News

4th Annual Direct Support Professional Recognition Contest

The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) is accepting nominations for its annual awards honoring direct services workers. State and national winners will be announced at ANCOR's 2010 Management Practices Conference and Trade Show taking place April 11-13, 2010 in New Orleans, LA. The national winner(s) will be invited to attend the conference at ANCOR's expense.
Submit a nomination online. (Originally posted 2/17/2010)

Think Beyond the Label Marketing Campaign Launches Nationally

The national marketing campaign supported by a collaboration of thirty MIG states officially launched this week with online ads in CNNMoney.com, followed by magazine and TV ads in numerous national media outlets. The campaign is featured in the New York Times Business Section Friday, January 29th, 2010. Congratulations to NCHSD members whose contributions, determination and interest in collaborating made the campaign possible. We look forward to MIGs' continued success on this effort!
View the NYTimes article. (Originally posted 1/29/2010)

CMS Issues State Medicaid Directors Letter on Self-Directed PAS in Section 6087 of Deficit Reduction

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued further guidance for states implementing Optional Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services (Cash and Counseling), created by Section 6087 of the Deficit Reduction Act. The letter explains the “permissible purchases” that participants are allowed to make with their individual budgets. The guidance also applies to “individual directed goods and services” under Section 1915(c) waivers.
Read the SMD Letter. (Originally posted 1/25/2010)

Congressman Urges GAO Investigation Into Social Security Overpayments

U.S. Rep. John Tanner, Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, has asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate overpayments made by the Social Security Administration to disability beneficiaries who return to work. The Congressman is concerned that beneficiaries' fears of large overpayments discourage them from returning to work and undermine SSA’s own return-to-work policies.
Read Rep. Tanner's press release. (Originally posted 1/20/2010)

CMS Withdraws Medicaid Rehabilitative Services Proposed Rule

CMS has withdrawn its proposed rule modifying the definition of Medicaid rehabilitative services and establishing new documentation and other requirements. Congress had twice issued a moratorium on the rule, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included a “Sense of Congress” that the Secretary should not promulgate the proposed regulation.

ODEP to Hold Series of Listening Sessions

The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy is holding a series of six listening sessions to hear from people with disabilities, businesses and other stakeholders about the most effective ways to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. ODEP is partnering with several other federal agencies including SSA, Education, Health and Human Services, and DOLETA. Sessions will take place in each of ODEP's six regional offices.
Find out dates and locations. (Originally posted 1/6/2010)

SBA Announces Grants to Support Low-Income Entrepreneurs

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that 58 non-profit organizations from 32 states and the District of Columbia will receive grant funding under the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME). PRIME assists low-income entrepreneurs with technical assistance to start and operate their own businesses. PRIME grantees offer services such as business classes, computer training, financial counseling, microenterprise program development, and community partnership building.
Learn more. (Originally posted 1/1/2010)

Former MIG Director Appointed as Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services Administration

President Obama has appointed Lynnae Ruttledge to be Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Ms. Ruttledge was Director of the Washington Department of Social and Health Service, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and formerly director of the Oregon MIG. During a career in VR that has spanned three states and more than 25 years, she has received recognitions and awards for her service including the Washington Governor’s Award for Leadership in Management in 2007.

SSA Announces There Will Be No COLA for 2010

The Social Security Administration announced that there will not be a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2010. As a result, Social Security benefits as well as the Supplemental Security Income Federal Benefit Rate will remain at 2009 levels. However, the Substantial Gainful Activity Level will increase to $1,000 and the Trial Work Period amount will be $720. If you have any questions, contact Marsie Frawley (mfrawley@hdadvocates.org) at Health & Disability Advocates.

National APSE Calls for End of Sub-Minimum Wage Employment

The Executive Board of APSE issued a dramatic statement this month calling for “the complete phase out of sub-minimum wage for all individuals with disabilities by the end of 2014.” The Board’s statement outlines recommendations to ensure that phasing out sub-minimum wage is carried out over time, in a way that avoids unintended consequences and leads to integrated employment opportunities. The statement was endorsed by the Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination.
Read the full statement. (Originally posted 12/1/2009)

Department of Labor hosts panel discussion on people with disabilities in the arts.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis convened a panel to discuss and answer audience questions about people with disabilities in the performing and visual arts. Assistant Secretary Kathleen Martinez, who leads the Office of Disability Employment Policy, performance artist Fred Beam, and actor Robert David Hall, who portrays Dr. Al Robins on the popular TV show "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
View a video of the panel discussion. (Originally posted 10/29/2009)

Participants Invited to National Web-based Dialogue on Accessible Transportation

The Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) is inviting people to participate in a two-week, web-based dialogue about transportation access for people with disabilities, older adults and people with limited incomes. The discussion is part of United We Ride, a federal interagency initiative that supports communities to develop and improve affordable and accessible transportation. The dialogue begins November 2 and ends November 13.
Learn more and register online. (Originally posted 10/29/2009)

CMS Holds 4th Quarter MIG Grantees Call

CMS is holding its quarterly grantees call for Medicaid Infrastructure Grants on Thursday, October 29, at 3pm Eastern. Teleconference details will be emailed to MIGs soon. The call will cover planning for the 2010 Employment Summit. Additional agenda items may be sent to Theresa Vandergriff (tvandergriff@ascellon.com) by October 22.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Medicaid Infrastructure Grants across the country are celebrating national Disability Employment Awareness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Learn about ODEP's activities. (Originally posted 10/1/2009)

NCD Solicits Applications for National Summit on Disability Policy 2010

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is seeking people with disabilities, individuals representing grassroots organizations and others to help shape future disability policies and programs. Applications to participate in the National Summit on Disability Policy 2010, an invitation-only meeting, must be submitted by October 15, 2009.
Submit an application. (Originally posted 9/15/2009)

Changes to Medicare Part D Extra Help May Expand Eligibility

The Social Security Administration is asking partners to help spread the word about changes in the law beginning January 1, 2010, that could make more people eligible for “extra help” in paying for premiums and out-of-pocket expenses under Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. A webinar on the changes will be held September 15, 2009, at 2 pm Eastern--visit NCHSD's Calendar for more info.
Download an electronic fact sheet. (Originally posted 9/8/2009)

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme Announced for 2009

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced “Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation” as this year’s theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The theme encourages employers “to embrace the richness of America’s diversity by considering the talents of all workers, including workers with disabilities.”
Read the press release. (Originally posted 8/24/2009)

NCWD Publishes Roadmap Out of Poverty

The National Center of Workforce and Disability has issued a new report, Creating a Roadmap Out of Poverty for Americans with Disabilities: The Relationship of the Employment and Training Administration’s Workforce Development System and Local Asset-Building Coalitions. NCWD is based at the Institute for Community Inclusion in Massachusetts and produced this report with funding from the Office of Disability Employment Policy and the Employment and Training Administration.
Download the report. (Originally posted 8/10/2009)

Online booking now available for NCHSD Fall Conference hotel.

Planning to attend NCHSD's Fall MIG Conference? You can now book your hotel room at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers online using the link below. Or, if you'd rather book by phone, the number is 800-325-3535. Make your reservation by August 26 to get the conference rate of $199 per night. Please contact Sara Salley (ssalley@hdadvocates.org) if you have any questions.
Book your conference hotel room online. (Originally posted 7/30/2009)

Kathleen Martinez Confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy

ODEP has announced that "the Senate voted by unanimous consent to confirm Kathleen (Kathy) Martinez as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Blind since birth, Ms. Martinez comes to ODEP with a background as an internationally recognized disability rights leader specializing in employment, asset building, independent living, international development, diversity and gender issues." She will take office July 20.
Read more. (Originally posted 7/14/2009)

MIG-RATS Collects Medicaid Buy-In Research

Medicaid Infrastructure Grants – Research Assistance to States (MIG-RATS) is collecting research information on the Medicaid Buy-In to help them respond to states’ most frequent inquiries. Please contact Anne Reither of MIG-RATS if your state has conducted research on Medicaid Buy-In disenrollment or studied the impact of changes to eligibility or premium policies in your Medicaid Buy-In program. Research will be posted on the MIG-RATS website. Email Anne at areither@gmail.com.
Visit the MIG-RATS website. (Originally posted 7/12/2009)

Contest Held for Videos Promoting Disability Employment

The Campaign for Disability Employment is holding a video contest to obtain material for a campaign promoting positive messages about work for people with disabilities. The What Can YOU Do? Video Contest is open until July 15, 2009, and the winner will receive a prize worth $1,500. Top videos will be featured on the Campaign for Disability Employment’s website.
Learn more or submit a video online. (Originally posted 6/23/2009)

Work Groups Forming to Support National Marketing Campaign

Two work groups are being created to involve states directly in the ongoing development of the national marketing campaign that MIGs are funding to promote employment for people with disabilities. One group--National Partners Work Group--will strategize to engage non-profit and corporate partners to support the campaign. The other--State-Level Implementation Work Group--will explore promising practices and problem-solve to help states implement marketing plans in their own state.
View teleconference details on our Calendar page. (Originally posted 6/1/2009)

Social Security Economic Recovery One-Time Payments Coming in June

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is funding one-time payment of $250 to most Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security beneficiaries, who should receive their payment by the first week of June.
Download a fact sheet on the one-time payments. (Originally posted 6/1/2009)

Learn More about the National Marketing Campaign On Its New Website

Wirestone, the firm hired to develop the national marketing campaign to employers about disability, announced the launch of a pre-campaign website, www.wethinkbeyondthelabel.org. The site is for states and other stakeholders to learn more about the campaign and get involved in its development and launch. Think Beyond the Label is the newly-developed "brand" of the campaign.
Visit the pre-campaign website. (Originally posted 5/11/2009)

CMS Rescinds New Case Management Regulations

CMS announced May 1 that it was rescinding the new final regulations enacted last year that limited states' ability to use Case Management services. These regulations have been under a moratorium since they were enacted, so they have not been implemented. With the rescission announced last week, the old regulations will continue to be in effect going forward.
Read the Federal Register notice. (Originally posted 5/1/2009)

Social Security Seeks Applicants with Disabilities as It Begins Broad New Hiring Initiative

SSA has received funding to hire a large number of employees and is specifically seeking candidates with disabilities. The jobs require various skill levels and include entry-level positions in field offices and tele-service centers assisting the public, in claims processing centers, and in hearings offices. SSA is conducting outreach to Ticket to Work ticket holders, veterans with disabilities through programs such as the Wounded Warrior transitional program, and students with disabilities.
Learn more about the hiring initiative. (Originally posted 5/1/2009)

SSA Newsletter Highlights Work Incentives Success Stories

The Social Security Administration’s Work Incentives/Supports for Employment Refresher (WISER) newsletter offers a series of success stories of beneficiaries who have used work incentives to reduce or eliminate their need for monthly cash benefits. Featured work incentives include Plans to Achieve Self-Support, Impairment-Related Work Incentives, Trial Work Periods and Continued Medicaid Eligibility. (Note-some links in the newsletter are to SSA webpages not accessible to the public.)
View the WISER newsletter. (Originally posted 4/6/2009)

MIG Outcomes and Strategies are Due March 31!

MIGs have to draft and submit their outcomes and strategies for the first quarter of 2009 in the online MIG Progress Report system. If you need assistance crafting your outcomes statements, please contact your NCHSD staff liaison -- we can help you identify measurable outcomes, organize your strategies around logical outcomes, and anticipate potential problems.

Opinions of People with Disabilities Sought on Public Transportation

Meeting the Challenge, a national transportation initiative, is conducting a survey of people with disabilities about their experiences with public transportation. People with disabilities are invited to participate in the survey online (link below), or by phone or mail (call 1-800-864-4264 and select menu choice #2). Responses to the survey will be collected through March 31, 2009.
Take the survey online. (Originally posted 3/15/2009)

Social Security Administration Receives Funding to Address Backlog and Upgrade Systems

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 passed in February allocates more than $1 billion for the Social Security Administration to address the current backlog in processing SSI and SSDI applications. SSA will also use the funds to upgrade its aging computer systems and more quickly implement digital medical records technology for making disability determinations.
Learn more. (Originally posted 3/10/2009)

Social Security Expands Fast-Track Disability Processes

SSA announced that improvements to the agency’s computer system have increased the number of claimants receiving expedited approvals for disability benefits. SSA is now fast-tracking about 4 percent of all disability cases, up from the 2.7 percent of cases fast-tracked last year. As a result, this year up to 125,000 Americans with disabilities will be approved for benefits in about 10 days instead of the 3-4 months it typically takes.
View the announcement. (Originally posted 3/1/2009)

Maine MIG Funds New WIPA Website.

A new website for the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance project was launched recently with funding from the Maine Comprehensive Employment Systems MIG. The site is a portal for Mainers with disabilities to access WIPA services and information. Maine's WIPA is supported by the Social Security Administration as well as the Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and the Maine MIG.
Visit the new website. (Originally posted 2/25/2009)

Federal Poverty Level Guidelines Published for 2009

The US Department of Health and Human Services has published the 2009 federal poverty level thresholds and guidelines.
Visit the HHS webpage for details. (Originally posted 2/25/2009)

CMS Issues Agenda for MIG/DMIE April's Employment Summit

CMS has issued a draft agenda for the Employment Summit for Medicaid Infrastructure Grantees and Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment projects. Rollin Shelton, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Oregon, will deliver the opening keynote on April 28, and a presentation on the National Marketing Campaign Collaboration will conclude the conference on April 30.
View the agenda. (Originally posted 2/25/2009)

President's Special Assistant on Disability Seeks Examples of Stimulus Impact

Kareem Dale, President Obama's Special Assistant on Disability Policy, is looking for individuals with disabilities who have been directly affected by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, the stimulus package signed into law February 17. Mr. Dale wants to hear from individuals who have, for example, gotten a job or returned to work because of the planned stimulus spending. Please contact Barb Otto (botto@hdadvocates.org) if you know someone whose story would be helpful.
Visit Recovery.Gov for more information about the stimulus package. (Originally posted 2/19/2009)

Social Security Administration to Begin Using New Electronic Medical Records Network

SSA will be the first government agency to utilize the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN), which makes health records available to providers, consumers, and others involved in supporting health and healthcare. Beginning in early 2009, SSA will receive medical records for some disability applicants electronically through the NHIN gateway from doctors, hospitals and others. SSA expects this to significantly shorten the time it takes to make a disability decision.
Learn more. (Originally posted 2/15/2009)

Illinois Increases Medicaid Buy-In Income and Asset Eligibility Limits

As of February 1, Illinois has substantially raised the income and asset eligibility levels for the state's Medicaid Buy-In program, Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD). The new income limit is 350% of the federal poverty level, which translates into allowing countable earnings of just under $38,000 for an individual and about $75,000 for a family of four. The asset eligibility cap is now $25,000 and exempts certain retirement accounts.
Read about the MBI expansion in the Chicago Sun-Times. (Originally posted 2/10/2009)

New Monthly Data Series on the Employment Status of People with Disabilities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is now publishing monthly labor force data on people with disabilities. The data is based on new questions added to the Current Population Survey last June, and provides a national estimate of the number of unemployed people with disabilities, defined as those who don't have a job but are actively looking for work in the preceding month.
View the first set of data. (Originally posted 2/6/2009)

Federal Transit Authority Seeks to Expand Transportation Projects Eligible for New Freedom Funding

The FTA is proposing to expand the type of projects it considers to be “beyond the ADA” and thus increase the types of projects eligible for funding under the New Freedom program. Under the proposed interpretation, new and expanded fixed route and demand responsive transit service designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities would be eligible projects. Comments on the proposed policy change are due by February 23, 2009.
Learn how to submit comments. (Originally posted 2/1/2009)

Department of Labor Convenes New Work Group on Federal Employment of People With Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor recently convened a new interagency work group with the goal of making the federal government a model employer of people with disabilities. Forty representatives from 18 federal agencies participated, exploring topics that included centralized accommodations programs; recruitment, retention and advancement strategies; and leadership and innovative practices.
Read more (Originally posted 1/20/2009)

New Report Shows Impact of Economy on Medicaid

The eighth annual 50-state survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured shows that Medicaid spending is suffering the effects of the downward turn in the economy. "Headed for a Crunch: An Update on Medicaid Spending, Coverage and Policy Heading into an Economic Downturn" reports recent findings showing that Medicaid enrollment is rising in most states, and spending is growing faster too. Thirty states are facing budget shortfalls in FY2009.
Get the details here. (Originally posted 10/10/2008)

Justice Department Issues Proposed Amendments to ADA Regulations

Proposed changes to regulations implementing Titles II and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act were recently issued by the U.S. Department of Justice. The proposed amendments specifically define accessibility requirements for public facilities and recreational facilities such as playgrounds, swimming pools and golf courses. The public can submit comments on the amendments by August 18.
More information is available here. (Originally posted 8/10/2008)

Social Security Administration to Work with NIH on Compassionate Allowances

Compassionate allowances expedite disability claims processing for applicants whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions obviously meet Social Security’s standards. At the hearing, the Social SecurityCommissioner announced the agency had entered into a first-of-its-kind agreement with the National Institutes of Health to provide technical assistance to Social Security to ensure that compassionate allowance initiative are based on sound, up-to-date medical science.

Comment Period on State Plan HCBS Rule

CMS is seeking comments on its proposed rule on how to implement new section 1915(i) of the Social Security Act created by the Deficit Reducation Act of 2005. The provision allows states to create state plan home and community based services programs for individuals with income not more than 150% of federal poverty, eliminating many of the requirements of waiver programs such as imminent risk of institutionalization and budget neutrality.
View the proposed rule and instructions for submitting comments. (Originally posted 5/1/2008)

Youth Voting Webcast Scheduled for April 15

The National Youth Leadership Network is holding a national teleconference and webcast to inform and inspire young people to participate in this year’s election. Scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, at 8:00pm Eastern, the event will address voting and registration procedures, tips on accessibility, and how to become an informed voter. The event is supported by Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) in conjunction with NYLN.
Sign up on the NYLN website. (Originally posted 4/10/2008)

Feature Film Portrays Disability Movement's Struggle

Music Within is an award-winning film based on the life of Richard Pimentel of Milt Wright & Associates, a publishing, training and consulting firm for job development professionals and employers. The film portrays how he helped change policies and attitudes toward people with disabilities through the disability movement and enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Pimentel has developed a training curriculum around the movie, with a special edition of the DVD and facilitation guide.
Visit Milt Wright & Associates website for information about the curriculum and movie. (Originally posted 4/7/2008)

Transportation Planning Workshop Opportunity at MIG/DMIE Conference

This interactive session will examine state strategies to leverage transportation resources, develop partnerships and create community ties. Results will be shared from a survey on emerging work-related transportation issues conducted specifically for this session. Participants will gain tools for planning and documenting transportation solutions. Amy Conrick (Community Transportation Association of America), Joan Willshire with the Minnesota MIG, and NCHSD's Joe Entwisle (NCHSD) will present.

PAS Workshop Planned for April MIG/DMIE Summit

NCHSD is coordinating a PAS workshop for the CMS MIG/DMIE Employment Summit. The session, titled Making PAS Work for Working People, will begin at 8:30am on Wednesday, April 23. Presenters Nancy Scott of Kansas, Carol Ruddell of Utah and Scott Holladay of Arkansas will be joined by Claudia Brown of CMS to talk about challenges and solutions for building effective programs that meet the needs to working people.
View details of the session. (Originally posted 3/20/2008)

Report Estimates State-by-State Impact of Recent Medicaid Changes

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform just issued a report estimating the state-by-state impact of seven recent regulatory changes to Medicaid policy, including restrictions to the rehabilitation option and case management services. States estimated that the seven policy changes would reduce federal payments by $50 million over five years, compared to a $15 million reduction estimated by CMS.
View a summary, or download the full report. (Originally posted 3/4/2008)

CMS Releases Performance Report on MIG Program

CMS has released the Government Performance and Reporting Act report on the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant program. Prepred by Mathematica Policy Research, the report examines the impact MIGs have had on programs and services that support employment for people with disablities. The report is available on the CMS MIG website or using the link below.
Download the report (pdf). (Originally posted 2/28/2008)

SSA Announces New Ticket Regulations

The Social Security Administration has issued a short summary of the amended regulations for the Ticket to Work program. It includes an overview of the proposed new Employment Networks milestone-outcomes payment structure.
The overview is available here. (Originally posted 2/11/2008)

Comments Sought on Proposed Rule for Medicaid Self-Directed PAS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requesting comment on a proposed rule to implement Section 6087 of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005. Section 6087 of the DRA provided for a new State Plan option to provide self-directed personal assistance services (PAS) to individuals who would otherwise need and receive State Plan personal care services, or section 1915(c) home and community based waiver services. Comments are due February 19.
View the proposed rule here. (Originally posted 2/1/2008)

Rutgers Ph.D. Program in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

Rutgers is seeking applicants for this Ph.D. program, which can provide funding to cover all expenses for well-qualified students, most of whom go on to be university or college professors. Program Director Douglas Kruse is a person with a disability and is particularly encouraging applicants interested in disability and employment. Contact him by phone at 732-445-5991, or use the link below. The application deadline for Fall admission is February 1.
Visit the program website. (Originally posted 1/11/2008)

Ticket Panel Issues Final Report

The TWWIIA Advisory Panel issued its 8th and final annual report to the President and Congress in December 2007. As described by Panel chair Berthy De La Rosa-Aponte, "This final report shares what the Panel has learned, documents the diverse experiences of beneficiaries, recommends short-term, incremental improvements to current programs, and identifies critical investments that must continue to be made on a national basis to advance and modernize the current disability programs."
View the report (pdf). (Originally posted 1/8/2008)

2008 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published its annual update to the HHS poverty guidelines, used as an eligibility criterion for many Federal programs.
View the new guidelines here. (Originally posted 1/1/2008)

New Survey Shows Medicaid Enrollment Declines

Kaiser Family Foundation's annual 50-state survey reports enrollment in Medicaid declined for the first time in nearly a decade. States reported that new citizenship documentation requirements caused delays in processing applications, affecting mostly individuals already eligible for the program. They also cited the good economy and lower unemployment for reducing enrollment. Faced with an improving economy, 42 states expect to expand coverage to the uninsured in the next year.
View the report. (Originally posted 12/15/2007)

2008 COLA Increase Announced

The Social Security Administration announced that the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will be 2.3 percent. The increase will be effective with December Social Security benefits received on the regular payment day in January 2008. SSI recipients will see the increase in payments received on December 31, 2007.
Read more. (Originally posted 12/15/2007)

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Begins for Medicare-Only Beneficiaries

November 15 marks the beginning of the Medicare Part D open enrollment period for Medicare-Only beneficiaries for 2008. (Note: Dual eligible Medicare beneficiaries can change plans at any time.) CMS is encouraging people with Medicare-Only to review their current coverage to ensure it will meet their needs in 2008, and has new tools to help enrollees identify an adequate Part D plan.
Visit the Medicare website for more information. (Originally posted 11/15/2007)

SSA Releases Link to WIPA Training Manual

The Social Security Administration recently released a link to the new Work Incentive Planning and Assistance training manual. You can now download the entire manual or specific modules, depending on your needs. Contact John Coburn at HDA (jcoburn@hdadvocates.org) if you have questions.
Download the manual here. (Originally posted 11/1/2007)

Medicare Part D Plan Re-Assignment

This Fall, CMS will re-assign low-income beneficiaries with full premium subsidies to new Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, effective 1/1/08. Re-assignments are for people currently in a plan that, in 2008, will no longer have premiums below the “de minimus” amount of premium liability for the beneficiary.
Download a fact sheet on Part D re-assignment. (Originally posted 10/15/2007)

Disability Mentoring Day is October 17

Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is a large-scale, broad-based effort to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through hands-on career exploration, job shadowing, and internship or employment opportunities throughout the United States and also abroad. It is hosted nationally by the American Association of People with Disabilities, and made possible by many generous national corporate and public sponsors.
Read more... (Originally posted 10/15/2007)

DOT Provides $2.7 Million ITS Grants

The Department of Transportation recently awarded $2.7 million to eight cities to demonstrate how Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), using advanced communication technologies, can improve access to transit services for older people and people with disabilities. The 8 cities are Aiken, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Fitchburg, Massachusetts; Kent, Ohio; Louisville and Paducah, Kentucky; and Orlando, Florida. For more info contact Paul Feenstra (202-366-4792).
Learn more about ITS. (Originally posted 10/15/2007)

Implementing Money Follows the Person Demos

CMS recently announced that it approved 2 state plans to proceed with full implementation of their Money Follows the Person (MFP) Rebalancing Demonstrations. Wisconsin plans to transition 1,262 individuals representing all disability groups, and New Hampshire plans to transition 339 individuals including 287 older persons, 47 people with acquired brain disorders, and 5 children with chronic medical needs. The MFP program has awarded grants to 31 states, in amounts from $6 to $143 million.
Go to the MFP webpage. (Originally posted 10/5/2007)

Call for Proposals: MIG/DMIE Employment Summit

CMS and Ascellon have issued a Call for Proposals for the MIG/DMIE Employment Summit in New Orleans next April 22-24. MIG and DMIE projects are encouraged to submit proposals on any activity, technique, methodology or strategy that has proven effective in achieving project goals. Proposals are due Friday, November 9. All grantees are welcome to submit proposals but Comprehensive Employment Systems grantees are particularly encouraged to share their experience and expertise.
Submit a presentation proposal online. (Originally posted 10/1/2007)

2007 Fall MIG Conference

Thank you to everyone who participated in NCHSD's Fall MIG Technical Assistance Conference! One hundred people attended more than a dozen keynote, plenary, breakout and poster sessions. We're especially grateful to the twenty-plus state and national experts who generously shared their time and talents as presenters.
Visit our 2007 Conferences page for more information. (Originally posted 10/1/2007)

Back to top

Resources

GAO Report Examines Vocational Rehabilitation Funding Formula

The Government Accountability Office recently released a report examining the Vocational Rehabilitation funding formula. The report assesses the extent to which the current formula accounts for differing state needs, presents three options for revising the formula, and addresses issues that would be raised by incorporating performance incentives into the formula.
Read the report. (Originally posted 12/20/2009)

New Disability and Employment Website Launched

As part of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Workforce3 One launched a new Disability and Employment Resource Page to provide employment-related resources for the workforce system. The page was created to disseminate promising practices that promote positive employment outcomes of people with disabilities and expand the capacity of the One-Stop Career Center system to serve customers with disabilities.
Visit the site. (Originally posted 12/15/2009)

HDA Releases Policy Brief on Health Care Reform and High Risk Pools

Health & Disability Advocates released a second policy brief to raise awareness about the impact of health care reform on working people with disabilities. The latest brief cautions policymakers to learn from the experience of states with high risk pools. Research conducted for the Kansas Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment showed that risk pools may have high premiums that are unaffordable for most people with disabilities. The first brief addressed Medicaid Buy-In concerns.
Read the brief. (Originally posted 12/1/2009)

CMS Issues Guidance on Self-Directed PAS Goods and Services Purchases

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently issued guidance to states implementing the Self-Directed Personal Assistance Service (Cash and Counseling model) option under Section 1915j. The State Medicaid Directors Letter, which also applies to Section 1915c waivers, clarifies what goods and services may be purchased using self-directed PAS funds.
Read the State Medicaid Directors Letter. (Originally posted 12/1/2009)

SSA Hosts Webinar on Social Security Benefits for Wounded Warriers

The Social Security Administration is holding a national webinar November 4 (2pm EST) on Social Security benefit programs and the expedited processing of disability claims available to veterans with disabilities. The expedited process is used for military service members who became disabled after October 1, 2001, while on active military service. The webinar is designed for service members, families, friends, and advocates.
Get details about how to participate. (Originally posted 10/29/2009)

SSA Encourages Employers to Become Ticket Partners

The Social Security Administration last month announced an initiative to encourage businesses that hire people with disabilities to become Employer Partners of the Ticket program.
View the partnership requirements. (Originally posted 10/20/2009)

Health & Disability Advocates Issues Brief on Health Care Reform Proposals

HDA has issues a brief to raise awareness about shortcomings in the health care reform proposals currently under consideration by Congress, and how they would affect working people with disabilities including Medicaid Buy-In enrollees.
Download "Impact of Health Care Reform Proposals on Working People with Disabilities." (Originally posted 10/15/2009)

MIG-RATS Announces New Website Materials

Medicaid Infrastructure Grants-Research Assistance to States recently added new material to its website to better assist states in finding important information about MIGs and Medicaid Buy-In programs. One new section provides information on MIG initiatives collected from MIGs through a program-level measurement survey and the quarterly reporting system. A second new section offers information about the geographical distribution of Medicaid Buy-In enrollees.
Visit the MIG-RATS website. (Originally posted 10/1/2009)

CMS Brief Explains Promising New Practice in Mental Health Data to Support Better Outcomes

This new report by Edward Kako of Acumen LLC, prepared for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, describes how three states—New Mexico, Arkansas and Colorado—are using Service Process Quality Management (SPQM) to combine Medicaid claims data with service-level data from community mental health centers to improve services to people with psychiatric disabilities.
Download the report. (Originally posted 10/1/2009)

KFF Summarizes Health Reform Lessons From Massachusetts

he Kaiser Family Foundation has prepared materials to help policy makers learn the lessons from Massachusetts’ comprehensive health care reform initiative. An updated fact sheet describes the basic components of the law and examines coverage, cost containment and affordability. Two reports explore the impact of health reform on the lives of ordinary people in the state, including coverage provided by both public programs and private sources.
Learn more. (Originally posted 9/20/2009)

New Study Explores Medicaid Managed Care and Behavioral Health

The Center for Health Care Strategies issued a report to the Medicaid Institute at United Hospital Fund identifying best practices in behavioral health services for Medicaid managed care beneficiaries with serious and persistent mental illness. Based on an extensive literature review, interviews and input from experts in the field, the report focuses on New York but has lessons for other states seeking better ways to serve people with psychiatric disabilities.
Download the report. (Originally posted 9/15/2009)

2009 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster Now Available

Posters illustrating the theme of this year’s National Disability Employment Month—Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation—are now available in both English or Spanish versions. Order up to 100 of the 20” x 15" posters for free or download a PDF file to print yourself.
Learn more. (Originally posted 9/10/2009)

Center for Studying Disability Policy Announces September Forum on Money Follows the Person Demo

Mathematica's Center for Studying Disability Policy is holding a lunchtime seminar on the “Current Status and Policy Implications of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration” on Thursday, September 24, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern. Presenters will be Carol Irvin and Debra Lipson of Mathematica, and Ruth Katz, Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Disability, Aging, and Long-Term Care Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Register here. (Originally posted 9/8/2009)

SSA Releases Annual Statistical Report

The Social Security Administration has released its annual report on the Social Security Disability Insurance program for 2008. The report includes key data on employment outcomes, such as the number of people with benefits withheld or terminated due to work by state.
View the report. (Originally posted 9/1/2009)

Mathematica Report Examines Money Follows the Person Projects

A new report from Mathematica Policy Research—Implications of State Program Features for Attaining MFP Transition Goals, Reports from the Field No. 2, by Debra J. Lipson and Susan R. Williams—describes the experience of Money Follows the Person projects in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The report explains the impact of different program features on projects' success in transitioning Medicaid beneficiaries in long-term institutional care to home and community-based settings.
Download the report. (Originally posted 8/25/2009)

ICI Data Note Explains Limitations of National Data on Employment Outcomes

Researchers at the Institute for Community Inclusion have published a data note on “Indicators of Labor Market Success for People with Intellectual Disabilities.” Frank Smith and John Butterworth explain the limitations of large national data sets in reporting meaningful employment outcomes for people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities. The data note focuses on the 2007 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Learn more. (Originally posted 8/15/2009)

New Websites Launched to Assist Job Seekers

The Department of Labor has created a Re-employment OneStop portal with links to web resources on unemployment benefits, job banks, One-Stop Career Centers, and education and training opportunities. A telephone help line is also available at 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627), TTY:1-877-889-5627.
Visit the website. (Originally posted 8/1/2009)

Kaiser Family Foundation Launches a Health Reform Gateway Page

As Congress considers health reform legislation, the Kaiser Family Foundation has launched a gateway page for one-stop shopping for resources about health reform. The new page includes some new resources, such as an interactive tool for side-by-side comparisons of major health care reform proposals and a series of Explaining Health Care Reform Briefs.
Visit the Gateway. (Originally posted 8/1/2009)

Article Examines Impact of Providing Evidence Based Supported Employment

A new article in the journal Health Affairs quantifies the potential impact of providing evidence based supported employment and mental health services to people with psychiatric disabilities. Analyzing data on participation rates, employment outcomes, cash payments and use of health services, the authors suggest that providing supported employment and health insurance to people with psychiatric disabilities could lower disability rates, reduce government spending, and increase earnings.
Download the article. (Originally posted 8/1/2009)

Federal Transit Administration Examines Emergency Transportation for People with Disabilities

A new publication from the Federal Transit Administration provides guidance for state and local governments assisting people who have specific mobility challenges. The primer Evacuating Populations with Special Needs is part of the FTA’s evacuation planning series and provides recommendations to help governments make plans for transportation in the course of emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
View the primer online. (Originally posted 7/25/2009)

Q & A for MIG Solicitations Now Available

CMS has posted written notes from its July 8 call with prospective applicants for competitive and continuation MIGs. Use the link below or visit the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/TWWIIA/03_MIG.asp.
Download the Q & A. (Originally posted 7/16/2009)

Social Security Advisory Board Offers Policy Recommendations on Substantial Gainful Activity

An issue brief recently published by the Social Security Advisory Board reviews the history and concept of substantial gainful activity, or SGA, in determining eligibility for Social Security disability programs, including the origins of higher SGA levels for people who are blind. The brief explores the policy implications of the current use of SGA and makes several recommendations to make the disability programs more work-oriented and easier to administer.
Download the Issue Brief. (Originally posted 7/14/2009)

Online Youth Transition Guide Published in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts MIG has funded the 2009 edition of Going To Work: A Guide to Social Security Benefits and Employment for Young People with Disabilities. The resource guide covers Social Security benefits, the impact of earnings on benefits, the age-18 re-determination, Ticket to Work, and other work incentives such as Impairment-Related Work Expenses, Plans for Achieving Self-Support.
View the Resource Guide. (Originally posted 7/14/2009)

New Website Brings Accessible IT Resources to Business

DBTACs: National Network of ADA Centers (www.adata.org) has developed AccessibleTech.org, a useful new website with information on tools, trainings and resources accessible information technology for the workplace. Geared toward the business community, the site is useful for other stakeholders as well.
Visit AccessibleTech.org (Originally posted 7/10/2009)

ODEP Releases AT Roadmap

The Office of Disability Employment Policy released a report exploring the perspective of service providers and disability stakeholders on assistive technology. It is an outcome of the AT Collaborative, a group of national organizations funded by ODEP and CESSI to make disability and employment policy recommendations. An earlier report, Roadmaps I, addressed how accessible technology can enhance the hiring, retention and advancement of persons with disabilities.
Download both Roadmaps. (Originally posted 6/30/2009)

Free Federal Database Includes Nearly 2,000 Candidates with Disabilities

The Department of Labor is promoting its database of more than 1,900 pre-screened, qualified college students and recent graduates with disabilities seeking employment in a wide variety of fields. The database is available to federal employers online through the Workforce Recruitment Program. Private sector, state government and nonprofit employers can access the candidates by requesting searches over the phone through the Employer Assistance & Resource Network at 866-327-6669.

NCHSD Publishes Guide to New MIG Solicitation

NCHSD has updated its annual Guide to the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Solicitation. This year's guide highlights differences in the new solicitation and offers a range of ideas for developing a strong and successful application. Contact your NCHSD TA liaison for assistance.
Download the 2010 Guide. (Originally posted 6/9/2009)

Return on Investment Policy Brief for Medicaid Policymakers

The Commonwealth Fund recently released Maximizing Quality and Value in Medicaid: Using Return on Investment Forecasting to Support Effective Policymaking. The brief describes how return on investment analyses can support value-based resource allocation by comparing the relative of different options, identifying proven approaches, and re-aligning incentives to promote high quality, cost-effective service delivery. Specific state examples and resources for policymakers are included.
Read more. (Originally posted 6/1/2009)

State Medicaid Buy-In Data Tables Now Available on MIG-RATS Website

Mathematica has made state-specific Medicaid Buy-In data tables available on the MIG-RATS website. The tables contain previously published data from the integrated data set that has data from Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. The tables include state-specific data on enrollment dynamics, participant characteristics, program participation and earnings. Use the link below or contact Anne Reither of MIG-RATS (areither@gmail.com) for information on accessing the tables.
Download the tables from the Workspace section of the MIG-RATS website (login required). (Originally posted 5/4/2009)

Disability and Return to Work Initiative Develops Workplace Practice Tools

The Taskforce on Disability and Return to Work, a project of the Partnership for Workplace Mental Health and the American Psychiatric Association, are studying current clinical and employer practices to develop a methodology that will better preserve function, enhance stability, and facilitate return to work for employed individuals. As part of its work, the Taskforce developed a set of assessment tools and recommendations, currently being pilot-tested with Costco, that are available online.
Learn more. (Originally posted 4/16/2009)

Online Toolkit Supports Self-Employment

The Abilities Fund is now offering an online toolkit with self employment resources to help Disability Program Navigators and other service providers better serve individuals with disabilities interested in self employment. The toolkit consists of a series of fact sheets on topics such as business planning financial literacy. These resources are available to registered DPNs and disability service providers.
Go to the Toolkit. (Originally posted 3/6/2009)

Job Accommodations Network Analyzes ADA Amendments

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008 went into effect the first of this year, changing the way the definition of disability in both the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act has been interpreted in the past. In the absence of regulatory guidance or court interpretation, the Job Accommodations Network offers a concise and straightforward analysis of the new amendments and their impact on these important laws governing employment and services for people with disabilities.
Read more. (Originally posted 3/1/2009)

CMS Promotes Best Practices in Supported Employment and Peer Support

CMS is encouraging states to explore home and community based services through a set of briefs prepared by Thomson Healthcare. Topics include peer supports for people with psychiatric disabilities, supported employment for adults with autism and for people with psychiatric disabilities, employment services for youth with autism, and Medicaid exception trusts. The resources can be found using the link below and searching for items from the past 180 days. They are also in the NCHSD Library.
Visit the CMS Promising Practices page. (Originally posted 2/20/2009)

New Fact Sheet Available on Employer Tax Incentive for Hiring People with Disabilities

The US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration has a fact sheet available to explain the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to employers. The tax credit provides a valuable incentive for employers to hire adults and youth with disabilities. Who qualifies and how to apply for the credit are explained in the fact sheet, along with instructions on how to get more information.
Download the fact sheet. (Originally posted 2/10/2009)

Work Incentives Training Opportunity for MIG Staff & Stakeholders

On March 24-26 in Milwaukee, HDA and NCHSD are offering a 2.5 day work incentives training designed especially for Medicaid Infrastructure Grantees and their stakeholders. The curriculum uses case scenarios and other active learning techniques to improve participants' knowledge and understanding of complex programs and policies, to make them more effective program managers and developers. Email Melissa Turner (mwturner@hotmail.com) for more information.

Webcast Series Explores How to Maximize Value of Employees with Disabilities

The Conference Board, a membership organization for business executives, is presenting a 3-part webcast on employees with disabilities with the theme Maximizing Human Capital. The webcasts will explore employee readiness, retention, and the talent lifecycle. The series kicks off with a free webcast February 18 featuring panelist from ODEP, CESSI and private industry, including Katherine McCary of SunTrust. The series continues with webcasts in March and April available for a fee.
Learn more. (Originally posted 2/5/2009)

Business Case for Hiring People with Disabilities

The recently revised online Business Case for Hiring People with Disabilities, including veterans with disabilities, features video clips, research and other information from businesses and industry leaders on how hiring people with disabilities improves an organization's bottom line. The business case has six themes: Return on Investment, Human Capital, Innovation, Marketing, Diversity and Social Responsibility and is available on the EarnWorks website.
Visit the website. (Originally posted 2/2/2009)

Webinar Series on Asset Building for People with Disabilitie

TASH.org is hosting this series of bi-monthly webinars to provide a foundation for the concepts supporting asset development for individuals with disabilities. They will explore what is currently happening around the country and possibilities for the future.
Get more information. (Originally posted 1/29/2009)

GPRA Report Issued on 2007 Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Program

Researchers at Mathematica recently issued a Government Performance and Results Act (GRPA) report on the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant program through 2007. It highlights growth in Medicaid Buy-In enrollment and increased participant earnings in 2007 compared to 2006, and documents the range of infrastructure activities in the states and program-level outcomes. State-specific data is provided on Medicaid Buy-In enrollment, employment and earnings, and SSDI and SSI program participation.
Download the report. (Originally posted 1/20/2009)

ODEP Issues Results from Major Employer Survey

The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy recently reported on its 2008 Survey of Employer Perspectives on the Employment of People with Disabilities. The survey of almost 3,800 companies explored the employer side of disability hiring and retention issues. The report analyzes data by company size and by industry group (goods-producing, services-producing and public administration).
Download the report. (Originally posted 1/14/2009)

Asset Connections Series Provides Asset Building Tools for MIGs

Asset Connections is a series of informational tools from NCHSD that offer MIGs simple and low-cost activities to help increase the number of workers with disabilities participating in asset development programs. The tools provide key information—in easily digestible bites—for MIGs to take, tweak and disseminate to the right people. The first tool is on the Earned Income Tax Credit and Voluntary Income Tax Assistance; others will be issued monthly and posted in our online Library.
View the EITC/VITA Background document. (Originally posted 1/8/2009)

Report Issued on Employment Transition for Youth with Mental Health Needs

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth funded a study on successful strategies for assisting youth with mental health needs as they transition to postsecondary education, employment, and independent lives. The resulting report—Transitioning Youth with Mental Health Needs to Meaningful Employment and Independent Living—presents findings from case studies of five program sites and identifies promising program design features.
Read the report. (Originally posted 12/12/2008)

HDA Offers Work Incentive Training Opportunities

HDA is offering MIGs two separate work incentives training opportunities in the Chicago office in early 2009. The first is January 20-23 and will provide in-depth training for people who work directly with individuals with disabilities, similar to training for WIPA benefits counselors. A second session in the Spring (date TBA), will be for MIG staff and stakeholders, with more general information on work incentives. Contact John Coburn (jcoburn@hdadvocates.org) more information.

Project Action Offers Transportation Audio Conference Trainings

Easter Seals Project ACTION is hosting free train-the-trainer teleconferences on transportation issues. The series us called People on the Move: Using All Transportation Options (ADA and beyond). Participants will receive free training, support materials and resources on a variety of topics related to increasing accessible transportation options. The trainings are designed for human service providers, transportation providers, school personnel, and individuals using transportation services.
View the training schedule. (Originally posted 12/7/2008)

New Website Launched to Connect Employers with Job Seekers with Disabilities

The website GettingHired.com was launched this month as “the first job portal and social network that enables working age people with disabilities to connect -- without limitation -- to peers, mentors, employers, advocacy groups.” In addition to serving job seekers, the site also offers a subscription-based employee search function for employers, and a national registry of products and service providers.
Explore GettingHired.com. (Originally posted 11/20/2008)

LimeConnect Links Businesses to “Untapped Talent Resource”

Featured in the Wall Street Journal, LimeConnect is a non-profit organization using post-secondary campus events to connect corporations looking for new professional employees with qualified new graduates and alumni with disabilities . Founded by Rich Donovan, a former Merrill Lynch trader who has cerebral palsy, LimeConnect’s business-like approach appeals to businesses interested in the bottom-line benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
Learn more at www.limeconnect.com. (Originally posted 11/5/2008)

Social Security Administration Issues SSI Annual Statistical Report for 2007

This annual report describes the Supplemental Security Income program and the people who receive benefits from it. The tables present data on such topics as recipient characteristics, state-administered supplements, disability and work incentives, applications, awards, and denials. The report is a great source of state-specific data on outcomes such as percentage of SSI beneficiary who work, participation in PASS programs, and use of 1619(b).
The complete report is here. (Originally posted 11/1/2008)

Including Samuel - Award-Winning Documentary on Inclusion

This documentary was filmed by Dan Habib, father of eight-year-old Samuel who has cerebral palsy. The film "chronicles the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives...[and] honestly portrays his family's hopes and struggles as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion."
View the trailer. (Originally posted 10/31/2008)

Website Aims to Empower People with Disabilities

Javier Robles, Deputy Director of the New Jersey Division of Disability Services, manages ThisAbled.com, “built on the concept that ... for people with disabilities to be free they have to be politically and economically empowered." The site is a for-profit entity supported by advertising and sales revenue. ThisAbled includes a blog, discussion forum, speakers and consultants bureau, online store, ThisAbled Nation comic strip, and more.
Visit Thisabled.com. (Originally posted 10/31/2008)

CTAA Transportation Webinars

The Community Transportation Association's Joblinks Employment Transportation Initiative is offering free webinars on important transportation issues. Upcoming webinars include: Using Transportation Voucher Programs to Support Low-Wage Earners and Workers with Disabilities on Oct. 30 (2-3:15pm ET) and Mobility Managers: Connecting Job-Seekers and Other Community Members with Transportation on Nov. 13 (2-3:15pm ET).
Visit the CTAA Events page for more information. (Originally posted 10/22/2008)

ADA Resources for Business: Reaching Out to Customers with Disabilities

Businesses have many questions about what they have to do to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Department of Justice has developed a free electronic training course called Reaching Out to Customers with Disabilities, with ten short lessons explaining how to comply with the ADA and welcome customers with disabilities to their business. This and other ADA technical assistance resources are also available on CD-ROM through www.ada.gov.
Preview the online training course. (Originally posted 10/20/2008)

Employment Intervention Demonstration Program Offers New Resources

The Employment Intervention Demonstration Program is a multisite research study of innovative programs that combine vocational rehabilitation with clinical services and supports to determine new ways of enhancing employment opportunities and quality of life for mental health consumers. It is funded by the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Use the link below to find research results, reports, consumer toolkits and other resources.
Visit the website. (Originally posted 10/10/2008)

Policy Brief Issued on Accelerated Benefits Demonstration Project

A new policy brief is available from MDRC on the SSA-funded Accelerated Benefits (AB) Demonstration. The five-year project is testing whether providing immediate health care and related services leads to improved health and better return-to-work outcomes for newly entitled Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries. The brief provides an overview of the AB project and describes findings from the initial phase of enrollment and plans for full implementation.
Download the brief. (Originally posted 9/25/2008)

Ticket to Work Toolkit Available from HDA & NCHSD

NCHSD and HDA created the Ticket to Work Toolkit to assist MIG grantees who want to devote time and resources into assuring effective implementation of the new Ticket to Work Program in their state. The Toolkit has a range of policy and practice briefs, analystical tools, and presentations - you can find them all on our new Ticket to Work webpage in the Hot Topics section.
Visit the Ticket to Work Toolkit page. (Originally posted 8/28/2008)

Improving Employment Outcomes for Individuals with Criminal Histories

The National Institute of Corrections will host a live 3-hour satellite/Internet broadcast on August 20 featuring a diverse panel of corrections and workforce development professionals who will share strategies for leveraging resources to improve offender employment outcomes. Participants will learn about the benefits of correctional industries and workforce development, evidence-based practices for offender employment, and available training resources.
Register here by August 18. (Originally posted 8/5/2008)

Improving Access to Health Coverage for Transitional Youth

The National Academy for State Health Policy, with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, is presenting a series of free web-based seminars on the theme “Making the Most of Medicaid.” A seminar on health coverage for transitional youth is scheduled for July 29, 3-4:30pm Eastern.
Use this link for more information. (Originally posted 7/17/2008)

Need Assistance with Your 2009 MIG Application?

If you're submitting a new (competitive) Medicaid Infrastructure Grant application this month, check out our guide to the 2009 MIG Solicitation. It highlights the grant's key features and provides tips to help you prepare a winning application. Also, be sure to visit our Library and Links web pages to browse other states' MIG applications and strategic plans for ideas and guidance. Finally, contact your NCHSD technical assistance liaison for help any time. Good luck with your application!
Download the Guide here. (Originally posted 6/6/2008)

Recent Data Shows Positive Outcomes for Asset Building Programs

Nationally, more than 400 AFI Projects are helping some 53,000 families build their wealth and save for the future. Data shows that IDAs have helped families purchase more than 8,400 homes, pay for post-secondary education or training, or start a small business. Participants were “35 percent more likely to become homeowners, 84 percent more likely to become business owners and nearly twice as likely to pursue post-secondary education or training,” according to a five-year evaluation.
View the findings and reports here. (Originally posted 6/1/2008)

New Videos Demonstrate How Assistive Technology Works

The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) has developed three video demonstrations of assistive technology - including voice recognition software, screen magnification software and refreshable Braille technology - to help people understand how these technologies work.
Visit the CAP website. (Originally posted 6/1/2008)

Mathematica Releases Final Report on Medicaid Buy-In in 2006

Mathematica Policy Research has issued its latest Medicaid Buy-In data report, "The Three E's: Enrollment, Employment, and Earnings in the Medicaid Buy-In Program, 2006 Final Report." Prepared under contract to CMS, it profiles enrollment, employment, and earnings in 32 states and examines the relationship between the individual characteristics of Buy-In participants and specific state program features.
Visit Mathematica’s webpage with links to the entire series of reports. (Originally posted 5/20/2008)

School to Work Videos Available for Outreach and Education

The New England ADA Center and No Limits Media Release recently released a set of videos of college students with disabilities sharing strategies they use to succeed in staying in school, graduating and landing jobs. Students also discuss the issues of self-reporting their disability and negotiating accommodations in school and at work. Each video is 7-9 minutes long and can be used as part of trainings or shared with other students and professionals.
Visit www.NewEnglandADA.org to view the videos. (Originally posted 5/15/2008)

Updated PAS Data Now Available at PAS Center Website

The PAS Center has updated information on Medicaid home and community based services available online. You can view the most recent data (2003) on participants and expenditures from 3 Medicaid HCBS programs by state and for the entire U.S., including the mandatory home health benefit, the optional state plan personal care services benefit, and optional 1915(c) waivers. Program descriptions and contact information for all Medicaid 1915(c) waiver programs operating in 2007 are also available.
Use this link to view the updated data. (Originally posted 4/25/2008)

Job Bank Security Fraud Awareness Webinar

The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration is hosting a Workforce3One webinar on April 23 to raise awareness about security concerns for people who use state job bank data systems. Presenters from the Department of Labor, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and state agencies in Florida and Alabama will provide information to help job bank customers recognize, respond to, and report Internet scams. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get more details and register here. (Originally posted 4/10/2008)

Work Incentives Blog in North Dakota

Billed as "a place for accurate SSI/SSDI work incentive information and updates," this blog by North Dakota resident Terry Peterson provides information about complex programs in an engaging and approachable format. Typical posts address topics such as PASS plans, how to file for an Economic Stimulus Payment and SSI limits on earnings.
Visit DisaBlogND. (Originally posted 4/1/2008)

VCU Webcast Series on Employment

Virginia Commonwealth University, through its Community Rehabilitation Program Regional Continuing Education Program, has a series of webcasts on employment issues beginning in March. Topics include the business perspective, supported employment and mental illness, and autism spectrum disorders, among others.
More information about the series is available here. (Originally posted 2/20/2008)

ADA Fact Sheets on Medical Conditions

The Job Accommodation Network has collected a series of fact sheets and other resources to address employers' questions about specific medical conditions. Each one provides information about the condition, ADA information, accommodation ideas, and resources for additional information.
The complete list of Fact Sheets is here. (Originally posted 2/15/2008)

State-Federal Policy Exchange Report Completed

Work is complete on the State-Federal Policy Exchange that took place last Fall. A project of the federal Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the Exchange brought together partners from state and federal agencies to identify solutions to the fragmented funding streams for employment and training supports. The summary captures discussion highlights, promising practices and emerging themes. ODEP will release the summary soon; contact Nadia Ibrahim (ibrahim.nadia@dol.gov) for a copy.

Self-Employment Webcast Series

Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources, & Training (START-UP / USA) provides technical assistance and disseminates resources nationally to individuals interested in pursuing self-employment. This includes the live web cast series with successful entrepreneurs who share their secrets for success.
The series schedule and other details are available here. (Originally posted 2/8/2008)

New Data Tools on Local Employment Dynamics

The Census Bureau and 46 states have merged employment and demographic data for a unique view of local employment dynamics. A webinar on January 30 will explain the quarterly workforce indicators and how to access the data using Internet tools that produce downloadable reports, tables, graphs, and interactive maps. Potential uses for the data and various reports, including Older Worker Profiles for more than 30 states, and geographic displays developed by states, will be highlighted.
More information is available here. (Originally posted 1/28/2008)

Promising Practices in Youth Transition

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) monitored state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies in Fiscal Year 2007, identifying unique promising practices in seven states - Alabama, Maryland, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont - that promote youth with disabilities transitioning from school to employment.
View program summaries with state contact information. (Originally posted 1/27/2008)

HousingPolicy.org Website Launched

The National Housing Conference (NHS) and its research affiliate the Center for Housing Policy have created a new easy-to-use online guide to state and local housing policy. While geared to policy-makers, HousingPolicy.org is for visitors from all backgrounds and experience levels, ranging from those completely new to housing policy to veteran practitioners. Frequent updates will ensure the site reflects an ever-growing body of innovation and experience in housing policy.
Visit the site. (Originally posted 1/22/2008)

Customized Employment Training Opportunity

APSE The Network for Employment, TASH and the Institute for Community Inclusion are offering a web-based training series on customized employment. Drawing from the best principles of supported employment, customized employment is an intensive approach to individualizing and supporting jobs, with strategies designed to meet the needs of the individual and the employer. The link below provides more information about the 4-part series, which begins January 28.
View a flyer with session and registration details. (Originally posted 1/21/2008)

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service Programs: Data Update

The Kaiser Family Foundation (www.kff.org) just issued an analysis of data on Medicaid home and community based services showing that national percentage of Medicaid spending on home and community-based services (HCBS) more than doubled from 1992 to 2004. The report summarizes key trends for the three Medicaid HCBS programs--Section 1915(c) waivers, state plan personal care and home health services--and the results of a survey of eligibility criteria and waiting lists.
View the report. (Originally posted 1/20/2008)

Dual Eligible Integrated Care Roadmap

CMS recently launched a new website resource for states, health plans and providers to use in the design and development of Medicare and Medicaid integrated care delivery systems. The new site contains a roadmap that provides a summary of, and a link to, documents and tools for building integrated models of care for dually eligible beneficiaries.
Click here to view the Integrated Care Roadmap. (Originally posted 1/14/2008)

MIG Workplan Outcomes for 2008

Medicaid Infrastructure Grants need to draft their 2008 Workplan Outcomes to submit with their first quarterly report on April 30. CMS wants to see "SMART" outcomes -- specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented and timed -- with clear benchmarks and data sources. NCHSD can work with member states to draft their outcome statements, and Meghann Ward at Ascellon has offered to review them before the reporting deadline. Contact an NCHSD staff member for more information.

Medicaid Rehabilitation Services Option Brief

This policy brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation provides an overview of the Medicaid Rehabilitation Option and explores current policy issues in light of recent proposals to place new restrictions on the types of services states can provide under this option.
Download the report. (Originally posted 12/10/2007)

New Jersey BLN Launches National Job Site

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation recently launched a new national job site dedicated to including individuals with disabilities in the workforce. The site is designed to provide employers with one central place to post employment positions and search resumes of qualified candidates with disabilities and potential job candidates to post resumes for prospective employers. AccessibleEmployment.org was started by the New Jersey Business Leadership Network.
Visit www.AccessibleEmployment.org (Originally posted 12/1/2007)

Looking for Disability Experts or Motivational Speakers?

The Maine and Vermont MIGs both recommend contacting Marc Goldman of Damon Brooks Associates, a speakers bureau that represents people with disabilities who can provide everything from disability and diversity training to motivational presentations, comedy routines and musical performances. Contact Marc Goldman at 805-604-9017 or visit their website.
Visit them on the web (Originally posted 12/1/2007)

Work and Public Benefits Policy Academy

HDA is offering a unique opportunity for MIGs to increase their staff's understanding of a broad range of work incentives. Participants will gain the tools and knowledge to better operate Medicaid Buy-In programs within the larger workforce system. The training will take place in Milwaukee on Jan. 16-18, 2008; NCHSD member states may send up to 3 staff to the 2-1/2 day training at a cost of $2500. For details, use the link below or contact Melissa Turner at mwturner@hdadvocates.org.
View a flyer on the Policy Academy. (Originally posted 12/1/2007)

Students with Psychiatric Impairments

This is the latest in the Job Accommodation Network's Accommodation and Compliance Series to help employers determine effective accommodations and comply with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each publication in the series addresses a specific medical condition and provides information about the condition, ADA information, accommodation ideas, and resources for additional information.
View the publication online. (Originally posted 11/30/2007)

Michigan Freedom to Work Medicaid Buy-in Report

In the November edition of eNews, we highlighted a new report from the Michigan MIG on the effectiveness of the Freedom to Work (Medicaid Buy-In) program. Here is a link to the report that was missing from the article.
View the report here. (Originally posted 11/28/2007)

DOL Resource for Employers Who Hire War Veterans

DOL/ODEP's Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network (EARN) has a staff member, who is himself a Gulf War veteran with a disability, dedicated to helping employers locate job-ready veterans with disabilities. He can help in three ways: Navigating the various service delivery systems to find qualified veterans; providing technical assistance to create a welcoming environment for new hires; and sourcing job postings with employment agencies that train and place veterans with disabilities.
Go to www.earnworks.com (Originally posted 11/20/2007)

Shared Youth Vision Webinar Series

This youth transition webinar series is designed to provide implementation ideas for regional, state and local leads of Shared Youth Vision collaboratives. The 3 Webinars are Shared Youth Vision Self Assessment Tools on 10/23; Collaborative Approach to Serving Neediest Youth on 11/13; and Resource and Gap Mapping on 12/11. They are presented by Workforce3One, an interactive communication and learning platform sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
Visit the Workforce3One website. (Originally posted 10/15/2007)

CMS Prescription Drug Plan Finder

CMS announced that beneficiaries can begin to review 2008 Medicare prescription drug plan and health plan information online through an enhanced Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov. The Plan Finder is now more user-friendly and offers more information and greater clarity on available drug plans, including out-of-pocket costs, pharmacy networks, and important Medicare news and updates. Open enrollment begins on November 15, 2007.
Visit Medicare.Gov (Originally posted 10/15/2007)

Back to top

State Highlights

Massachusetts Posts MIG Job Openings

The Massachusetts Medicaid Infrastructure and Comprehensive Employment Opportunities Grant has posted several positions, including Project Director II, Administrative Coordinator and Community Work Incentives Coordinator. Applications will be received until March 19.
View the openings on our Careers page. (Originally posted 2/17/2010)

California Passes Legislation to Enhance Medicaid Buy-In Program

California recently passed legislation extending eligibility for the “California Working Disabled Program.” The legislation allows otherwise-eligible individuals to participate in the program for 26 weeks while they are temporarily not working, if they continue to pay premiums, exempts Social Security income from eligibility calculations, and allows for assets accumulated on the program to be “portable” to other Medi-Cal eligibility categories.
Learn more. (Originally posted 12/1/2009)

Wisconsin Webinar Addresses Impact of State's Mental Health Parity Law on Businesses

WorkforceWisconsin, with funding from the Wisconsin MIG, sponsored a free webinar on October 28 to explain the impact of the state's new Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act on Wisconsin business. The event was designed to help Wisconsin businesses comply with the new law, which applies to most employer-sponsored health plans and takes effect January 1, 2010.
Visit WorkforceWisconsin. (Originally posted 11/1/2009)

Massachusetts MIG Sponsors CTAA Transportation Conference

The Massachusetts MIG held a transportation conference in Boston recently, co-facilitated by the Community Transportation Association of America. The MIG solicited applications for regional teams to work on a one year strategic transportation coordination plan to benefit people with disabilities and other transportation disadvantaged populations. Participants included employment service providers, advocates, government officials, legislative aides, and regional transit riders and providers.

Louisiana MIG Assists City of New Orleans in Hiring People with Disabilities

The Louisiana MIG is partnering with a state coalition of Employment Networks and the state APSE chapter to increase the capacity of its outreach and marketing campaign, in coordination with the national campaign launching later this year. As a result, the city of New Orleans has agreed to give individuals with disabilities a first shot at applying for city jobs. The city is also planning to become an EN. The MIG will work to replicate the process in other cities across the state.

Florida MIG Helps Obtain Certification Credits for Benefits Information Training

The Florida MIG secured approval from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification for 50 clock hours of credits for its Florida Benefits Information Resources Network (FBIRN) training. The training helps state agency staff connect people with disabilities to benefits planning professionals and employment support services. The credits provide a powerful incentive for Vocational Rehabilitation counselors to attend the intensive work incentives training and become FBIRN members.

Indiana MIG Reaches Out to Office of Federal Contract Compliance

The Indiana MIG is partnering with the state's unit of the US Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which enforces legal authorities that ban discrimination and require Federal contractors to ensure all individuals have an equal opportunity for employment. The MIG provides information and training to OFCCP staff on VR services, assistive technology and other key issues, as well as creating a resource sheet for OFCCP to share with businesses and contractors.
Learn more about the OFCCP. (Originally posted 7/25/2009)

Kansas MIG Publishes Five-Year Evaluation of Working Healthy Medicaid Buy-In

The Kansas MIG recently issued a comprehensive chartbook evaluating the Kansas Medicaid Buy‐In known as Working Healthy. Based on extensive survey and administrative data from 2002 to 2007, the chartbook documents enrollment trends, earnings, employment, medical expenditures, consumer experiences, and consumer satisfaction. Important findings include an increase in earnings and taxes paid over time, a decrease in medical expenditures, and improved quality of life and financial status.
Download the evaluation chart book. (Originally posted 3/31/2009)

Maine MIG Sponsors Working Together Employer Conference

The Maine MIG is inviting businesses to attend its 2nd Annual Working Together Symposium on October 30 in Freeport, Maine. Katherine McCary of SunTrust will keynote the event, with other experts leading breakout sessions on the aging workforce, employing veterans, and marketing. The Governor has been invited to host an awards ceremony during the symposium to honor businesses and organizations that have successfully integrated people with disabilities into their workforces.
More information is available here. (Originally posted 9/15/2008)

Maine MIG Launches New Business Newsletter

The Maine MIG is publishing a new quarterly electronic newsletter for businesses. The newsletter was created in response to results of a survey where businesses indicated that a periodic newsletter was how they wanted to stay informed about hiring and retaining workers with disabilities. The newsletter will highlight news and events, provide practical solutions to businesses’ questions, and help business people stay connected with other employers.
View the July issue. (Originally posted 8/5/2008)

New Asset Building Grants Awarded

The Assets for Independence (AFI) program recently awarded more than $4 million in grants to 16 organizations helping low-income families and people with disabilities attain financial self-reliance through the use of matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Grantees include organizations in Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont. Congratulations!
Read more about the AFI Program. (Originally posted 5/15/2008)

Vermont Initiates Home-Based Employment Project

The Vermont MIG is launching an initiative to promote home-based employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Working with VR, consumers and business, the MIG is developing materials to help people evaluate web-based employment opportunities and assess their own suitability for telework. The project will also pursue strategies to increase virtual call center opportunities. Vermont will share materials and lessons learned as the initiative progresses.

California DB101 Website Launches Online Newsletter

California recently launched an online Employment Matters newsletter to share “news and views” for and about working people with disabilities. The newsletter is part of California's Disability Benefits 101 website at www.db101.org.
View the first-ever issue here. (Originally posted 1/15/2008)

Back to top