Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG)

Promoting work incentives for the disabled is one way that Utah is using it's MIG grant to expand it's employment possibilities for its disabled population. They did so through a variety of programs, including Utah Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (WIPA / BPAO) and Employment Personal Assistance Services (E-PAS). A detailed list of Utah's various work incentives, with helpful program information could be useful to other states and is available for download here.

As part of its MIG grant, New Hampshire has been working to address issues affecting the employment of people with disabilities. One way this was done was by creating questionnaires for organizations to fill out themselves as well as to give employers. Two examples of these are provided, one to assess how employment-focused an organization is, and one to assess the needs of businesses and employers. These forms can be used as templates for organizations in other states.

Looking for an example of a business model that incorporates the recruitment, employment and training of those with disabilities? First Course is an intensive culinary training program in Keene, New Hampshire. Their curriculum is designed to provide individuals with a solid foundation in the food service and hospitality industry. A link to their website, a list of food service jobs and tasks, along with the Professional Development Plan and Student Performance Log forms, are provided here.

How has New Hampshire used its MIG funds to support the career goals of individuals with disabilities? One approach was to develop training tools for job developers and administrative staff who are interested in hiring, training and supporting employees with disabilities. The following examples include a survey, staff certification information and a brochure for a series of workshops. These are available here for other states who have, or are interested in implementing similar programs.

Since 2001 the State of New Hampshire has utilized MIG funds to improve its infrastructure for providing employment supports to its citizens with disabilities. Through this grant, New Hampshire has built a comprehensive strategic plan to address systemic barriers to creating a lasting transformation of its service system. The Granite State Employment Project(GSEP) and its subsequent evaluations, could serve as a valuable resource for other states. Both are available for download here.

How is Nevada using its’ MIG grant to get the word out about Disability Employment Issues? One way, is by holding events to celebrate Disability Awareness Month. During October, Nevada held a Disability Employment/Education Fair for local businesses & community agencies. The marketing materials for this fair, available here, include announcements, flyers, a sample invitation and "Ability Link," the Nevada Business Leadership Network newsletter with the months’ highlighted events.

What is the Montana MIG grant doing to employ Native Americans with disabilities? Here, two examples are provided in Montana's Native American Conference Brochure and American Indians with Disabilities Survey of Barriers to Employment. These could serve as examples to other states, also looking to reach specific populations.

How can employers attract and retain employees with disabilities? This and other issues having to do with disabled workers are addressed in a brochure sent to Montana employers. This tool includes a self assessment questioner about workplace disability practices, a letter from the governor, a myths and facts section, and resources for more information. While this is meant for Montana residents, this could serve as a template for other states interested in employing more people with disabilities.

This 15-page slide presentation, summarizes the need for the Medicaid Buy-In Program in Hawaii, called “Hire Abilities”. This presentation outlines the program’s goals, recent successes, need for the MIG option, enrollment, cost and more. It also looks at the national MIG picture and could be a helpful resource for other states.

Hawaii’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant held a benefits planning workshop in 2008 to inform the community about ways for disability beneficiaries to return to work. Case managers, consumers and benefits planners were invited to attend. At the conclusion, they were asked to rate their satisfaction with the overall workshop and with each session. The agenda and satisfaction results are presented here. It’s data that could prove helpful to any state interested in planning successful workshops.