Grantee produced

The purpose of this study was to identify how DHS can use Medicaid and other resources more broadly and effectively to meet the family support and respite needs of Oregon families of children with developmental disabilities. Assess what SPD might do to improve its response to families through Family Support systems. This final report documents the activities, findings and recommendations associated with the study.

The information included in this booklet is a starting point in educating and informing caregivers of children with disabilities about their rights and creating early expectations and models for self-determination. Also listed are a number of non-profit, cross-disability organizations offering emotional support and a wealth of information on how to get the services you need for your child in Arkansas. This user-friendly guide also includes a dictionary plus a glossary called Alphabet Soup.

The Alaska MIG grant has developed three fact sheets about the Americans with Disabilities Act. The first sheet explains the ADA, offers definitions, major provisions, and enforcement information. A second page explains general misconceptions about the law. The third sheet explains how the ADA covers employment issues.

What is Supported Employment? The following presentations, brochures and manuals explain the ways that supported employment helps consumers find and maintain meaningful jobs in the community. The Alaska MIG grantees have shared two presentations and brochure on the principles of supported employment. The manual is designed as a guide for employment specialist.

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Division of Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD) contracted with HSRI to assist in improving the processes for assuring quality in SPD in-home waiver services. Drawing from HSRI's experience in quality assurance, SPD identified a number of states which have been particularly successful in conducting consumer surveys. At the same time, the project team explored in greater detail what was currently happening in Oregon around consumer surveys.

The Nebraska MIG program, in partnership with HHS, Easter Seals of Nebraska, and the Social Security Administration, held a training for the Medicaid Insurance for People with Disabilities program. The training included the following materials: flowcharts, research results, and PowerPoint presentations.

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.