Disabilities less
of a work obstacle

The state launches a jobs program
with a $1 million U.S. grant

The state has launched a project called Hire Abilities-Hawaii with a $1 million federal grant to help residents with disabilities get jobs.

State studies indicate about two-thirds of those with significant disabilities would like to work, and 60 percent could obtain jobs with ongoing support, said project Director Susan Miller.

But fewer than 20 percent are actually employed.

An estimated 180,000 people between ages 18 and 64 have disabilities, she said.

The state's disability benefits system now seems to work against people with disabilities who want to get jobs, Miller said.

"One of the biggest reasons people don't work with a disability is the need for medical insurance," she pointed out.

The state has an opportunity to eliminate that and other obstacles with a two-year Medicaid Infrastructure Grant from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, she said.

It is the first time Hawaii has qualified for such a grant, said Gov. Linda Lingle, "and on behalf of all those who will benefit, we couldn't be happier."

Miller said, "What we hope to do is un-complicate the system and make it more people-friendly, and in the process set up work incentives to make people want to go back to work, or work the first time."

Changes could be made to allow people to maintain government health benefits as they move back into the work force, she said.

The Workforce Development Council is a partner in the project because changes also are needed among employers, Miller said.

"One of the first conversations we had with the council was, 'How are we going to embrace new workers into the work force?'

"Hawaii needs workers," Miller said. "If we can come up with a way that works for small business and private enterprise to bring qualified workers into the work force, it's better for the state of Hawaii."

It's also better for people with disabilities, she said. "People feel better when they work. There is more to their life when they're working."

The project will explore a Medicaid Buy-In Option that would allow the Medicaid office to increase the $1,700-per-month income eligibility limit so working Medicaid beneficiaries could earn more and still maintain their benefits and services, Miller said.

They would pay more on the premium as they earned more, she said.

Another goal is to offer personal assistance services in job settings, she said. "Maybe they need someone to help them get to work or need someone at the workplace 10 percent of the time. We will explore ways to expand the personal assistance waiver paid for by Medicaid across disabilities."

Research will be done the first year of the project, with input from clients of the state health and human services agencies, to analyze barriers to work.

Collaborating in the project are the Governor's Office, University of Hawaii, Legislature and Departments of Human Services, Health, Labor and Education.

The UH Center on Disability Studies is administering the grant. "Providing access and opportunity for all of Hawaii's residents is central to the mission of the university," said UH Interim President David McClain.