Maine's CHOICES CEO Project

Expanding Opportunities for Workers with Disabilities

Products of the CHOICES CEO Project 2000-2009

Maine Resources

CHOICES Project Statewide Advisory Group Evaluation: This evaluation was done in 2004 to provide feedback on advisory group purpose, member roles and satisfaction, membership gaps, impact and accomplishments.
Employer Practices and Attitudes: Planning Decisions Inc., a Maine research company, held focus groups with human resource managers and placement staff and conducted a survey of 400 business owners in Maine. This is the report of their findings.
Evolving Supports for Workers with Disabilities: The MaineCare Workers with Disabilities Option Phone Survey (PDF): This slide presentation reports findings from a 2003 survey of MaineCare Workers with Disabilities Option enrollees. Information on disability reported earnings and use of work-related supports is presented.
Maine Disability & Employment Dashboard: The Maine Disability & Employment Dashboard is a continually updated online information source for employment and disability data and analysis. It draws from the indicators presented in Snapshot 2006.
Maine State Government as a Model Employer of Workers with Disabilities: In February 2006, Governor Baldacci issued this executive order. It called for the state to better promote state jobs to people with disabilities, identify difficult-to-fill jobs, and survey state workers about their disabilities and experiences with state employment.
MaineCare and Other Supports for Workers with Disabilities: A Summary Report of Focus Group Findings: In 2002, the CHOICES project gave funds to community organizations to hold focus groups. People with disabilities and others discussed their experiences with employment service systems and employment supports such as MaineCare. This report provides a summary of these in-depth discussions.
MaineCare Enrollees with Disabilities: Work Experience — 2002 Phone Survey (PDF): This report presents survey results about the work experience of people with disabilities enrolled in MaineCare that had no previous experience with the Workers With Disabilities Option. These results are compared with the findings from the similar 2001 survey of people who had experience with the program. The report discusses how these findings can teach us how to encourage and support people with disabilities who want to work.
The MaineCare Option for Workers with Disabilities: A Survey of Past and Present Enrollees — 2001 Phone Survey (PDF): The purpose of this survey was to find out more about the people who were, or ever had been, enrolled in the MaineCare Workers With Disabilities Option. Information is presented about work experience and service needs, along with feedback about receiving health coverage under the WWD Option.
MaineCare Personal Assistance Services in the Workplace Report (PDF): This report focuses on personal assistance services provided in the workplace with MaineCare funding. It was produced by the CHOICES project at the Muskie School for Public Service, University of Southern Maine. Available in Word.
MaineCare Services for Workers with Disabilities Chartbook (PDF): This Chartbook describes the MaineCare Workers With Disabilities Option program and the people who enrolled in it during its first three years (1999-2001). It also contains general information about disability in Maine and the nation. Available in Word.
The MaineCare Workers with Disabilities Option 2000 Mail Survey: This presentation gives an initial overview of people enrolled in the Worker With Disabilities Option during the first year of the program. Information on earnings, hours and disabilities are presented.
Medicare Part D Survey of MaineCare Workers with Disabilities Dual Eligibles: Experience Before and During Transition (Word): Results from a March 2006 phone survey of dual-eligibles (those eligible for Medicaid and Medicare) enrolled in MaineCare through the Workers with Disabilities Option.
Personal Assistance Services for Workers with Disabilities: Case Studies (PDF): In 2002 and 2004, the CHOICES CEO project conducted in-depth interviews with people who had a range of disabilities. The study describes the experiences, challenges and needs of people with disabilities who are working, or who want to work, and who require personal assistance services. Available in Word.
Snapshot 2006: Maine Workers with Disabilities: How many workers in Maine have a disability? Has the number of workers with disabilities increased in recent years? What services are being used by Maine workers with disabilities? Snapshot, an annual publication of the Commission on Disability and Employment answers these questions and more.
We Want to Work: New Opportunities for People with Disabilities: On October 6, 2005, a forum was held at the Maine State House for those interested in becoming involved in an effort to improve employment supports and services for workers with disabilities in Maine.
Working Together: Maine's Strategic Plan to Maximize Employment for People with Disabilities: Released in 2006, this is the strategic plan that guides the CHOICES CEO project. The plan contains appendices that detail the findings of focus groups and other information-gathering activities.