Employment Programs

Explore preliminary results for this demonstration to test whether earlier access to health care and related services to SSDI beneficiaries would lead to improved health, increased employment and reduced reliance on SSDI benefits. The brief describes the sample selected and the impacts on health care use and unmet medical needs. Findings indicate the intervention increased the use of health care services and reduced the reported unmet health care needs of the participants.

How are states creating in-depth, understandable descriptions of their MIG programs? New York state created Policy-to-Practice Briefs, filled with information, materials and technical assistance. This series of briefs is designed to reach a wide spectrum of readers, with topics such as self-sufficiency, roles and opportunities for schools and education systems, and SSDI. It's thoughtful approach and design make it a good example for other states looking at structuring this kind of information.

How are states incorporating new media into their MIG grant training programs? Webinars allow for a cinematic, presentation like, learning experience that can be accessed conveniently online. The state of New York uses webinars to explain their programs to consumers and service providers, and made archives of these presentations available online. A link to the archives page of the New York Makes Work Pay site is provided below. These webinars could serve as a template for other MIG states.

Electronic and print newsletters are a popular and effective way of keeping MIG grant program details updated and available to service providers and consumers alike. New York's Working Newsletter is a monthly publication that is available both electronically and in print. It covers New York Makes Work Pay Initiative program features and updates, such as statewide developments and webinar training schedules. Two samples are attached which could serve as useful samples for other states.

Looking for a reference guide for recruiting, hiring, & retaining employees with disabilities? This is a quick reference guide geared towards employers outlining the advantages of hiring people with disabilities, along with four simple steps towards increasing their inclusiveness in the workforce. With numerous resources and Web links, this is a helpful tool for organizations looking to benefit from the talents of qualified individuals with disabilities.

Statistics for how many people on the Social Security disability rolls return to work published by the SSA each year are based on the behavior of beneficiaries over a short period. Longer-term statistics offer “good news” in that, compared to the short-term statistics, they show more beneficiaries leaving the rolls after finding work. They also show that some beneficiaries who return to work but don’t leave the rolls could become more self sufficient if better work incentives were in place.

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.

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.

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.