All States/Territories

How are states marketing their MIG programs? California went to an outside research company to conduct a marketing study. The attached presentation and results outline the details and findings of this study. Some of the topics addressed are the current employment process, employment resources, and perceptions of messaging statements. This presentation ends by providing insights to action. Though created for California programs this study could provide valuable marketing tips to other MIG states.

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 is California using online training to help instruct interested people about work incentives? Through webinars, the CHIIP staff are able to train people located anywhere in California. Find archived webinars on the "Talent has No Limits" Website. Corresponding PowerPoint presentations for the “Work Incentive Programs and Building Financial Assets for People with Disabilities” and the “250% Working Disabled Program and Options” webinars are also included.

What can be done today to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are aging? That’s the focus of this issue of Impact, which contains articles that give a variety of responses to this question. From self-advocates and their families you hear of the importance of having opportunities to be active participants in their communities. Researchers and practitioners speak to policy and service issues that address the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

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.

What types of agency collaborations can benefit youth and those transitioning from school to work? The attached presentation has California asking this question as part of a multi-agency collaborative effort working to remove barriers to employment and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities. Focusing on The CHIIP program and efforts geared to empowering youth, this presentation was given at the CAPED Conference Workshop and could be helpful to other MIG grantees.

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.

Are you looking for a toolkit that provides practical guidelines, recommendations and checklists to enhance the capacity to create and sustain partnerships with individuals with disabilities? This toolkit presents ideas, techniques and mechanisms that may be useful to state policymakers in developing and establishing working partnerships with consumers.

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.