Introducing DB101.org An interactive web site that provides people with disabilities an easy way to explore the possibility of work

2 Pathways to Employment Strategic Plan Many people with disabilities don’t know is an option Paradigm shift is occurring - “You Can Work” An infrastructure change is needed to: – Meet projected growth – Support providers in implementing the change – Ensure clear, consistent messaging about work across the system

3 Objective Objective Competitive employment at full capacity Invest in sustainable infrastructure to expand benefits planning and work incentive education and access so: People with disabilities on public benefits get information when they want it and in the manner they choose so: – they can make informed choices about work, – manage their benefits and earnings, and – increase their financial well being.

4 Objective Objective Competitive employment at full capacity SYSTEMS LEVEL Nobody is discouraged from pursuing work based on misinformation or lack of information and in time… Work becomes part of the plan – people are encouraged to explore work as a viable option to build wealth and expand community connections.

5 Why Disability Benefits 101 (DB101)? Person-centered Info under one roof Sustainable Web based Accessible Can connect into a more coordinated system

6 Who Can Benefit? People With Disabilities who – Don’t know they can work – Don’t think competitive employment is an option – Keep earned income low to maintain public benefits (SGA) – Are working but considering a change in pay or benefits – Are planning for their future Support Network – Vocation Rehab – Workforce Centers – Employment Networks – Benefit Counselors – Social Security Admin – Counties – Medical community – Family – Advocacy Organizations

7 How it can be Used Independently Accessed directly by people with disabilities & their families to: explore create plans identify options connect to help & other resources Facilitated Used by those who support people with disabilities to: gather information explore possibility debunk myths plan for work streamline workflow Professional A comprehensive resource to use for: staff/agency training outreach reference recruitment

8 DB101 supports the Consumer throughout their process to help move them to gainful employment Does not think work is an option Wants enclave work only Wants limited work so no benefits impact (or just enough to get MA-EPD) Wants work regardless of benefits impact Under Working Avoiding changes in work Use DB101 to alleviate fears; educate; identify scenarios; find resources; build plans; move into action

Taking a Look at the Tool: What DB101 Offers

10 DB101: New Tools for Success Major Features : Content / Information / Resources – Educational information & case studies – Links to forms & applications – Helps learner make connections & find resources Estimators – Interactive tools to help estimate how employment & other life changes impact income & benefits – Series of questions, providing tips, resources & other information along the way – Credible, individualized results Communication Tools – Tools to support content & technical needs – Forums to interact with others within the network and to easily share information

11 What DB101 Can Do Create an individualized plan to help users prepare for work or return to work & achieve higher earnings Identify program interactions, as well as work incentives for which consumer may be eligible Provide “Next Steps”and relevant information to help the user know exactly what to do when Allow the user to view income over time so as to help foster longer-range planning & facilitate financial literacy Provide objective reinforcement of professionals’ counseling Offer a single source for multiple relevant resources & information

12 Help Center Phone, Live Chat, Real Time Support for – content questions / needs – technical assistance – customer benefit data Reduces professionals’ call time to agencies, such as SSA Access to broad & powerful resources of DLL & MNHelp Information Network

Overview of Content Areas 1. Program / Topical Information 2. Glossary 3. Life Situations 4. News & Articles

14 1. Program / Topical Information Educational reference source Links to forms & applications Understandable language – user friendly Initial content: Income Support – SSDI – SSI/MSA Health Coverage – MA – MA-EPD – Medicare – Waiver Programs

15 1.a Basic & Detailed Information Excellent as a quick reference or to research details

16 1.B Examples, Resources, FAQs & “Pitfalls” Real-life examples & stories reinforce learning Single source for multiple relevant resources Compiles & identifies common questions & concerns

17 Glossary Comprehensive Understandable language – user friendly Alphabetical AND by Topic Links to other relevant sites (NOTE: opens separate window) Direct links to glossary definitions throughout site

18 Life Situations Case Studies in narrative format Variety of scenarios: Newly Diagnosed; Youth & Disability; Workforce Re- entry; Sudden Onset Helps users apply concepts & understand potential next steps Clearly identifies “pitfalls” to help educate & prepare

19 Forums Online discussion rooms with pre- defined subjects Expands the way people can learn Opportunity to share experiences, successes & build community

20 News & Articles Easy access to current news & articles related to disabilities & benefits Helps professionals & consumers stay on top of & share relevant information

21 Integrated links create easy access Applications Forms Manuals Resources Sites Glossary

22 Printer-Friendly / Page “ Printer-Friendly” feature - a way to provide consumers printed information “ Page” function – can content to consumer and/or colleagues

Overview of Estimators 1. MA-EPD Estimator 2. Benefits-to-Work Estimator

24 Estimators Interactive tools to help estimate how employment & other life changes impact income & benefits Series of questions, providing tips & other information along the way Credible, individualized results All estimators are user-friendly and let you Confirm your answers before you submit Allow you to skip questions Continually show you where you are in the process Provide content and usability “Tips” along the way

25 Estimator 1: MA-EPD Estimator

26 Enter Individual Information REMEMBER: All estimators let you Confirm your answers before you submit Allow you to skip questions Continually show you where you are in the process Provide content and usability “Tips” along the way

27 MA-EPD Estimator Results After answering a handful of questions, the estimator will: Tell you if you qualify for MA-EPD & monthly costs Provide Tips & Next Steps

28 Benefits to Work Estimator The Benefits to Work Estimator: provides a financial / benefits picture of different work scenarios based on individualized information informs you of various work incentives, health coverage, etc. available to your specific situation(s) allows you to create & save multiple plans & compare different options over time references valuable resources and suggested “next steps”

29 Three Easy Steps 1.Enter individual information Household & health coverage information Income & Resources 2.Create a Plan Potential job income & work expenses Other work detail 3.Receive Results Estimator combines information to create a financial picture Directly answers questions such as:  “Will this work help me be better off financially?”  “What do I need to do to become better off?” Presents benefits and work incentives for which you may be eligible Save the Plan for future reviewing, revising, comparison to other options you create

30 1. Enter individual information Household & health coverage information Income & Resources

31 2. Create a Plan Hypothetical and/or real Compare multiple options

32 3. Receive Results Estimator will calculate robust sets of possibilities Will provide graphical summary along with more detailed information If you are not better-off financially, the estimator will identify what you need to do to be better off

33 Results generate: Timeline – to review how your plan works over time To Dos - to help users remember what they need to manage their benefits Tips – helpful suggestions Next Steps – to provide support for your plan

34 Results provide detailed financial summaries to help with planning, budgeting & financial literacy; reports include: Income / Expenses Spreadsheets – monthly & annually Health Coverage & Benefits Details

35 Build full reports of all information in the plan Can be saved in pdf format that can be ed and/or printed

36 Username & Password are case sensitive Sessions can be saved & retrieved for later reference & comparisons Sessions & data are private & saved with usernames/passwords that you choose & control (Note: username/password are case sensitive)

37 You can: Create a Different Plan Compare results between plans

38 Make Changes in this plan - Add Another Job Change plan’s basics Add future changes

39 If in your plan you are not better off, the Estimator will help you: identify what you need to do to be better off financially compare the options

40 DB101 Development: More to come… Usability Re-design New features, functions, and look based on feedback Estimators Professional Versions of all Estimators School to Work Estimator Simplified Benefits to Work Estimator Content 10 new content sections 4 Life Situations 4 Close Ups

Building the System Adopting DB101 into business practices User Support System User Support System Service Network Adoption Service Network Adoption Benefits Planning System Benefits Planning System

42 Benefits Planning System Design Goal: Increase capacity of MN’s benefits planning system by expanding information access, streamlining services, and building cohesive messaging. IR&A System Design components: MN Work Incentives Connection Disability Linkage Line Disability Benefits 101 MnHelp.info

43 User Support: Help Center (DLL) What it provides: Real time support for: – content questions, understanding next steps, interpreting results – technical assistance – public benefits data needed for estimators Access to broad and powerful resource of DLL and MnHelp Information Network.

44 Live Chat

45 Worksheet for Benefits to Work Estimator

46 System Technology Built on Revation which connects the network through : – Live Chat – VOIP – secure – virtual presence to connect the network In 2008 network was expanded to include: – Benefits Look Up Group – Mn WIC

47 MNWIC/DLL/DB101 Coordination Working collectively to identify : Where the DLL, DB101 & WIC functions fit into the continuum of services for people with disabilities exploring and retaining work Create a cohesive, streamlined experience for the consumer How the functions can support each other to increase system capacity Shared messaging & protocols

48 Field Testing VR – Rochester and Winona RISE VR Power user group Others Understanding tool application and adoption within our work

49 Questions