Nebraska Ticket to Work Program Called Success
People With Disabilities And Employers Both Benefiting From Program
OMAHA (Neb.) - Nebraska Health and Human Services System (NEDHHSS) officials say that Nebraska employers and people with disabilities both have responded well to a federal program called Ticket to Work. According to Joni Thomas, Medicaid Infrastructure/Real Choice Grant Coordinator for NEDHHSS, a media communications campaign is helping people with disabilities find new employment opportunities with Nebraska businesses.
"One of the goals of the Ticket to Work program has been to raise awareness among employers about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, and we've seen an increase in business interest since the program was launched," said Thomas. "We have received calls from employers in Omaha, Lincoln and across Greater Nebraska, all interested in identifying and employing people with disabilities. The call volume has exceeded what we have seen in other states that also have participated in Ticket to Work."
Margy Hoffmann, Assistant Director of Vocational Rehabilitation, said that a number of people with disabilities also have taken advantage of the Ticket to Work program in order to find meaningful employment.
"We have received strong interest from people who are excited about the potential to find meaningful employment," said Hoffmann. "Collaborating with Employment Networks that have been established in the state, we are working toward increased opportunities for people with disabilities to learn a skill and receive job counseling assistance in order to obtain productive employment."
"Ticket to Work was designed to remove barriers and help people with disabilities become wage earning/income taxpaying citizens without facing the risk of losing their Medicaid eligibility," said Tim Kolb President of Kolb Foundation on Disabilities Education & Manager of NETTW Consumer Network. "A number of Nebraska companies have already discovered that people with disabilities have a strong work ethic and want to contribute as Nebraska taxpayers. This program benefits everyone, and we are delighted with the initial progress of Ticket to Work in the state."
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 also can visit the website www.nebraskatickettowork.org.
(August 10, 2004)