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From 'rock bottom,' lab tech thanks NYSUT for support
May 12, 2005 Alan Lubin of NYSUT, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michelle DePaola. Physically unable to work and financially destitute, Michelle DePaola thought she hit rock bottom early this year when she was forced to apply for permanent disability with the Social Security Administration. Then she thought rock bottom was three months ago "when Social Security denied my claim and told me I am not yet sick enough to get any help," said DePaola, a lab technician unable to work since her lungs were damaged by toxic fumes in December 2003 at New York University 's College of Dentistry Anatomy Lab. Her savings ran out months ago as NYU has denied all her workers compensation claims and even appealed an award of back pay and a $175 weekly allowance. She had to give up her apartment, move back with her parents and depend on others for help. Now, 17 months after she breathed in formaldehyde fumes at seven times the rate considered safe, her poverty could become worse. "My health insurance is about to expire but if I could be classified as permanently disabled by Social Security, I would become eligible for Medicare, which would help immensely with the extreme financial hardship facing my family," said DePaola, an associate member of New York State United Teachers and former member of the Union of Clerical, Administrative and Technical Staff at NYU. "I think I'm at rock bottom," DePaola said. "My last hope is that a Social Security appeals panel will listen to my case." NYSUT is working on her behalf to help overturn Social Security's denial of disability payments. Union leaders brought DePaola's situation to the attention of U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who promised to look into it. DePaola got to meet Clinton when she attended the 33rd annual Representative Assembly in New York City in early April. Noting DePaola's plight, NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi introduced her at the pre-RA Local Presidents' Conference. A Brooklyn resident, DePaola came to the convention to meet union officers and staff who have been helping her — including staffers from New York Teacher, which has extensively covered her struggle — as well as NYSUT's Social Services Program, which has helped her cope with the financial burdens of her situation. "I can't say enough times what it means to have help in times like this," DePaola said. "I used to be too proud to ask for help. I used to totally take care of myself. Now I depend on others for everything." — Betsy Sandberg |
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