Ticket to Work

This strategic plan outlines the next five years, discusses goals and complements existing Alaska Works Initiative (AWI) activities to 1) address the major barriers that keep people with disabilities from working 2) enhance Alaska’s Medicaid programs and existing employment infrastructures to better meet the needs of working people with disabilities; and 3) imbed what has been learned through the AWI into a comprehensive employment system.

In February 2007, North Dakota Comprehensive Employment Systems produced a report that summarizes the current state of long-term care in North Dakota including funding sources, expenditures, and the potential outcomes of change is not initiated. The report goes on to cite recommendations for change.

The Minnesota Disability Linkage Line (DLL) produced a community report. The DLL is a statewide information clearinghouse, call center, and assistance network. The report to the community outlines the purpose of the DLL, how it works, consumer testimonials, and related statistics such as customer satisfaction ratings.

The Minnesota Department of Administration, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Brain Injury Association, and MIG program held a workshop that provided an overview of disability in Minnesota and its economic impact on the state. This flyer served as a “save the date” for the event. You can also review the agenda and registration as a sample.

The Minnesota MIG program, Pathways to Employment, created a PowerPoint presentation to serve as a primer on employment for individuals with disabilities. The primer covers the topic areas: work incentives and benefits counseling, workforce centers, vocational rehab services, and specialized services.

The Center for Health Policy and Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School produces a quarterly newsletter entitled “Disability Issues”. The newsletter, which has been published for 25 years, discusses current issues surrounding disabilities in Massachusetts and beyond. The newsletter includes articles, information briefs, Q&A’s and more.

The Massachusetts MIG, CommonHealth, created an informational brochure describing how the program works and resources for individuals with disabilities living in Massachusetts who want to work and still receive their Medicaid benefits. The brochure also includes a survey requesting the reader’s thoughts on the usefulness of the brochure itself.

With the passage of Chapter 570, H.P. 1351-L.D. 1910: “An Act to Create Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities” by the Maine State Legislature in 2006, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor presented a report that identified resources, successes, and challenges in building supports that aid to increase employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Maine MIG program, MaineCare, created an informational brochure describing the how the program works, who qualifies, and other resources for individuals with disabilities living in Maine who want to work and still receive their Medicaid benefits.

The State of Maine’s Commission on Disability and Employment, Department of Labor, and Department of Economic and Community Development issued a report to the State legislature that identifies marketing campaign strategies that will increase awareness and promote employment of individuals with disabilities living in Maine. The report identifies the need for the campaign, strategies for development, and the estimated cost.