Information and Referral

Review the results of a survey of the nationwide network of Area Agencies on Aging on their knowledge and opinions about senior transportation. The report provides baseline information about AAAs’ involvement in transportation advocacy, planning and service delivery, as well as information about the availability of senior transportation nationwide. The document is the first in a series of reports to be developed focusing on current challenges and new developments that impact senior mobility.

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.

The Maryland Department of Disabilities hosted an intensive workshop focused on employment resources and services, and job-seeking sessions about cover letters, resumes, job applications, interviewing and benefits counseling. At this workshop they conducted a survey of participants in order to rate the event and assess improvements. A sample of the questions and results are attached, which could serve as a template for other states looking into assessing their employment programs and events.

How are states using online resources to educate consumers about their choices? The state of Utah developed a resource site for the following areas: Employment, Benefits, Education and Training, Housing, Transportation, Finances and Money Management, Legal and Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Healthy Living. A link to the site is available and could serve as an example to other MIG states.

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.

Providers play a key role in the success of MIG grant programs. Their understanding of how the MIG grant works and who to contact is essential in keeping services running efficiently. Florida provided training information to its providers, explaining MIG values, functions and important resources. The attached presentation is part of this training and could be helpful to other states with MIG grants.

How can we dispel myths and create opportunities for the employment of the disabled? Oregon’s Work Incentives Network (WIN) addresses this issue in the attached presentation. Given at the 6th Annual Pacific Northwest Brain Injury Conference, as well as statewide training events for stakeholders, this presentation explains how WIN works, myths that exist about benefits and working and how to access services. While WIN is specific to Oregon, the approaches it takes could be useful to other states.

Is telecommuting a viable option for the disabled? The state of Vermont sent its’ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors a self assessment asking just that, as well as a document outlying the risks of direct selling and multi-level marketing. The information in these documents provide counselors with a tool to help disabled workers find and retain work, and provide a general outline of information, including links to national online resources, which could be useful to any state.

This is a presentation, from the 2007 Government & Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Workshop. An overview of the Consumer Direction Module, a web-based software application for supporting the delivery of self-directed services, is provided here. The CDM is designed to make communication among the program participant, support broker, Fiscal/Employer Agent and state administrator simple and efficient; permit ongoing, timely, and efficient monitoring; and enhance the delivery of self-directed services.

A presentation that outlines the goals of Pennsylvania's Cash & Counseling project. A presentation and handout on Frequently Asked Questions specific for this state are also provided.