Wages and Benefits

How are states getting the word out about the latest changes to their MIG programs as they continue to grow and evolve? Nevada posts new information in their “What's New” column on the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services website. Listing the most up to date information in this manner provides a useful way of keeping visitors as up-to-date as possible about their program and provides good incentive for return visits. It is an approach that could be beneficial to other states.

How is benefits planning & assistance being incorporated into Nevada's Disability Employment Education Project? To fight the fear of losing benefits, which prevents many individuals with disabilities from seeking work or returning to work, Nevada created a benefits planning and assistance program. A sample of the marketing material, which includes services offered, eligibility and contact information, is attached. It could be a useful sample for other MIG states.

Are states providing people with disabilities the necessary tools to reach their career goals? As part of their Disability Employment Education Project, Nevada created an Employment Education Fair, designed to develop skills and knowledge on how to be competitive in the job market. Samples of marketing material, an evaluation form and a press release about the EmployAbility 2009 Education Fair are attached, and could be used as templates by other MIG states.

More than two dozen proven examples of direct-care worker retention strategies are outlined in this report. The report includes key research findings in the literature that show which factors lead to an increase in retention, as well as key successful strategies and programs, including many tools, resources and contacts.

As part of their Disability Employment Education Project, Nevada created a career exploration fair for youth with disabilities age 14-22. It gives students the opportunity to visit with representatives from a wide range of industries, learning first-hand about the necessary skills and educational requirements related to careers of interest. An invitation for schools, as well as an evaluation form for attendees is attached, which could be useful to other states.

How is Nevada using an online newsletter to keep consumers and service providers updated on all things pertaining to their MIG grant Program? EmployAbility is a monthly e-newsletter which covers programs, policies, resources and events related to the Nevada Disability Employment Education Project. Event announcements often include registration forms needed. Samples are included which might be useful to other states.

Find a sample Member's Guides to a MIG program. The state of Louisiana created the attached reference guide to help consumers understand the Medicaid Purchase Plan, its benefits and services. Some of the topics included are eligibility, Medicaid rights, responsibilities to Medicaid, covered services and helpful contacts. This can serve as an example that could be useful to other states interested in providing similar information to consumers.

How are personal success stories being used by MIG grantees to educate consumers about their programs? The Quality Employment Solutions® newsletter is published by Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Department of Education, to provide information for Nebraskans working with people who have disabilities. It includes information about the program and resources, but focuses on personal success stories. It's an approach that could be useful to other MIG grantees.

What is the state of Michigan doing to train consumers and supports coordinators about supported self employment? Michigan is holding training workshops. Two marketing pieces for these workshops are attached. One is targeted towards individuals looking for a job, and one for individuals interested in self-employment. The training is also relevant to employment, vocational staff, and supports coordinators.

How is Maryland marketing its Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program, which offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid) coverage to Marylanders with disabilities who work for pay? Attached are samples of the many marketing materials for this program, including a reminder card, article and posters. Informing consumers about this option is vital to a successful program and Maryland’s approach could be useful to other MIG grantees wishing to do the same.