Ticket to Work

Are states providing people with disabilities the necessary tools to reach their career goals? As part of their Disability Employment Education Project, Nevada created an Employment Education Fair, designed to develop skills and knowledge on how to be competitive in the job market. Samples of marketing material, an evaluation form and a press release about the EmployAbility 2009 Education Fair are attached, and could be used as templates by other MIG states.

How is Nevada using an online newsletter to keep consumers and service providers updated on all things pertaining to their MIG grant Program? EmployAbility is a monthly e-newsletter which covers programs, policies, resources and events related to the Nevada Disability Employment Education Project. Event announcements often include registration forms needed. Samples are included which might be useful to other states.

Find a sample Member's Guides to a MIG program. The state of Louisiana created the attached reference guide to help consumers understand the Medicaid Purchase Plan, its benefits and services. Some of the topics included are eligibility, Medicaid rights, responsibilities to Medicaid, covered services and helpful contacts. This can serve as an example that could be useful to other states interested in providing similar information to consumers.

How are states educating and marketing to consumers about work incentive programs for people with disabilities? Through a series of informational documents, Louisiana summarizes Disability Benefits & Work, Finding a Job, Knowing your Rights, Support, Taxes, Ticket to Work, and Transition after High School programs. Samples of these documents are attached and could be useful templates for other states interested in similar projects and marketing approaches.

How are personal success stories being used by MIG grantees to educate consumers about their programs? The Quality Employment Solutions® newsletter is published by Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Department of Education, to provide information for Nebraskans working with people who have disabilities. It includes information about the program and resources, but focuses on personal success stories. It's an approach that could be useful to other MIG grantees.

Looking for a sample of a MIG pilot program annual report? The State of Nebraska created the attached Ticket to Work Palliative Care Pilot Program Annual Report for 2008-2009, which explains the program, funding, outreach, data, participant stories and more. It is a comprehensive sample that could serve as a template for other MIG states.

How is Maryland marketing its Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program, which offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid) coverage to Marylanders with disabilities who work for pay? Attached are samples of the many marketing materials for this program, including a reminder card, article and posters. Informing consumers about this option is vital to a successful program and Maryland’s approach could be useful to other MIG grantees wishing to do the same.

What are some of the ways states are explaining work incentives to consumers? North Dakota created a two page document with concise explanations of each program, along with applicable resources and contact information. Topics include the Ticket to Work Program, Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), and Medicare While Working–Section 1619(b). This easy-to-use reference could be helpful for other MIG states looking for simple and effective ways to disseminate information about their programs.

Keeping everyone informed about MIG grant program policies and developments is important in keeping the programs running effectively. North Dakota created a monthly newsletter to do just this. Whether its answering frequently asked questions or listing upcoming events, ND’s Benefits Planning Network newsletter is a helpful and timely communications tool. Attached are three samples of the Newsletters, which could serve as a good example to other states planning their own.

How are states getting the facts out to consumers about their MIG program? South Dakota is providing readers with information about SSA Work Incentives, Taxes, Medicaid Buy In, Self Employment, Asset Development, Looking for a Job, Knowing Your Rights, and the Ticket To Work Program through fact sheets that outline the program and resources. Samples are attached and could serve as a guide to other MIG grantees.