We are pleased to announce that the Disabled Workers' Committee, a Connecticut‑based, not‑for‑profit organization whose mission is to help impaired workers, has issued new criteria for the one scholarship of $10,000 that it is offering to assist a senior high school student who lives in Connecticut. A student qualifies as a candidate for this scholarship if one or more of the following criteria are satisfied by their parent or legal guardian:
A) is deceased as a result of a work related injury;
B) has been found to be permanently and totally disabled from all forms of work;
C) has sustained a work related injury resulting in loss of a limb or;
D) has sustained a work related permanent disability that has resulted in an inability to return to their former employment and has suffered a permanent wage loss.
THE DISABILITY MUST ARISE OUT OF A WORKPLACE INJURY
The 2019 scholarship provides $1,250 per semester for four years. The amount of the scholarship fund is awarded to the child or dependent of a disabled worker who demonstrates both academic excellence and the financial need to go on to college. The disability must arise from a workplace injury, and be confirmed by acceptance of the claim, a workers’ compensation final decision or social security award.
“The pressures that fall on disabled workers and their families are tremendous” explained Matthew Shafner in 2010 when he was chairman of the committee. “This scholarship fund eases one of the important financial burdens that disabled workers often face.” Shafner, a nationally recognized attorney and former Chairman of the Disabled Workers Scholarship Subcommittee, passed away in September 2015.
Applications will be made available by January 15, 2019 throughout Connecticut in the offices of high school guidance counselors, labor unions and Workers’ Compensation Commission offices. The applications should be received by April 1, 2019 at the Scholarship fund, Disabled Workers Committee, Inc., c/o Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-law, 2 Union Plaza, Suite 200, New London, CT 06320. A statewide committee of prominent educators will do the screening and select the successful student.
The Disabled Workers' Committee is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of returning impaired workers to the workplace as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Joanna Lazarus of Suisman Shapiro at (860) 442‑4416 or via email jlazarus@sswbgg.com.