Steering Committee Executive Summary
The Rhodes to Independence Steering Committee is a Rhode Island collaborative dedicated to identifying and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities. Significant progress was made in 2003 regarding infrastructure efforts. As detailed in the final Workgroup reports, accomplishments include the implementation of a major marketing campaign, increased participation of employers and workforce representatives in Rhodes to Independence initiatives, and development of a Youth in Transition "training the trainer" manual. In addition, cultivation of key governors' staff and state economic leaders laid the groundwork for introduction of Medicaid Buy-In legislation in 2004.
The Steering Committee and its Workgroups in 2002 completed research, identified barriers, made recommendations and began the implementation of strategies to build the capacity of the current system and improve the coordination of services for people with disabilities. Positive outcomes and accomplishments in 2003 are detailed in this Final Report.
Update: 2002 Steering Committee Final Report Proposed Plan of Action
In 2002, the Steering Committee conducted extensive research that identified barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities. It was acknowledged that these barriers had to be carefully and systematically addressed for "meaningful gains to be made." Thus, the Steering Committee outlined plans that would result in needed system change and improvements. Many of these issues were identified through strategic planning for redressing barriers and recommendations for specific projects and activities that are products of this process. The following list includes progress in 2003 on the 2002 Proposed Plan of Action:
2002 Plan of Action
Pass Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) legislation that will support people with disabilities in the workforce.
2003: While legislative cultivation was on the whole successful, the budget crisis and the Governor's new program mandate had the effect of causing concern in DHS regarding the administrative cost of a MBI. Thus, DHS' support of the MBI became significantly less aggressive. A Steering Committee subgroup was formed in October '03 and meetings were held with the Governor's staff to provide clear information on the economic benefits of the Medicaid Buy-In for the state. Meetings with the Rhode Island Human Resources Investment Council by Steering Committee members and partners resulted in obtaining funding for the first year of the Medicaid Buy-In. As key legislators affirmed support for the legislation, in December 2003 viable Medicaid Buy-In legislation was poised to be introduced in the General Assembly early in 2004.
2002 Plan of Action
Increase collaboration between public and private organizations to centralize and expand the employment services offered to people with disabilities.
2003: Development of a state Business Leadership Network (BLN) was an activity of the Outreach Workgroup in October, November and December. Products included research on existing BLNs in other states, contacting Rhode Island employers to gauge interest and garner support for a State BLN, and planning toward an early 2004 meeting of employers to discuss formation of and participation in a state BLN. In addition, the formation of the Governor's Cabinet on Chronic and Long Term Care and a grant to the Department of Elderly Affairs to develop a Resource Center for the elderly and people with disabilities provided the opportunity for the Rhodes to Independence collaborative to be represented in an important statewide collaboration.
2002 Plan of Action
Expand the vocational rehabilitation services to facilitate the transition of people with disabilities into the workplace as quickly as possible.
2003: In October, the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program (designed to provide incentives for people with disabilities to enter the workforce and increase beneficiary choice in obtaining rehabilitation and vocational services to help them attain their employment goals) was implemented in Rhode Island. The Rhodes to Independence marketing campaign contractor organized the press conference to launch the Ticket program and Steering Committee members were featured in the event. The first issue of the Rhodes to Independence (RTI) newsletter featured information on the Ticket and the website under construction included links to vocational rehabilitative services and related resources. In addition, the Youth in Transition Workgroup developed a Systems Change Improvement Matrix with support strategies for transitioning students with disabilities, their families, teachers and other professionals. Rhodes to Independence Medicaid Infrastructure Grant funds were utilized to contract with the Rhode Island Parent Information Network to support the development and distribution of a Training Manual to assist students, families and professionals to make informed decisions concerning transition from school to work and/or school to career. The activities of the Youth in Transition Workgroup (detailed in its Final Report) enhance the efficacy of vocational rehabilitation services as parents and students attain a greater awareness of these resources.
2002 Plan of Action
Fund non-traditional support services including transportation and assistive technology.
2003: Activities and products of the Rhodes to Independence Transportation Workgroup (see the Workgroup's Final Report for details) were important components of the Steering Committee's commitment to comprehensive support for the sustained employment of people with disabilities. The Workgroup met throughout 2003. In addition, another focus area identified by the Steering Committee was the provision of support and early intervention for individuals who are not yet on the disability rolls but who become disabled or have chronic conditions (e.g., Multiple sclerosis, HIV) that are progressive in terms of disability. The Youth-in-Transition Workgroup objectives include implementing strategies that will help keep youths independent and self-sufficient as they transition from school to work or further education / training and are reflected in the Systems Change Matrix produced by the Workgroup. At the end of 2003, an Employee Retention Workgroup was being formed that would have employer membership and focus upon developing strategies to help employers identify needs and potential resources to help retain workers who become disabled.
2002 Plan of Action
Exempt work-related expenses from the calculation of earned income for Medicaid Buy-In eligibility.
2003: Medicaid Buy-In legislation was in the process of being rewritten at the end of the calendar year. Steering Committee members and other stakeholders were planning to invite an expert on MBI methodology and legislation to help craft the bill's language and provisions.
2002 Plan of Action
Launch a multifaceted, public awareness campaign to increase the visibility of people with disabilities as valued employees and to advertise the availability of employment support resources for both job seekers and Rhode Island businesses.
2003: All Workgroups in 2002 recommended this plan of action. A RFP was submitted and the Steering Committee ultimately contracted with the firm of Cote and D'Ambrosio. The campaign was launched in November in conjunction with the Ticket rollout. 2003 campaign products and activities included conducting three focus groups representing people with disabilities, family members and employers; production of a newsletter and co-branded mailer; researching outreach campaigns conducted in other states; Rhodes to Independence website construction; and research and initiation of contacts vis-à-vis formation of a RI BLN.
In conclusion, the Rhodes to Independence Steering Committee made significant progress in 2003 toward making system changes to facilitate the competitive employment of people with disabilities. Stakeholders involved in these activities represented the public and private sectors, consumers, employers, workforce development leaders and legislators working together to create the necessary, sustainable, supportive comprehensive infrastructure for Rhode Islanders with disabilities to obtain and retain employment.
In addition to this Executive Summary, the Rhodes to Independence Steering Committee 2003 Final Report includes the following:
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Rhodes to Independence Outreach Workgroup Final Report
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Rhodes to Independence Transportation Workgroup Final Report
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Rhodes to Independence Youth in Transition Workgroup Final Report
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Medicaid Buy-In Legislation Progress Report
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Appendix to the Final Report: Highlights of Selected States Best Practices and Innovative Programs: Medicaid Infrastructure Activities; Overview of States' Medicaid Buy-Ins; and selected research projects
