Physical Disabilities

This summary captures the results of a total of nine community forum events held to gather information on how employment services for people with disabilities in Michigan are perceived by individuals in three categories: consumers, agency professionals, and business leaders. The purpose of the community forums was to gather information on how employment services for people with disabilities are regarded. The information gathered may be helpful for states providing similar services.

How is Massachusetts educating young people with disabilities and their families on employment and disability benefits? Work Without Limits created "Going To Work," a booklet designed to educate this population on issues involving employment, Social Security disability, and health benefit programs. Individuals, employers and providers can visit the Work Without Limits website to find additional resources and information.

How can employers attract and retain employees with disabilities? Attached are several examples of how the state of Massachusetts has created outreach materials designed to educate employers on many important topics involving hiring and retaining workers with disabilities. Some topics covered: Business Case for including People with Disabilities in the Workplace, Federal Tax Cuts and Becoming an Employer of Choice.

How is Maine working to increase opportunities for communication and networking regarding employment for those with disabilities? One way is by posting sponsored events online. The videos attached feature short clips from a breakfast series hosted by the CHOICES CEO Project. The sponsored networking breakfasts are for businesses and organizations that provide employment services to people with disabilities.

"Working Together" is a group of Maine businesses and organizations helping Maine employers capitalize on an untapped source of employees: individuals with disabilities. Attached, find several examples of their outreach materials, including newsletters and a magazine advertisement.

How is Kansas engaging the disabled community? The Kansas Medicaid Infrastructure Grant and the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities created a summit in order to provide information on the services available in the state that aim to establish integrated competitive employment as the first priority for Kansans with disabilities. Review full agenda and complete list of handouts and presentations can be reviewed.

How does Kansas provide education about its Medicaid Buy-In program, "Working Healthy", to its disabled population? Attached are two work products created by the state in order to do so. Find a brochure, newsletter, and policy brief which include relevant data, important historical information, as well as the perspectives of MIG participants.

Included in this new survey is data on residential care facilities and the characteristics of the people they serve. As such, the survey will supply providers, consumers, government agencies, and policymakers with data to plan for the long-term care of the United States population.

Persons who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid account for a disproportionate share of expenditures under both programs and receive services that are fragmented and inefficient. Learn about how state contracts with Medicare Special Needs Plans can be used to achieve Medicaid policy goals and advance care integration for dually eligible beneficiaries.

How is Indiana reaching out to its consumers, agencies, and leaders about MIG information? Attached are three examples of how the state both provides education and works to improve on MIG programs and initiatives. Find a survey directed towards MIG consumers, a policy and procedure document designed for employers working with individuals with disabilities, and a strategic planning document for MIG subgroup leaders.