Introducing DB101.orgIntroducing DB101.org

An interactive web site that provides An interactive web site that provides people with disabilities an easy way people with disabilities an easy way

to explore the possibility of workto explore the possibility of work

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Pathways to EmploymentStrategic 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

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ObjectiveObjectiveCompetitive 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.

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ObjectiveObjectiveCompetitive 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.

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Why Disability Benefits 101 (DB101)?

• Person-centered• Info under one roof• Sustainable • Web based• Accessible• Can connect into a

more coordinated system

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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

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How it can be Used

IndependentlyAccessed directly by people with disabilities & their families to:

• explore• create plans• identify options• connect to help & other resources

FacilitatedUsed by those who support people with disabilities to:

• gather information • explore possibility• debunk myths• plan for work • streamline workflow

ProfessionalA comprehensive resource to use for: • staff/agency training• outreach • reference• recruitment

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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

UnderWorking

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: Taking a Look at the Tool: What What DB101 OffersDB101 Offers

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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

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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

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Help Center

• Phone, Live Chat, E-Mail• 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 AreasOverview of Content Areas

1. Program / Topical Information1. Program / Topical Information2. Glossary2. Glossary3. Life Situations3. Life Situations4. News & Articles4. News & Articles

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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

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1.a Basic & Detailed Information

Excellent as a quick reference or to research details

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1.B Examples, Resources, FAQs & “Pitfalls”

•Real-life examples & stories reinforce learning

•Single source for multiple relevant resources

•Compiles & identifies common questions & concerns

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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

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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

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Forums

• Online discussion rooms with pre-defined subjects

• Expands the way people can learn

• Opportunity to share experiences, successes & build community

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News & Articles

• Easy access to current news & articles related to disabilities & benefits

• Helps professionals & consumers stay on top of & share relevant information

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Integrated links create easy access

• Applications• Forms• Manuals• Resources• Sites• Glossary

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Printer-Friendly / E-mail Page

• “Printer-Friendly” feature - a way to provide consumers printed information

• “E-Mail Page” function – can email content to consumer and/or colleagues

Overview of EstimatorsOverview of Estimators

1. MA-EPD Estimator1. MA-EPD Estimator2. Benefits-to-Work Estimator2. Benefits-to-Work Estimator

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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

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Estimator 1: MA-EPD Estimator

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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

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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

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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”

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Three Easy Steps1. 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

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

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

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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

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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

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

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• Build full reports of all information in the plan

• Can be saved in pdf format that can be e-mailed and/or printed

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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)

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

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Make Changes in this plan -

• Add Another Job• Change plan’s basics• Add future changes

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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

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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 SystemBuilding the System

Adopting DB101 into business practicesAdopting DB101 into business practices

• User Support SystemUser Support System• Service Network AdoptionService Network Adoption• Benefits Planning SystemBenefits Planning System

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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

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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.

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Live Chat

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Worksheet for Benefits to Work Estimator

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System Technology• Built on Revation which

connects the network through :– Live Chat– VOIP– secure email – virtual presence to connect

the network• In 2008 network was

expanded to include:– Benefits Look Up Group– Mn WIC

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MNWIC/DLL/DB101 CoordinationWorking 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

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Field Testing

• VR – Rochester and Winona• RISE• VR Power user group• Others

Understanding tool application and adoption within our work

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Questions