Grantee produced

How successful is Washington State's MIG program? A study found that Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) program participants were more likely to be employed, had higher earnings and more stable Medicaid coverage, and relied less on the Basic Food program in the year following enrollment than very similar people covered by conventional Medicaid. For more details, read the attached MBI Evaluation Report, which could also be helpful to other states with MIG grants.

Are first responders equipped to help people with disabilities? The state of Wyoming wants to make sure theirs are. When responding to an emergency, first responders may encounter persons with some type of disability who will require assistance. The attached handout was given to them to help inform them about different disabilities and how to address them appropriately and effectively during an emergency.

Why is California preparing its disabled children for their transition to teen-hood? By engaging these children early, California hopes to get these kids involved in their own health care and future employment opportunities. The end goal is a transition to adulthood that is successful, fulfilling and without limitations. The attached health care booklet contains advice, tips and more for kids preparing to take charge of their own future, and includes advice for their parents.

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 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.

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.

View two screening tools developed for Rhode Island’s PersonalChoice program. The PersonalChoice Participant Self-Assessment is designed to assess whether the applicant possesses the ability to self-Direct and manage his or her own care. The representative screen details requirements for the role and includes screening questions. These forms can serve as templates for other states developing similar participant-directed initiatives.

These forms were developed for the Personal Preference program which began as part of a national research and demonstration project whose goal was to find new ways for individuals to receive Medicaid Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services. This form was used to assess the participant’s level of functioning and potential risk reduction factors. Scaling includes questions about living arrangements, medications, communication and mobility.

View two forms developed for Rhode Island’s PersonalChoice program. One lists the participant’s rights and responsibilities, and the other is a designation form authorizing a representative to serve the participant. These forms can serve as templates for other states developing similar participant-directed initiatives.