Newsletter, periodic publication

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.

Keeping everyone informed about MIG grant program policies and developments is important in keeping the programs running effectively. North Dakota created a monthly newsletter to do just this. Whether its answering frequently asked questions or listing upcoming events, ND’s Benefits Planning Network newsletter is a helpful and timely communications tool. Attached are three samples of the Newsletters, which could serve as a good example to other states planning their own.

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.

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 are states keeping those involved in MIG grant programs up-to-date on important policies and issues? Utah created a newsletter for their MIG program. The Fall 2009 issue is attached and features a calendar of events for the October Disability Employment Awareness Month, and includes information regarding Individual Development Accounts and the Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE). This publication could serve as example to other MIG grantees.

What can be done today to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are aging? That’s the focus of this issue of Impact, which contains articles that give a variety of responses to this question. From self-advocates and their families you hear of the importance of having opportunities to be active participants in their communities. Researchers and practitioners speak to policy and service issues that address the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Providing regular and current information about the various programs funded by the MIG program is essential to keeping this community informed, up to date and active. Connecticut’s "connect-ability" newsletter spotlights new programs, events and legislation in a bright and engaging way. A sample of their Fall 2009 issue, covering employment for youth with disabilities workshops, transportation funding and more, is available for download here and a good example for other states.

How can constantly evolving MIG information be disseminated effectively? One way Alabama is doing this, is through their Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Newsletter. This archive of their 2009 newsletters outlines what's new, outreach and education inroads, current research studies and any changes in legislature. These newsletters provide helpful policy information which could prove useful to other states with MIG grants.

How is Nebraska using its MIG funding to assist individuals with disabilities manage the chronic pain that prevents them from acquiring or maintaining employment? The Nebraska Ticket to Work Palliative Care Program combines palliative care with employment services in an effort to address chronic pain as a barrier to employment. The program takes a cutting-edge approach, which could be employed in any state. A more detailed summary of the program is provided in the newsletter available here.

With funding from The SCAN Foundation, this issue of PPAR features articles that recount the laborious process that led to realization of the long-term care provisions found in ACA, analyze the key provisions of the legislation, and explore hurdles that are certain to be encountered during program implementation. Authors include national experts from The SCAN Foundation, RTI International, Oxford University, AAHSA, Avalere Health, AARP and Ecumen.