Posts

Paper Social Security Checks Ending September 30th, 2025

By -
Image
If you currently receive your Social Security or SSI benefits by paper check, it’s important to know that after September 30, 2025, paper checks will no longer be issued. From that date forward, all benefits will only be delivered electronically, either through direct deposit to a bank account or onto a prepaid Direct Express debit card. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) points to cost savings and fraud prevention as reasons for this change, many advocates are raising serious concerns about how it will affect people with disabilities, older adults, and others who rely on paper checks. For many, paper checks are not just a payment method — they are a trusted, accessible, and familiar lifeline. Here are some of the biggest concerns experts have raised: Loss of Access: Not everyone has a bank account, smartphone, or internet connection. Without those, electronic-only payments can be very difficult to manage. Digital Divide: People living with disabilities or without stable ho...
Read more

A Brief Timeline of the Virginians with Disabilities Act

By -
Image
Did you know Virginia had its own disability rights law five years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed? The Virginians with Disabilities Act (VDA) was signed into law in 1985 and has been protecting the rights of millions of people with disabilities across the Commonwealth ever since. Learn more about how this important law has evolved over the years in the timeline below. 1950s – Virginia passes its first white cane laws, requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians with vision loss and making it illegal for anyone without a disability to carry a white cane. These laws lay early groundwork for disability protections in the state. 1973 – The federal Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs, influencing state-level efforts across the country. 1984 – The Virginians with Disabilities Act (VDA) is introduced to the General Assembly. The bill aims to expand protections to people with both physical and mental ...
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Read more

Love on the Spectrum: A Story of Neurodiverse Agency and Empowerment

By -
Image
Netflix’s documentary series Love on the Spectrum has earned a record five Emmy nominations this year, the most in its run to date. The series, following U.S. adults with autism as they pursue meaningful dating relationships, is recognized in five categories: Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program; directing; cinematography; casting; and picture editing. These honors surpass its previous tallies in 2022 and 2024. This milestone underscores the series' powerful commitment to authentic storytelling and amplifying neurodiverse voices, values that resonate deeply with The Choice Group’s core mission of supporting individuals in overcoming barriers to achieve fulfilling lives. Just as Love on the Spectrum spotlights neurodiverse adults navigating love and personal growth, The Choice Group fosters similar empowerment, helping clients explore their potential, build relationships, and shape their futures. Both the show and the organization highlight the importance of visibility, support,...
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Read more

Frances’ Success Story

By -
Image
Source: Ticket to Work Program, Social Security Administration . “Frances’ Success Story” , choosework.ssa.gov./library A Healing Journey Back to Work While at a local restaurant having lunch with her husband, Frances noticed a group of nurses in crisp white scrubs enjoying their lunch break together. It sounded like they were reflecting on something amusing from work or sharing an experience they had with a kind patient that day. They looked so happy, and it was this moment that sparked her desire to go further in her medical career and become a registered nurse. Frances was already a respiratory therapist and enjoyed a rewarding career, but becoming a nurse was her true goal. A few years later, Frances enrolled in school to pursue her dream. She became a registered nurse in 2004. At that time, Frances could have never imagined that in 2018, a medical crisis would pause everything… but only temporarily. “I think I’m having a stroke!” Frances said as she sat in her car alone with horri...
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Read more

Sam Evans’ Journey into Auto Detailing

By -
Image
Since October 2024, The Choice Group has had the pleasure of working with Sam Evans—a friendly, professional, and driven individual who recently set his sights on a career change. After seven years with his current employer, Sam expressed interest in exploring new possibilities, and one area that sparked his curiosity was auto detailing. Although Sam had no prior experience in the field, he was eager to jump in and give it a try. Through situational assessment services, he recently completed a hands-on experience at Xtreme Detailing in Virginia Beach. There, he took on the full process of exterior car cleaning—prepping, spraying, scrubbing, and drying a vehicle from start to finish. The owner was impressed and commended Sam on a job well done. Sam’s willingness to step outside of his comfort zone and try something completely new is just one of the many things that makes him stand out. As we continue working together, we’re excited to explore more opportunities that align with his inter...
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Read more