STAR Point Real Time Panel Discussion on Work Incentives for People with Disabilities
On November 26, 2003, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. central standard time, STAR hosted an event specifically designed to promote assistive technology and the employment of people with disabilities. This 1-hour program featured panelists from various government agencies and focused on incentives available to employers and employees alike. The panel consisted of Mark Siegel and Pamela Baker from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and Joani Werner from the Social Security Administration.
Panelist Mark Siegel, DHS - Pathways to Employment, discussed his work with the Department's Pathways to Employment initiative. The mission of Pathways to Employment is to build partnerships that help Minnesotans with disabilities enter and maintain their efforts in the world of work.
Panelist Pam Baker, also of DHS - Pathways to Employment focused on the MA-EPD program. This program promotes competitive employment and the economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities. MA-EPD allows working people with disabilities to qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) under higher income and asset limits than regular MA. The goal of the program is to encourage people with disabilities to work and enjoy the benefits of being employed.
Panelist Joani Werner from the Social Security Administration discussed the PASS program. PASS stands for "Plan for Achieving Self Support" and is a program that allows persons receiving SSD (Social Security Disability) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) to continue to receive benefits, as they transition into the work force with the ultimate goal of becoming self-supporting.
Listen to a recording of the broadcast by going to the STAR Point On Demand page and selecting November 26, 2003 live Web cast on assistive technology, employment and disabilities (Audio) or read the transcript by selecting November 26, 2003 live Web cast on assistive technology, employment and disabilities (Transcript).