Marketing materials

How are states getting the facts out to consumers about their MIG program? South Dakota is providing readers with information about SSA Work Incentives, Taxes, Medicaid Buy In, Self Employment, Asset Development, Looking for a Job, Knowing Your Rights, and the Ticket To Work Program through fact sheets that outline the program and resources. Samples are attached and could serve as a guide to other MIG grantees.

How is Pennsylvania marketing its MIG program called "Works for Me"? In October 2009, the Works For Me website went live, as did their billboards, TV ads and a direct mail campaign. Attached is a link to the website for this program which offers an audio version of each web page, sample newsletters, brochure, and billboard artwork. These samples could be useful to other states starting a MIG program of their own and/or interested in creating cohesive marketing campaigns.

The Sherlock Plan is the name of Rhode Island’s MIG program. It allows qualified working people with disabilities to earn more income without the risk of losing vital health care coverage. To inform consumers about the program, they have provided a plan overview, fact sheets in Spanish and English, and more information on their "Rhodes to Independence" website. Samples of these documents and a link to the site are available.

How are states making personal assistance services an effective reality for consumers? North Dakota created The Registry, a website designed to help connect seniors, people with disabilities, and family members using personal assistance services and various home and community based services, with available providers of HCBS such as Qualified Services Providers. A link to this site and marketing materials are attached, and could serve as templates for other MIG states.

Promoting the hiring of people with disabilities though media directed at the businesses community could be a useful marketing strategy. The attached document is a sample of an article for the magazine "Indiana Employer". "The Disability Advantage," by James Emmett, explains how a formal disability outreach program can boost your bottom line, build your business, and lower your exposure to disability-related lawsuits. It is an example that could be helpful to other states.

How can states make the employment of people with disabilities easier and more desirable to local business? As part of their MIG grant, Vermont has created Creative Workforce Solutions, a website designed to give employers information and support on hiring individuals with disabilities. Designed with the look and feel of a more standard employment site rather than that of a government program, it provides many useful resources and information to employers, including consulting services.

Where can I find employment resources, both nationally and locally? West Virginia's seeks to answer just that with a 50 page handbook full of programs and a description of resources. With an introduction covering the Americans with Disabilities Act, the handbook goes on to cover federal programs, programs specific to West Virginia, online resources, national organizations, self-employment and small business, and more. A sample copy is available below and could be helpful to other MIG grantees.

Check out a long term care option that allows individuals more choice, control, and freedom in designing their support and service plans to meet functional, vocational, medical and social needs. Consumers manage their goods and services, and may use the program to remain in their community and avoid moving into a nursing home or an institution. Explore IRIS's website and brochure.

How is Wyoming marketing their Medicaid Buy-In Program? The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program is Wyoming’s MIG program. To effectively market the program, the attached brochure outlines the program, qualifications, benefits, eligibility and cost to the individual. This example could be useful to other states seeking to start a MIG program as well.

What is California offering its Spanish speaking population in terms of marketing material for its MIG programs? A Spanish "Talent Knows No Limits" Program Brochure outlines the program and resources in both Spanish and English. This sample could be helpful to other MIG grantees marketing to their Hispanic population.