Recruitment and Retention

The percentage of individuals with disabilities in the federal government has not increased since 1994, according to this report. Read highlights of a forum where participants, by prioritizing practices offered by subject matter experts, identified eight steps that agencies could take to help the federal government become a model employer for people with disabilities.

How are states educating Disability Services providers and other project stakeholders on their MIG plans? Attached are two diagrams of the components and status of MIG projects and activities used in the District of Columbia during planning meetings. These graphic descriptions may be replicable by other states looking to present similar information.

How can we raise awareness that hiring individuals with disabilities makes good business sense? The mission of the DC Metro Business Leadership Network is to engage and inform regional businesses about the benefits of and resources available for active employment outreach to qualified individuals with disabilities. Attached are outreach materials created by this network.

How is California disseminating information to its disabled college students and newly graduated college students about work incentives and who to connect to in the community to obtain assistance? The California Ambassadors Program hires and trains disabled college students to provide outreach and education for fellow disabled peers. Attached, find a multitude of resources, presentations, and trainings put out by the state of California regarding this important program.

This program was established so workers with disabilities and earned income under 250% of the Federal Poverty Level could keep coverage by paying a monthly premium. It provides choice and opportunity to Californians with disabilities who would otherwise be ineligible for full scope Medi-Cal coverage due to earned income and work activity. Included are presentations and resources intended to educate consumers on this and other MIG programs.

How is the state of California teaching its consumers with disabilities about ways of working and maintaining health benefits? Through a slide presentation, Facebook update, video update, and newsletter, California reaches out with information and resources on career planning, job training, job hunting and workplace support for job seekers. Attached are replicable MIG program materials for states seeking ways to provide similar information.

Service definitions that focus on employment outcomes are an important component in communicating expectations and building system capacity to increase opportunities for people receiving HCBS services to participate in the general workforce. This document contains the State Employment Leadership Network’s recommendations to CMS on service definitions and related issues that reflect current practice in reinforcing a strong focus on integrated employment.

Looking for samples of MIG program evaluations? The state of Connecticut created the attached evaluation reports for their Connect-Ability Program. These samples contain program details and the needs, experiences, and satisfaction of individuals who received services. Also included are the procedures and outcomes of nine strategic plans implemented by Local Level Pilot programs. These reports could be helpful for states interesting in evaluating similar initiatives.

Alaska's Supported Employment Task Force has created a Strategic Action Plan for increasing the number of people with developmental disabilities receiving supported employment services and how to most effectively shape protocol to assist employees and employers. Attached are a proposed funding matrix and a strategic action plan for employment services for individuals with behavioral health disabilities. These sample documents may be useful for other states implementing similar programs.

The term Personal Assistance Services (PAS) refers to help provided to people with disabilities to assist them with tasks essential for daily living. Review a seminar developed by the State of Alabama Medicaid Infrastructure Grant designed to educate users on the usage of PAS in the workplace: how the Americans with Disability Act protects it as being a reasonable accommodation, how to combine it with assistive technology, how to secure funding, and more.