Ticket to Work Success Story: Ashley Roberts

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are highlighting different employees with disabilities that we have helped enroll in the Ticket to Work program. Ticket to Work is a voluntary and free program that aims to help people with disabilities maintain employment, and eventually, achieve financial independence. Ticket to Work connects people with free benefits counseling and employment networks, both of which help people with disabilities maintain their benefits and keep stable employment.

This week, we are highlighting Ashley Roberts, Veterans Affairs Liason for a mobility store! Read below to learn about Ashley’s employment journey, along with why she appreciates the Ticket to Work program.

Ashley’s Employment Journey

Ashley has a spinal cord injury and uses a manual wheelchair. She received SSI benefits from 2006 until recently, and currently receives SSDI benefits. Currently, Ashley works as the Veterans Affairs Liaison for a mobility store, where she has been working since April 2019. Ashley describes how she became employed: “Honestly, my boss took a chance hiring me, as I don’t have much experience in the work field.” However, Ashley is confident that her boss is not disappointed with the choice to hire her. Ashley states, “Using a manual wheelchair in a mobility store helps them get perspective from me, and my thoughts and ideas are always so useful!” As an employee with a disability, Ashley contributes a unique and useful perspective in her particular workplace. Her insight, as a person who uses a manual wheelchair, is incredibly helpful to employees and customers alike.

Ashley has been utilizing the Ticket to Work program for benefits counseling assistance. Ashley expresses her gratitude for the Ticket program: “It has been a wonderful resource to navigate my benefits and options to supplement my job.” Keeping Social Security benefits while maintaining employment can be difficult, but with the help of experienced benefits counselors, people with disabilities can maximize their income and, ultimately, their financial independence. Ashley recommends the Ticket to Work program to all people with disabilities who are looking to keep their benefits while working.

Ashley Roberts is an incredible example of a successful and productive employee with a disability. Through Ashley’s unique perspective and drive, she proves to be a valuable employee in her workplace.

We Can Help You!

If you are a person with a disability who receives (or has received) SSI or SSDI benefits, you may be eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work program! Visit willingtoworkusa.com and fill out our short survey to get connected with our disability employment advocates. Soon, we will send you free disability employment resources to help you navigate your journey in the workforce!