Minnesota SF 1458: ABLE (2015)

A savings plan known as the Minnesota ABLE [Achieving a Better Life Experience] plan is established. In establishing this plan, the legislature seeks to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life, and to provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act, the Supplemental Security Income program under title XVI of the Social Security Act, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources.

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Minnesota SF 1458: Bill Text

Minnesota State Council on Disability

Established in 1973 by the state legislature, the Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD) was created to advise the governor, state agencies, state legislature, and the public on disability issues. Our mission is to advocate for policies and programs in the public and private sectors that advance the rights of Minnesotans with disabilities.

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Minnesota State Council on Disability

The Minnesota Training & Technical Assistance Center (MNTAT)

MNTAT will use a variety of formats and media to respond to constituents’ training and technical assistance needs throughout the state. The goal is to demonstrate and build flexible supports and strategies that will increase and improve the employment outcomes for Minnesotans with disabilities. Among the strategies MNTAT will employ include web-based training (webinars and webcasts); local and regional training events with the support of Minnesota APSE; and the presentation of an annual statewide disability employment conference. In addition, training and technical assistance will be provided in local communities through the establishment of local Community Action Teams (CATs) that will be used as a vehicle for training and technical assistance as well as examples of replicable employment practices that result in the flexible, customized employment of people with disabilities in their local communities.

Links:

The Minnesota Training & Technical Assistance Center (MNTAT)

Minnesota Statute 268A.15: Extended Employment Program

“The extended employment program shall have two categories of clients consisting of those with severe disabilities and those with severe impairment to employment. The purpose of the extended employment program for persons with severe disabilities is to provide the ongoing services necessary to maintain and advance the employment of persons with severe disabilities. The purpose of the extended employment program for persons with severe impairment to employment is to provide the ongoing support services necessary to secure, maintain, and advance in employment. Employment must encompass the broad range of employment choices available to all persons and promote an individual’s self-sufficiency and financial independence.”

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Minnesota Statute 268A.15: Text

Minnesota DoE ESEA Flexibility Request

The Minnesota Department of Education’s ESEA flexibility request was approved on February 9, 2012.

Links:

Minnesota DoE ESEA Flexibility Request (2012, PDF)

Minnesota CMS Section 1115 Waivers

“Federal waivers allow states to test new ways to deliver and pay for health care services. Changes to the state’s Medicaid program often require waivers approved by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to continue receiving federal Medicaid funding. The website describes waivers that the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has applied for or received.“

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Minnesota CMS Section 1115 Waivers

Minnesota DEI Grant Abstract (Round 3)

The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is a three-year federal grant-funded program that improves education, training, employment opportunities, and employment outcomes for people who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. The Minnesota Workforce Investment Board (MWIB) was awarded a Round 3 DEI grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration.

Links:

Minnesota Disability Employment Initiative

Minnesota Statute 256B.021: Medical Assistance Reform Waiver

“It is the intent of the legislature to reform components of the medical assistance program for seniors and people with disabilities or other complex needs, and medical assistance enrollees in general, in order to achieve better outcomes, such as community integration and independence; improved health; reduced reliance on institutional care; maintained or obtained employment and housing; and long-term sustainability of needed services through better alignment of available services that most effectively meet people’s needs, including other state agencies’ services….”

Links:

Minnesota Statute 256B.021: Text

Minnesota DEI Grant Abstract (Round 5)

The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is a three-year federal grant-funded program that improves education, training, employment opportunities, and employment outcomes for people with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. The Minnesota Workforce Investment Board (MWIB) was awarded a Round 3 DEI grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration. Round 3 will end in 2015. Round 5 was awarded in 2014 and will end in 2017.

Links:

Minnesota Disability Employment Initiative

Minnesota Executive Order 13-01: Olmstead

A Sub-Cabinet, appointed by the Governor, consisting of the Commissioner, or Commissioner’s designees, of the following State agencies, shall develop and implement a comprehensive Minnesota Olmstead Plan: (i) that uses measurable goals to increase the number of people with disabilities receiving services that best meet their individual needs and in the most integrated setting, and (ii) that is consistent and in accord with the U.S. Supreme Comi’s decision in Olmstead v. L. C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999):

a) Department of Human Services;

b) Minnesota Housing Finance Agency;

c) Department of Employment and Economic Development;

d) Department of Transportation;

e) Department of Corrections;

f) Department of Health;

g) Department of Human Rights; and

h) Department of Education.

Links:

Minnesota EO 13-01: Text (PDF)