CONWAY - The Arkansas Educational Television Network examines employment possibilities for the disabled in "Working with Disabilities," airing Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. While many individuals with disabilities have successful careers, others are afraid of losing their safety net of benefits, especially health coverage. This program will feature a panel of experts and individuals discussing changes in federal laws that allow persons with disabilities to work and have Medicare or Medicaid.

   The program will also highlight several Arkansans with disabilities who are successfully employed and show how working has improved their lives. Among those featured are: Dorothy Vaughn of Highland, a woman with quadriplegia who works as a Wal-Mart greeter; Jared Johnson of Sherwood, a Social Security manager and the coach and a starting player for the Rolling Razorbacks wheelchair basketball team; and Franklin McMurrian of Little Rock, who has quadriplegia and works as a  customer service specialist for Acxiom.

   Panelists include: Diane Kidwell, director of regional development, Heart of Arkansas United Way; Josh Kidwell, general laborer; Sarah J. Mallett, community work incentive coordinator, Project A-WIN (Arkansas Work Incentives); Rich Royal, executive director, Sources for Community Independent Living Services; Lori Gentry, case manager, White River Area Agency on Aging; Scott Holladay, project director, EmployAbility Project, Division of Aging & Adult Services; Taffy Haulmark, wholesale store manager; and Reginald Henderson, minister. The panel will tackle myths such as the discontinuation of benefits due to earnings or the Social Security Agency learning of employment and the belief that one must quit working to receive benefits or be single and poor to qualify for Medicaid.

   Other topics to be addressed include the Employment Sources Hotline, services available to help the disabled go to work and employer acceptance. Donna Terrell of KLRT Fox 16 will host. The program is underwritten by a grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Now celebrating 40 years of service to the state, the Arkansas Educational Television Network (www.aetn.org) provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans' lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming. AETN's five transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.