Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG)

How is Utah involving employers and educators in vocational rehabilitation? This pilot is meant to establish a relationship between business and education, providing skill training in resume writing, interviewing, applications, job shadowing and job sampling. This presentation is part of this effort and could be useful to other MIG states wishing to do the same.

Assessing customer satisfaction, awareness and interest in VR services among the broader business community is important when determining the success of a MIG program. Vermont’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation conducted an employer survey to address these questions. The draft of the report, and a PowerPoint presentation outlining the results of the survey are provided and could be helpful to other MIG states looking into accessing their programs.

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.

What are the long term effects of MIG programs on wages? The state of Virginia evaluated the long-term impact of Vocational Rehabilitative (VR) services on employment, earnings and services provisions. Preliminary findings indicate that VR services have a substantial positive impact on future employment probabilities but very little impact on wages. A sample of this data-filled report is attached, and could be helpful to other states conducting similar studies.

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.

Transportation moves people to healthcare, education and training, work, recreation, and to worship. It helps people with disabilities join their communities in work and economic activities. Ride in 55 is West Virginia's MIG grant funded program designed to maximize transportation opportunities for residents in all 55 counties and to encourage the best use of transportation resources. A link to the website is provided, and the site could serve as a template for similar programs in other states.

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.