Employment Programs

The use of PAS as a workplace support is a relatively new innovation. Because of its newness, many persons with disabilities and employers tend to get confused about how workplace PAS is different from more standard personal assistance services or personal attendant care. The most important distinctions between PAS and Workplace PAS are related to where the services are provided and for what purpose. To learn more, explore the attached project report, brochure, and websites.

How is the state of Alabama reaching out to consumers and employers with important information regarding help for persons with disabilities who want to work or return to work? To find out, explore several examples of state-wide outreach: two newsletters put out by "BamaWorks", Alabama's MIG program, a brochure, and a website. May be replicable by other states seeking to provide outreach for their own MIG programs.

This needs assessment is one example of how the state of Wisconsin is working to achieve the goals of the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant and to strengthen its employment infrastructure for residents with disabilities. Within this report find input from consumers, employment service providers, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders as well as recommendations for for emerging training needs in order to best serve those involved in the community rehabilitation process.

How does the state of West Virginia evaluate the effectiveness of their MIG programs and services? Explore these exit survey results as well as corresponding conclusions and recommendations. This particular survey is mailed monthly to individuals after they leave the state's Medicaid Work Incentive Network; discover the variety of reasons.

How can states provide outreach and resources to employers in order to encourage and support them in hiring individuals with disabilities? Explore the "Abilities" newsletter archive in order to see examples of the electronic newsletter to employers produced every other month by the state of Vermont. May be helpful for other MIG states working to reach out to employers.

How does the state of Pennsylvania direct consumers to resources on agencies and programs that help people with disabilities to work and improve their financial security? Peruse the website for information on Works for Me, a MIG program that guides consumers in finding jobs, obtaining training, keeping health insurance, getting assistive technology, and more.

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.

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.