Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG)

How are states addressing the needs of travelers with disabilities? The Wyoming Institute for Disabilities conducted a survey of lodging facilities and restaurants throughout Wyoming. The goal was to assess the accommodations available to travelers with disabilities, develop a profile of general availability, and create a distributable, print-ready guidebook. The final report, including the survey and guidebook, is provided and could be useful to other MIG grantees.

West Virginia created a handbook to prepare students and their parents for transition through school and into life. Some transition options are outlined for employment, independent living and post secondary education. A transition checklist for students is included. A sample handbook is provided, which could be useful to other MIG grantees interested in marketing the transition programs.

How is California using online training to help instruct interested people about work incentives? Through webinars, the CHIIP staff are able to train people located anywhere in California. Find archived webinars on the "Talent has No Limits" Website. Corresponding PowerPoint presentations for the “Work Incentive Programs and Building Financial Assets for People with Disabilities” and the “250% Working Disabled Program and Options” webinars are also included.

How are states getting the word out about Work Incentives for Social Security Disability Benefits? In California, a free job fair for people with Disabilities, called Jobtoberfest is held annually. In 2009 a presentation was given with an overview of the work incentives for social security disability benefits. The presentation is attached, and could be helpful to other states interested in recruiting people with disabilities into their MIG programs.

What types of agency collaborations can benefit youth and those transitioning from school to work? The attached presentation has California asking this question as part of a multi-agency collaborative effort working to remove barriers to employment and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities. Focusing on The CHIIP program and efforts geared to empowering youth, this presentation was given at the CAPED Conference Workshop and could be helpful to other MIG grantees.

How can organizations evaluate their youth oriented programs? One way California is doing this is through surveys given to attendees of the Youth Organizing Disabled and Proud Seminar. Attached are sample letters, surveys and permission forms needed to survey attendees. See also, "Disability History Campaign-Presentation and Resources" for more information about the seminar and "Disability History Week-Activities" for sample training activities.

How is California empowering their youth with disabilities? One way is through the Youth Organizing Disabled and Proud Seminar which connects youth with disabilities to each other, organizations, resources and opportunities. The attached activities and their corresponding samples are from the Seminar. Review "Disability History Campaign-Presentation and Resources" and "Disability History Week-Surveys" for more information and surveys and permission samples from this seminar.

How are states addressing MIG benefits planning? The Hawaii Benefits Information Network hosted a ceremony for Benefits Planning Certificate Training graduates and officially launched the Hawaii Benefits Information Network. The continuing education slides for this program are attached below, as well as a sample Certificate which shows certification in Hawaii Benefits Planning Certificate Training and could serve as an example for other states.

Increasing integrated employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin’s managed long-term care system is the topic of this grantee presentation. It discusses two major systems change initiatives, i.e., the statewide expansion of the “Family Care” managed long-term care program and the “Pathways to Independence” Medicaid Infrastructure Grant initiative.

How is Hawaii supporting its disabled population and its art community at the same time? Hawaii’s MIG sponsored VSA arts program promotes inclusive educational and professional arts and creative industry pathway opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities, and youth and adults who are otherwise disadvantaged or at risk. The attached presentations and document showcase the program, artists' event successes, and the Arts @ Work for Teens Program.