kromer is available to help direct people to the appropriate programs.

“I'm here to help people with disabilities access the programs that they need and to promote a return to work,” Kromer said. “Some people don't believe they can work without losing their benefits, so I'm here to guide them into situations where it's possible for them to have more money and still retain most of their benefits. Some of the core things that they need like Medicaid and Medicare, they're less likely to lose if they're in the proper program.”