All States/Territories

With funding from The SCAN Foundation, this issue of PPAR features articles that recount the laborious process that led to realization of the long-term care provisions found in ACA, analyze the key provisions of the legislation, and explore hurdles that are certain to be encountered during program implementation. Authors include national experts from The SCAN Foundation, RTI International, Oxford University, AAHSA, Avalere Health, AARP and Ecumen.

The cornerstone of NH’s systems change efforts has been the development of the statewide SLRC network. Find the state’s RFP seeking vendors to operate centers, job description and standards of practice for long term support counselor, a guide produced to help consumers learn about eligibility, and resources from NH’s Choices for Independence Program.

Find resources to help in the development of VDHCBS programs including Readiness Review contacts and a FAQ sheet discussing issues of coordination, funding, participant direction program parameters, SUA and AAA roles, services, target groups, standards, fiscal management services and stakeholder participation.

AoA launched the CLP initiative in the fall of 2007 with a vision to help states create person-centered programs that reach people at risk of institutionalization before they enter a nursing home. Since 2007, approximately $36 million has been invested in 28 states to develop the CLP program. With the implementation of the 2009 CLP grants, there will be more than 120 CLP program sites nationally. This fact sheet includes the program’s background, AoA’s vision for CLP and a list of the grantees.

What ideas can improve access to affordable and reliable transportation for people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes? In 2009 more than 3,500 stakeholders from 50 U.S. states and DC who participated in the United We Ride National Dialogue were asked this question. See this report which includes a summary and analysis of the recommendations that emerged.

Looking for an example of a business model that incorporates the recruitment, employment and training of those with disabilities? First Course is an intensive culinary training program in Keene, New Hampshire. Their curriculum is designed to provide individuals with a solid foundation in the food service and hospitality industry. A link to their website, a list of food service jobs and tasks, along with the Professional Development Plan and Student Performance Log forms, are provided here.

How has New Hampshire used its MIG funds to support the career goals of individuals with disabilities? One approach was to develop training tools for job developers and administrative staff who are interested in hiring, training and supporting employees with disabilities. The following examples include a survey, staff certification information and a brochure for a series of workshops. These are available here for other states who have, or are interested in implementing similar programs.

Since 2001 the State of New Hampshire has utilized MIG funds to improve its infrastructure for providing employment supports to its citizens with disabilities. Through this grant, New Hampshire has built a comprehensive strategic plan to address systemic barriers to creating a lasting transformation of its service system. The Granite State Employment Project(GSEP) and its subsequent evaluations, could serve as a valuable resource for other states. Both are available for download here.

How is Nevada using its’ MIG grant to get the word out about Disability Employment Issues? One way, is by holding events to celebrate Disability Awareness Month. During October, Nevada held a Disability Employment/Education Fair for local businesses & community agencies. The marketing materials for this fair, available here, include announcements, flyers, a sample invitation and "Ability Link," the Nevada Business Leadership Network newsletter with the months’ highlighted events.

View presentations and handouts associated with this meeting held in Feb. 2010 in Alexandria, VA. Objectives of the meeting included increasing grantees' knowledge of successful strategies to propel their ADRC, CLP, and VDHCBS programs towards fully functioning status, showcasing best practices, promoting peer-to-peer exchange, building workforce capacity and encouraging successful partnerships for achieving sustainable reform. The conference featured a variety of plenary and workshop sessions.