National Ticket to Work Program Targeting Nebraska Residents
Program To Promote New Employment Opportunities For People With Disabilities
OMAHA (Neb.) - The national Ticket to Work program, created to encourage new employment opportunities for people with disabilities, will be available in Nebraska in early November. The Ticket to Work program, the centerpiece of President Bush's New Freedom Initiative, is designed to provide people with disabilities more meaningful employment choices and opportunities while maintaining their current benefits. The program, which is under the authority of the Social Security Administration, has already been successfully implemented in a number of other states.
According to Joni Thomas, Medicaid Infrastructure/Real Choice Grant Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Ticket to Work has the potential to benefit everyone in Nebraska.
"The primary goal of Ticket to Work is to help people with disabilities find integrated competitive employment," said Thomas. "National, state and local service providers are becoming Employment Networks in Nebraska, with a goal to provide training and employment services that will assist people with disabilities in finding meaningful jobs throughout our state.
"Under this program, people with disabilities have the opportunity to become productive citizens, without the risk of losing their Medicaid eligibility. Companies can hire employees with a strong work ethic. And as more people with disabilities enter the work force, the state creates additional taxpayers. It's a win for everyone involved."
In early November the Social Security Administration will begin mailing Tickets to eligible adult beneficiaries. People who have questions about the program are encouraged to call the Hotline for Disability Services at 1-800-742-7594 TTY, where they will be put in touch with people who can assist them through the process. They can also visit the website www.nebraskatickettowork.org.
Thomas says a key to the program is that it is voluntary for each recipient.
"People who receive a Ticket are not required to participate in the employment program," said Thomas. "However, many people with disabilities want to work, but have been frustrated by the employment process."
Thomas said Tickets will continue to be distributed to eligible beneficiaries over the next several months.
MEDIA NOTICE
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services can provide spokes people to discuss the Ticket to Work program in more detail. To arrange an interview or for additional information, please call the media contacts listed on the news release or call Joni Thomas at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, 402-471-1764.
(October 30, 2003)