Muskie School of Public Service

Abstract

Maine has received two years of funding to continue to implement a strategic plan (developed in 2005) to support individuals with disabilities who work, or who wish to work. The goals of the CHOICES Comprehensive Employment Opportunity (CEO) project are: engage employers to identify barriers to hiring and retention of workers with disabilities; ensure the Maine state government is a model employer for people with disabilities; improve post-secondary and employment services for youth transitioning from school to work; strengthen the employment services system; and enhance research and data collection capacity regarding workers with disabilities.

Project URL

Link http://choices.muskie.usm.maine.edu

Related URL

Link http://www.expandingmainesworkforce.com

Products

1. Business engagement products, including a. website - www.ExpandingMainesWorkforce.com b. Annual Conference c. Printed brochures which are exhibited at business and human resources conferences 2. Workers with disabilities resources materials, including a. www.EmploymentforME.org web site b. Various print resources, including MaineCare Worker brochures c. Traveling exhibition booth and materials that attend job fairs and related events 3. Workforce development system resources, including a. Training conferences and distance learning opportunities (webinars, etc.) for employment service providers b. Orientation and training sessions for Ticket To Work Program 4. Data and Awareness Resources, including: a. Annual Data Snapshot Publication b. bi-monthly project newsletter c. Quarterly business e-newsletter

Funding Types

• State Government

Population Areas

• Maine

Subject Areas

• Aging, Chronic Illness, and Disability
• Chronic Illness
• Economic Development
• Health Insurance
• Human Resources
• Medicaid
• Mental Disabilities
• Physical Disabilities
• Youth Development

Publications

• Maine's Commission on Disability and Employement, & CHOICES CEO Project. (2008, December). Snapshot 2008: Maine workers with disabilities. Portland, ME: University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service.