Janice Jackson
“As she recovered and regained her strength, she revolved to give that strength to others in need.”
Janice Jackson began living with paralysis in 1984 after being hit by a car. Janice is an active part of her community personally and professionally as a professor and the founder of the empowering nonprofit Women Embracing Abilities Now.
She was recognized by President Barack Obama with the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal.
On December 6, Janice turned 65 – and a birthday that should have been a celebration of her independence and impact since her injury has instead become a threat.
“65 should have been a wonderful milestone for me. In the back of my mind, all I could think of is how my life would change and that the possibility of a nursing home is real.”
Janice relies on a state program that allows individuals with disabilities with intensive medical needs to supplement their other benefits without fear of exceeding Medicaid income restrictions. However, the program cuts off at age 65.
Despite Janice’s advocacy efforts in conjunction with her nonprofit, legislators once again claimed they needed more research on how serving individuals over 65 would make a “fiscal and operational impact.”
She is stuck advocating for change and waiting for the shoe to drop, at the mercy of a system that may not consider her deserving of assistance past her 65th birthday.
Janice was referred to Help Hope Live by client Ambassador and advocate Josh Basile, Esq. He puts the reality of her situation simply:
“Let her contribute, let her pay taxes, let her work, let her be part of society. She deserves better. People deserve better.”
We’re grateful to the WBAL-TV team for multi-decade coverage of Janice’s life after injury, including her current advocacy battle to meet her basic needs.
“I’m doing this interview hoping that no one else has to go through what I’m dealing with now.”
