All States/Territories

The Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for title II (State & local government services) and title III (public accommodations & commercial facilities) in the Federal Register. These requirements clarify and refine issues that have arisen over the past 20 years and contain new and updated requirements, including the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. The effective date of two revised rules is March 15, 2011.

Use these attached outreach materials to learn more about QSPAND, a network of quality service providers working to improve their abilities to provide client-centered services in the least restrictive environment possible. Members act as peer supporters as well as advocates for critical issues and policy changes through educating legislators and policymakers. Please access QSPAND's website, as well as newsletters and a brochure for more information.

Here are two examples of quarterly eNewsletters put out by the North Dakota Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. The state uses the newsletters to keep readers up to date on important and relevant information such as policy changes, recent research findings, upcoming events, and more. Use the attachments to learn more about how the state educates consumers.

As of September 2010, Benefits Enrollment Centers have submitted over 125,000 applications for a variety of public benefits including the Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), the Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - formerly known as Food Stamps), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, among others. To learn more about these efforts, outcomes, and lessons learned please see the attached report.

Find examples of outreach as well as strategic planning created by New Hampshire's MIG program, the Granite State Employment Project. Attached is an overview of the state's plan on operationalizing a statewide employment data system as well as two examples of outreach materials: an employment leadership nomination form for employers of individuals with disabilities and a newsletter. May be replicable by other states hoping to improve their MIG program outreach materials.

The AoA, CMS, and VA National Grantee Meeting was February 14-17, 2011. Use the attached links to find presentations from the 2011 sessions, available in PDF. Topics range from home and community-based services, evidence based care transition models, person-centered planning, aging and disability partnerships, and supporting caregivers. Full titles are available in the keywords section.

Serving as a single point of entry, the Project SEARCH program provides a comprehensive approach to employment, retention, and career advancement for individuals with disabilities transitioning from high school. Use the attachments to learn more about the program. Included are a time line for project tasks, an article, and a partnership agreement amongst organizations to commit resources.

Find three examples of outreach materials put out by Northern Human Services, a mental health center agency. These brochures offer resources and supports for supported employment for individuals living with mental illness, as well as outreach to family members and potential employers.

Monadnock Developmental Services held an educational workshop for students to prepare them to transition into the workplace. Find a training brochure that includes important information on creating a resume and making a good first impression during a job interview as well as evaluation forms created for participating students and employers.

How is New Hampshire measuring consumer satisfaction with MIG employment and benefits training provided by ACRE? Attached find four examples of participant evaluation after having attended trainings on innovative employment strategies and the impacts of work on benefits. May be replicable by other states seeking to determine the effectiveness of MIG trainings.