Work incentive initiatives for individuals with severe disabilities in Oregon, Vermont and Wisconsin have been gaining momentum since the early 1990s. In each state, the constituency building, system and policy reform effort was provided substantial support through a three-year research and demonstration grant awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 1998. Subsequent to the foundation grants, additional resources from the Social Security Administration (VT, WI) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (OR) were garnered to further these efforts. This panel will detail the strategies employed by each state to overcome the barriers to employment identified by consumers during the fact-finding phase of their projects. Consumer choice and individual empowerment under gird each state’s initiative. Key elements discussed will include: a Medicaid Buy-In Program authorized under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997; comprehensive benefits analysis and counseling programs; federal waivers which allow individuals to maintain a safety net of cash assistance and health care coverage while pursuing gainful employment; peer counseling efforts aimed at empowering individuals and creating improved social and resource networks; and the streamlining of systems that provide needed support services. Service delivery and policy reform efforts will be discussed in the context of a research and demonstration framework.
Learning Objectives: see session overview
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.