Reports

The purpose of this study was to identify how DHS can use Medicaid and other resources more broadly and effectively to meet the family support and respite needs of Oregon families of children with developmental disabilities. Assess what SPD might do to improve its response to families through Family Support systems. This final report documents the activities, findings and recommendations associated with the study.

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Division of Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD) contracted with HSRI to assist in improving the processes for assuring quality in SPD in-home waiver services. Drawing from HSRI's experience in quality assurance, SPD identified a number of states which have been particularly successful in conducting consumer surveys. At the same time, the project team explored in greater detail what was currently happening in Oregon around consumer surveys.

This paper presents the perspective that options counseling is a pivotal function of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) and its essential elements are counseling and decision support. The diverse array of definitions currently in use runs the risk of diminishing the importance of options counseling, which is a key function of a comprehensive long-term care system.

The Nebraska MIG program, in partnership with HHS, Easter Seals of Nebraska, and the Social Security Administration, held a training for the Medicaid Insurance for People with Disabilities program. The training included the following materials: flowcharts, research results, and PowerPoint presentations.

This strategic plan outlines the next five years, discusses goals and complements existing Alaska Works Initiative (AWI) activities to 1) address the major barriers that keep people with disabilities from working 2) enhance Alaska’s Medicaid programs and existing employment infrastructures to better meet the needs of working people with disabilities; and 3) imbed what has been learned through the AWI into a comprehensive employment system.

In February 2007, North Dakota Comprehensive Employment Systems produced a report that summarizes the current state of long-term care in North Dakota including funding sources, expenditures, and the potential outcomes of change is not initiated. The report goes on to cite recommendations for change.

The Minnesota Disability Linkage Line (DLL) produced a community report. The DLL is a statewide information clearinghouse, call center, and assistance network. The report to the community outlines the purpose of the DLL, how it works, consumer testimonials, and related statistics such as customer satisfaction ratings.

With the passage of Chapter 570, H.P. 1351-L.D. 1910: “An Act to Create Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities” by the Maine State Legislature in 2006, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor presented a report that identified resources, successes, and challenges in building supports that aid to increase employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The State of Maine’s Commission on Disability and Employment, Department of Labor, and Department of Economic and Community Development issued a report to the State legislature that identifies marketing campaign strategies that will increase awareness and promote employment of individuals with disabilities living in Maine. The report identifies the need for the campaign, strategies for development, and the estimated cost.

Each year the Maine Jobs Council’s Commission on Disability and Employment produces an annual report which is presented to the State legislature. The 2006 annual report was submitted in January 2007 and summarized accomplishments of the Commission like the release of a strategic plan to maximize the employment of people with disabilities and the establishment of and progress toward six major priorities that hope to expand options for individuals with disabilities who want to work.