Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

Are you looking to develop resources for a Veteran-directed HCBS program? Find materials developed for Southern Maine’s program, including a marketing brochure, a detailed guidebook defining concepts such as self-direction and financial services, forms and instructions for emergency backup, safety and prevention strategies, care plan development and budget worksheets, and detailed information and forms to help veterans in their role as an employer.

Looking for an organization that provides training and resources for self-advocates? This network’s goal is to prepare self-advocates for leadership roles in guiding developmental disabilities systems change in ways that promote self-determination, community integration and participant-driven supports. The organization developed “My Voice, My Choice,” a curriculum described in detail on the website, which also includes toolkits, training opportunities and more.

Looking for a reference guide for recruiting, hiring, & retaining employees with disabilities? This is a quick reference guide geared towards employers outlining the advantages of hiring people with disabilities, along with four simple steps towards increasing their inclusiveness in the workforce. With numerous resources and Web links, this is a helpful tool for organizations looking to benefit from the talents of qualified individuals with disabilities.

How are state MIG programs reaching out to the business community? The state of Indiana created a training curriculum to help promote the hiring of people with disabilities. The attached samples include business outreach models currently offered by companies, the LOWE’S “Building A New Future” project, disability awareness training for Walgreens, business development of rural providers, a form template for worksite analysis, and coaching and natural support ideas training.

Did you miss the disability forum which provided an overview of the Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment? You can access a live recording of presentations where the rationale for DMIE, a review of its core goals, and descriptions of four states’ implementations of the program were presented. Findings and implications for disability policy are discussed as well.

How is Nevada helping to create a community of special needs families who are connected and informed about the state's legislation, programs and events? Through a monthly newsletter called “Connections,” the state is able to announce events, list resources, tell personal stories, and outline state programs and policies. The newsletter is in both English and Spanish and could be a useful template for other MIG states.

How much do MIG states know about the prevalence of disabilities within their state? Rhode Island and the University of RI, College of Pharmacy produced a data-driven fact book addressing this. An excerpt of this fact book is attached below and could be helpful to other MIG grantees.

Policy makers desire a uniform assessment tool that works well for adults of all ages, but disability assessment can only be as uniform as the underlying measurement is. If ADL or IADL/ADL measures are biased by age, their use with adults of different ages could be misleading. Findings of this study indicate that as demand for community services increases among adults of all ages, an expanded IADL/ADL measure is more useful than ADL.

Twelve voices define self determination and the challenges it faces with current attitudes and policies toward individuals with disabilities who want to take charge of their own lives. View five segments of the 16 minute video, view the complete video, or contact the Council for your own DVD copy.

Are first responders equipped to help people with disabilities? The state of Wyoming wants to make sure theirs are. When responding to an emergency, first responders may encounter persons with some type of disability who will require assistance. The attached handout was given to them to help inform them about different disabilities and how to address them appropriately and effectively during an emergency.