New Jersey DiscoverAbilityThe Comprehensive Plan for Improving Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities in the State of New Jersey

Presented by:

William A. B. Ditto

Director

Division of Disability Services

NJ Department of Human Services(609) 292-7800

The Funding

New Jersey has been receiving Medicaid Infrastructure Grants (MIGs) since 2001 from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

These grants are aimed at improving state infrastructure to support people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment

The Funding

The NJ MIG funds from past years have been used to develop:– A Medicaid Buy-In Program for the working

disabled– Extensive public outreach & conferences– A system of personal assistant services that can

be used in the workplace– Plans for improving work transportation– The NJ DiscoverAbility Strategic Plan

The Funding

The 2010 MIG funding is $1.7 million for NJ We have a range of projects that we are

funding with this money We have established strong relationships

with key stakeholders The MIG program is due to sunset in 2011

unless there is federal action to renew it

The DiscoverAbility Leadership Council

Formed from the State SETC Disability Issues Committee (DIC)

Has a broad membership including consumers, advocates, providers, government and the business community

Helps advise and direct the work outlined in the NJ DiscoverAbility Plan and provides critical review of projects and activities

Some Projects of Interest for 2010

Working to expand benefits counseling services under NJ WINS (Work Incentive Network Support)

Creating better and more effective communication between job seekers and employers

Providing support and technical assistance to One Stop Centers

Some Projects of Interest for 2010

Refining and expanding the Disability Benefits “101” (DB101) Website

Mapping work transportation services in the State

Joining the “Look Beyond the Label” National Media Campaign

Increasing data collection across all agencies and programs and analyzing data

Some Projects of Interest for 2010

Providing training and support to employment professionals working with people with disabilities to improve outcomes

Establishing and implementing a competitive “Innovations Fund” grant program

Collaborating with the Business Leadership Network to enrich and increase employer involvement

Our Government Partners

Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development & Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The State Department of Education The Commission for the Blind & Visually

Impaired The Department of Transportation The Civil Service Commission The Governor’s Office

Other Partners & Contractors

The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development

The SETC, WIBS & One-Stops The Work Incentives Network Support The World Institute on Disability The Voorhees Transportation Policy Institute The NJ Chamber of Commerce Foundation