Marketing materials

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.

How is Louisiana's Family Opportunity Act keeping parents or guardians of children waiting for services informed about new MIG services they could be getting immediately? Attached is a sample of a letter sent out to parents or guardians to inform them of the Family Opportunity Act (FOA). In this program, there are no resource limits, and the family can be covered by other health insurance programs. This approach to marketing new MIG programs could be useful to other states.

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.

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 are MIG states working to educate people with disabilities who want to work about incentives that won’t disqualify them for Medicaid health care coverage? The state of North Dakota created this advertisement to summarize program benefits and qualifications, and list other contacts and resources for information and help. It is an approach that could be useful to other states looking to dispel popular misconceptions.

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.

What are some of the ways states are explaining work incentives to consumers? North Dakota created a two page document with concise explanations of each program, along with applicable resources and contact information. Topics include the Ticket to Work Program, Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), and Medicare While Working–Section 1619(b). This easy-to-use reference could be helpful for other MIG states looking for simple and effective ways to disseminate information about their programs.

Do you need personal assistance services at your workplace? Personal assistance services can be a big incentive for people with disabilities who want to work, and for those whose employers do not supply their own. South Dakota created the attached brochure explaining eligibility and services to consumers. This sample could be useful to MIG grantees interested in personal assistance services.

How is South Dakota getting the facts out to employers about hiring people with disabilities? One way is through an informational fact listing "Facts for Employers," "Tax Incentives for Employers" and "Resources for Employers". A sample is attached below and could serve as a template for other MIG grantees.