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The Disability DIGEST
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June 2023
Technology Is a Blessing and a Curse
It Can Help Us but Also Hinder Us
“I want to speak to a real person!” You may have said this aloud or to yourself when dealing with chatbots and other artificial intelligence (AI). Trying to get your point across or find a solution can be frustrating when you have to spend — what seems like hours — talking to AI. Something that could be resolved in minutes if you were speaking with a human could take longer when trying to communicate with AI in a way it understands.
I have had several Social Security cases in which people were applying for disability or other benefits because they cannot do their past work and SSA has a vocational expert testify that the person could do other less physically demanding jobs. Unfortunately, these cases can be extremely difficult because the information Social Security uses on jobs is outdated. During these hearings, vocational experts will argue that people cannot receive disability or benefits because there are thousands of “unskilled” jobs people can choose from, but most of these jobs either don’t really exist anymore or have dramatically changed from how they are described in the dictionary of occupational titles that SSA still relies on. According to The Washington Post, Social Security denies thousands of people disability benefits based on a list of jobs created in 1977. This 46-year-old list has yet to be updated since its creation, and it consists of 137 unskilled, sedentary jobs people can choose from. But because of how outdated the list is, many of these “jobs” no longer exist or require some skill. For example, I defended a client against a vocational expert who said my client could work as an “addresser.” This job requires workers to type addresses on envelopes. But I argued that to do this job, you must have some knowledge of computers. It can be confusing and frustrating for the older generation to fulfill this role because they do not understand technology like those in the younger generations. Therefore, being an addresser is not an unskilled job. Other attorneys, common folk, and I have demanded that Social Security update this list. The agency has promised us, the government, and Congress a new “state-of-the-art” system consisting of updated and modern jobs. However, they have promised this for the past 14 years — and we have yet to see any changes. I understand how difficult this experience is for you. But I promise you’re not alone. I will stand alongside you, continue fighting for your rights, and ensure your voice is heard. I will inform you as soon as updates are released. If there is anything I can do for you during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!
But the frustration doesn’t stop there.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen several advancements in AI — and it won’t stop anytime soon. I remember when I was a young boy, I would go to my dad’s firm, and all I could see were dozens of secretaries. They were constantly taking calls, leaving notes, and ensuring everything at the office was organized and in order. But today, technology has taken over most of these jobs. One computer or AI can take on the roles of several people — which is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. On the one hand, AI can help make processes more streamlined and save businesses money. But on the other hand, it can cause many people to lose their jobs — in both white-collar and blue- collar professions. It’s heartbreaking to hear stories from workers whose lives were upended when they heard they would be laid off because they were no longer needed. And according to ABC News, AI could replace 15% of workers worldwide between 2016 and 2030 — which is around 400 million people. Other reports suggest this percentage could rise to 30%. While it may take several years for this to happen, many people today have been replaced by AI — and some of them are my clients!
–Joel Thrift
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illnesses to become more likely. In all stages of the cooking process and behind-the-scenes prep work, cross-contamination can occur. While it might be difficult to see how your food is being prepared at a restaurant, some signs of cross- contamination that occur in the dining area include waiters and waitresses carrying plates by the rim instead of the bottom of the plate, hair dangling into the food, using glass to scoop ice, and forgetting to sanitize towels between each use. Unsanitary Restaurant Exterior and Interior As mentioned, restaurant guests typically aren’t invited back into the kitchen, but the dining room and exterior of the restaurant are on full display. Is there trash around the exterior that could potentially attract rats and pests? Are there cracks and crevices in the walls? Is there stagnant water, debris, or places for pests to hide? Are blinds and window sills dusty? Is there dirt, trash, or food particles on the floor? All of these signs may point to poor cleanliness in the kitchen. Employee Presentation You might never actually see the chef and the cooks on the line, but you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the rest of the staff. Are employees wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE)? Are they tidy, in proper uniform, wearing aprons, with their hair tied back appropriately? Are their hands free of debris, food, and dirt? As a general rule of thumb, employees should not be eating in dining and food preparation areas. If you ever catch your waiter sneaking a bite of a breadstick, this could also be a cause for concern. While it may be difficult to pinpoint whether or not a restaurant is lacking in the health code area, these are some great identifiers to keep an eye out for. They may even reveal whether or not the establishment and its protocols are up to snuff — so you can feel comfortable and confident indulging in a great meal there. Happy dining! Common Restaurant Health Code Violations That Doesn’t Look Quite Right
If you’re a foodie, then you may agree with other restaurant enthusiasts when they say that the top deterrent to dining at a particular food establishment is an adverse health inspection. When a restaurant is plagued with that on their record, images of rats, mold, filth, and grime may pop into your head — and then your appetite tanks. Restaurants must comply with a health code designed to ensure that their food is safe and customers don’t experience foodborne illnesses. When restaurants violate this code, they expose themselves to potential fines and sometimes forced closures. As a person who enjoys dining out, it’s important to be familiar with some of the most common health code violations. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for. Cross-Contamination Cross-contamination takes place when bacteria are transferred among different people, objects, and places, causing foodborne
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TAKE A BREAK
Change the Way You Save What to Expect From the SECURE 2.0 Act
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Get ready for more savings! Last year,
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the SECURE 2.0 Act added new provisions that may change how you
prepare for retirement. In order to
increase your savings come retirement, these changes aim to make
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com HOMEMADE DOLE WHIP
saving more manageable and enticing. They also lower the cost for employers
to offer savings plans within the company. Now, it’s more attractive for employers to offer savings plans for their employees, and employees will have better plan options to choose from! Here’s what you need to know! RMD Age Extended One of the most significant changes involves required minimum distributions (RMDs). The previous rules stated that retirees were required to make withdrawals from their retirement accounts when they turned 72 years old. Now, the RMD age is 73, providing you an extra year to save in your tax-free retirement accounts instead of taking those taxable distributions early. On Jan. 1, 2033, this threshold age will be raised again to 75. Penalties Cut in Half In the past, if you missed an RMD deadline, the penalty was 50% of the amount you should have taken. This penalty has been reduced to only 25% of the amount. If you fix your mistake within two years, the number could be reduced to 10%. Pre-Death Requirement Eliminated In 2024, the pre-death requirement for Roth 401(k) accounts will be removed. This means Roth IRA accounts are not subject to the RMD rules if the account holder passes away before the required distribution age. These changes to RMDs are just a few things the SECURE 2.0 Act has set in motion. To learn more about how to continue saving through your golden years, set up a strategy session with your trusted financial advisor!
The summer heat is on! And what better way to cool off after a long day in the sun than a refreshing bowl of Dole whip? This frozen treat has everything you need in a summer dessert: the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the creamy taste of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp lime juice • Pinch of sea salt
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice • 1 cup vanilla ice cream • 2 cups frozen pineapple
Directions
1. In a high-powered blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth, stopping to push the pineapple chunks down into the blender as needed. 2. Transfer to a bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. 3. Scoop and serve. Alternatively, transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe into small serving bowls. (This method will make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine.)
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404-618-4816 JoelThrift.com 2860 Piedmont Road NE, Ste. 115 Atlanta, GA 30308
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Is AI Taking Over the Job Market?
1
Watch Out for Restaurant Health Code Violations
2
Homemade Dole Whip More Ways to Save Are Coming!
3
A Wheely Good Time at the Drive-In
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A Poppin’ Night at the Drive-In The Best Seats in the House
Do you remember the days of packing up snacks, hopping in the car, and heading out for an evening under the stars at the drive-in? Every year on June 6, we celebrate Drive-In Movie Day. Although movie-going has seen some modifications over the last few decades, drive-in movie theaters are still around and continue to draw a crowd! If you’re interested in reliving some of your best memories and watching a movie at your local drive-in, here are some tips to make the most of the evening. Pack the snacks. Most drive-in theaters have maintained the look and feel of the retro movie experience, so you may need to bring your own munchies and refreshments. So, before you go, pop the popcorn and refrigerate your soda. If you’re bringing your kids or grandchildren, you may want to pack some extra M&M’s and gummy bears along with their favorite juice box! Pocket some cash. For drive-ins with a concession stand, be sure you have cash on hand, just in case they do not accept cards. Before your movie, you can always call ahead to get the scoop on whether or not they have a concession stand and the rules and options.
Dress appropriately. The temperatures can get a bit chilly depending on where you live, and the bugs may be on the loose! Long pants and sweatshirts are a great option to stay comfortable, warm, and protected from the bugs. Tote along some chairs. If you’re with a large group of people, or your car feels a bit cramped, take the party outside: Set up a viewing area with some foldable chairs right around your car. If you have a truck, you can back into the parking spot and put chairs in the truck bed, too! When you arrive prepared, the drive-in is a fun activity all ages and generations can appreciate. As always, ensure you get there early to enjoy the previews, too — many argue it’s the best part of the entire experience!
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