Wages and Benefits

How can states make the employment of people with disabilities easier and more desirable to local business? As part of their MIG grant, Vermont has created Creative Workforce Solutions, a website designed to give employers information and support on hiring individuals with disabilities. Designed with the look and feel of a more standard employment site rather than that of a government program, it provides many useful resources and information to employers, including consulting services.

Vermont's GCEPD program uses its bi-monthly newsletter, "Abilities", to provide stories, information, and resources about the employment of individuals with disabilities. Each issue focuses on a particular disability-related topic and usually highlights a successful employment scenario. An archive of these issues is available and could serve as an example to other MIG states.

Understanding the myriad of rules governing SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare & related work incentives for people with disabilities is essential in creating successful MIG programs. One tool the state of Virginia is using is a true/false test given to trainees at the beginning, and again at the end of a two day training session. A sample of the test is attached, along with the training agenda and table of contents for the manual used in the training.

Where can I find employment resources, both nationally and locally? West Virginia's seeks to answer just that with a 50 page handbook full of programs and a description of resources. With an introduction covering the Americans with Disabilities Act, the handbook goes on to cover federal programs, programs specific to West Virginia, online resources, national organizations, self-employment and small business, and more. A sample copy is available below and could be helpful to other MIG grantees.

Facilitating user accessibility on a website can turn it into a vital and frequently accessed tool. As part of West Virginia's MIG grant, two databases were added to the Center for Excellence in Disabilities website, a searchable statewide transportation provider directory and statewide employment provider directory. This system displays easily updatable resources to those looking for employment and transportation information. The links to these databases are provided.

Knowledge is key to making work incentive programs successful. With this in mind, the state of Washington created training curricula for those completing WIPA or the state sponsored Ben Plan Academy. The attached presentations outline, in detail, state specific Medicaid work incentives, and include links to additional resources. This training material could be helpful to other states looking for an effective training approach, or sample training materials.

Why is understanding benefits and work incentives important? In the attached presentation, Washington outlines its benefit and work incentive Tier II training. Highlighting the significance of what their MIG program has to offer, and how this can improve employment and economic outcomes, this presentation could serve as a guide to those interested in Washington’s MIG program, as well as an example to other states.

What role can community colleges play in supporting initiatives to improve the quality of in-home care? The Caregiving Training Institute was created to support a wide range of training programs at Community Colleges. This brief provides an overview of the trend toward in-home services, highlights the importance of well-trained caregivers, and discusses the unique role community colleges can play in this arena.

How is Wyoming marketing their Medicaid Buy-In Program? The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program is Wyoming’s MIG program. To effectively market the program, the attached brochure outlines the program, qualifications, benefits, eligibility and cost to the individual. This example could be useful to other states seeking to start a MIG program as well.

What is California offering its Spanish speaking population in terms of marketing material for its MIG programs? A Spanish "Talent Knows No Limits" Program Brochure outlines the program and resources in both Spanish and English. This sample could be helpful to other MIG grantees marketing to their Hispanic population.