All States/Territories

Is Indiana's Work Incentive Planning & Assistance program creating sustainable work incentive supports? The attached presentation outlines how policies and resources implemented by the program have helped create long term sustainability by providing training, technical assistance & quality assurance. A sample of this presentation is attached and could be useful to other MIG states with similar program goals.

What are the lessons learned and the sustainability of Project SEARCH Indiana? Providing transition-age youth with quality internship experiences in preparation for competitive employment, Project SEARCH Indiana seeks to prepare youth for jobs in the “real world.” The attached presentation was given at the 2009 MIG Employment Summit, and outlines the transition model, key partners, funding and more. The information provided could be useful to other states wishing to implement similar programs.

Looking for examples of service provider surveys to better understand program and training success? The state of Indiana created the attached survey samples to assess how information about MED Works is shared with individuals who are working or interested in working. One is meant for providers of benefits counseling, the other to vocational rehabilitation service providers. These interactive pdf forms could serve as useful samples for other states.

How are state MIG programs reaching out to the business community? The state of Indiana created a training curriculum to help promote the hiring of people with disabilities. The attached samples include business outreach models currently offered by companies, the LOWE’S “Building A New Future” project, disability awareness training for Walgreens, business development of rural providers, a form template for worksite analysis, and coaching and natural support ideas training.

Looking for samples of MIG program evaluations and corresponding materials? The state of Indiana created the attached evaluations, reports, data supplement and evaluation progress reports for their MED Works Program. These samples contain program details, how well it's working and what the findings mean for the future of the program. It's an approach that could be useful to other states.

Many obstacles impede states from rebalancing their long-term supports and services (LTSS) programs toward greater emphasis on HCBS alternatives. This brief outlines policy recommendations for reforming the Medicaid-funded LTSS system to support more cost-effective and consumer-oriented long-term care options. The authors discuss the current LTC environment, barriers and promising solutions to rebalancing LTSS, and policy recommendations for improving the Medicaid LTSS system.

How are states getting the word out about the latest changes to their MIG programs as they continue to grow and evolve? Nevada posts new information in their “What's New” column on the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services website. Listing the most up to date information in this manner provides a useful way of keeping visitors as up-to-date as possible about their program and provides good incentive for return visits. It is an approach that could be beneficial to other states.

Did you miss the disability forum which provided an overview of the Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment? You can access a live recording of presentations where the rationale for DMIE, a review of its core goals, and descriptions of four states’ implementations of the program were presented. Findings and implications for disability policy are discussed as well.

How is benefits planning & assistance being incorporated into Nevada's Disability Employment Education Project? To fight the fear of losing benefits, which prevents many individuals with disabilities from seeking work or returning to work, Nevada created a benefits planning and assistance program. A sample of the marketing material, which includes services offered, eligibility and contact information, is attached. It could be a useful sample for other MIG states.

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.