Employment Programs

Are states providing people with disabilities the necessary tools to reach their career goals? As part of their Disability Employment Education Project, Nevada created an Employment Education Fair, designed to develop skills and knowledge on how to be competitive in the job market. Samples of marketing material, an evaluation form and a press release about the EmployAbility 2009 Education Fair are attached, and could be used as templates by other MIG states.

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.

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 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.

How are personal success stories being used by MIG grantees to educate consumers about their programs? The Quality Employment Solutions® newsletter is published by Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Department of Education, to provide information for Nebraskans working with people who have disabilities. It includes information about the program and resources, but focuses on personal success stories. It's an approach that could be useful to other MIG grantees.

Looking for a sample of a MIG pilot program annual report? The State of Nebraska created the attached Ticket to Work Palliative Care Pilot Program Annual Report for 2008-2009, which explains the program, funding, outreach, data, participant stories and more. It is a comprehensive sample that could serve as a template for other MIG states.

What is the state of Michigan doing to train consumers and supports coordinators about supported self employment? Michigan is holding training workshops. Two marketing pieces for these workshops are attached. One is targeted towards individuals looking for a job, and one for individuals interested in self-employment. The training is also relevant to employment, vocational staff, and supports coordinators.

How is Maryland marketing its Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program, which offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid) coverage to Marylanders with disabilities who work for pay? Attached are samples of the many marketing materials for this program, including a reminder card, article and posters. Informing consumers about this option is vital to a successful program and Maryland’s approach could be useful to other MIG grantees wishing to do the same.