All States/Territories

More than two dozen proven examples of direct-care worker retention strategies are outlined in this report. The report includes key research findings in the literature that show which factors lead to an increase in retention, as well as key successful strategies and programs, including many tools, resources and contacts.

As part of their Disability Employment Education Project, Nevada created a career exploration fair for youth with disabilities age 14-22. It gives students the opportunity to visit with representatives from a wide range of industries, learning first-hand about the necessary skills and educational requirements related to careers of interest. An invitation for schools, as well as an evaluation form for attendees is attached, which could be useful to other states.

How is Nevada helping to create a community of special needs families who are connected and informed about the state's legislation, programs and events? Through a monthly newsletter called “Connections,” the state is able to announce events, list resources, tell personal stories, and outline state programs and policies. The newsletter is in both English and Spanish and could be a useful template for other MIG states.

Using the media to get the word out about employment events for people with disabilities is a great marketing tool. The state of Nevada created the attached press release to announce an event being held to develop work skills of individuals with disabilities. A sample of this document is attached and could serve as a template for other states looking into marketing their events or programs.

This letter was issued to provide information on new tools for community integration and to remind States of existing tools that remain strong resources in their efforts to support community living. Various technical assistance resources are listed, including a new guide for enhancing the availability of HCBS within managed care delivery systems. Progress around the HUD partnership, HCBS waiver and state plan options, grant programs, ADRCs and discharge planning are discussed as well.

Looking for job skills training materials? The state of Nevada created the attached work program samples. They include a class outline booklet, sample completion certificate, high school letter, job skills brochure, job skills flyer, programmatic report, resume template and short biography template. These templates could be useful to other MIG states interested in this approach to job skills training.

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 is Louisiana's Family Opportunity Act keeping parents or guardians of children waiting for services informed about new MIG services they could be getting immediately? Attached is a sample of a letter sent out to parents or guardians to inform them of the Family Opportunity Act (FOA). In this program, there are no resource limits, and the family can be covered by other health insurance programs. This approach to marketing new MIG programs could be useful to other states.

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.