Works for Me Campaign Helping People with Disabilities in Pa. Join Workforce

Harrisburg, PA (March 17, 2010) Since launching the “Works for me” campaign in mid-October, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare announces that nearly 1,000 inquiries have been fielded via phone and email, and nearly 15,000 visits have been made to the Web site. The ongoing campaign directs people with disabilities, including those receiving Social Security or Medicaid benefits, to resources and services provided by state and local government agencies, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), and stakeholders that can help them with training and employment.

“People with disabilities want to join the workforce and gain financial independence,” Edward M. Butler, executive director of Gov. Ed Rendell’s Cabinet and Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, said. “But, many people are afraid of losing their social security and medical benefits which may not be the case at all.”

According to Butler, the “Works for me” campaign was designed to quickly connect people with all types of disabilities to the appropriate resources across the state that can address their unique situation and determine how to become employed while still receiving benefits they may qualify for. “It’s all about giving people with disabilities the tools and information they need to join the workforce and enjoy all the benefits a job provides like the opportunity for financial growth and security,” he said.

Mr. Butler admits that without the proper guidance and assistance, navigating through the process can sometimes be confusing and complicated. “That is why the Department’s action to initiate the ‘Works for me’ campaign is so vitally important to Pennsylvanians,” he said. “And the response the campaign has generated in a few short months supports research suggesting that people with disabilities want to work and support themselves and their families just like most people.”

As the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare announces campaign response figures, it also announces the decision to expand the program to reach more individuals that want to work. The campaign, which is funded by the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA# 93.768), will continue and expand its statewide advertising efforts. Newspaper ads, transit panels and television commercials will help generate more awareness as well as the distribution of posters, brochures and DVDs to targeted organizations across the state assisting people with disabilities.

“Works for me” is a resource for people with any kind of disability including mental health, physical, sensory or developmental. Through a hotline number (1-877-268-9894), an individual can quickly and easily connect with a coordinator to determine which program is best for them and receive the guidance they need to make a decision about employment. Information is also available at

www.WorksForMe-PA.org.

In Pennsylvania, there are over 530,000 working aged individuals with disabilities (ages 18-64), and over 60,000 youth receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration. According to a National Beneficiary Survey conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, 44% of beneficiaries reported a goal of getting a job or a better paying job within the next five years. Of these, over half were working or actively seeking employment during the prior year of the survey. This study and related initiatives contrast a common stereotype that people with disabilities cannot work and will rely on government benefits for their entire life. Mr. Butler also contrasts this stereotype explaining that he himself was born with cerebral palsy and has always been employed. “I’ve never collected a benefit,” he said.

On an individual level, there are countless benefits associated with employment for people with disabilities. Employment gives a sense of purpose, pride, accomplishment and becomes part of a person’s identity. It provides an opportunity to take part in the community, develop new relationships and give back to society. The “Works for me” campaign highlights many personal stories of individuals across Pennsylvania like Mr. Butler whom have gained both financial success and personal accomplishments through employment.

“Works for me” (www.WorksForMe-PA.org) is a free resource that can direct you to agencies and programs that help people with disabilities in Pennsylvania get a job. We will review your specific situation and guide you to resources that will help you find a job, training, education, assistive technology for work, or other support you may need for employment. There are many great reasons to work and, with the resources we have available, it is possible! And, contrary to what some people believe, you may be able to work without losing your financial security or health care benefits. “Works for me” is here to help answer your questions about working!

To learn more about personal stories or obtain additional information, please contact Karen Gross at (717) 432-2468 or visit www.WorksForMe-PA.org. For organizations interested in receiving “Works for me” brochures, posters or DVDs to distribute to people with disabilities, please contact Stefanie Hare at (717) 432-2468 or via email at Stefanie@TheSuasionWay.com.

This document was produced with funds from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA# 93.768).

Suasion Brings Wake-Up Call to Harrisburg

Recently, downtown Harrisburg experienced an educational wake-up call concerning people with disabilities.  Derived from the extensive planning of an innovative team, Suasion organized a public awareness campaign for the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) to educate people on what life is like for people with disabilities.  After months of preparation, an inspirational campaign was launched.

The campaign was a result of unique and out-of-the-box thinking. The goal of the campaign was to create a shock-factor due to the secrecy of the launch.  Without warning, the people of Harrisburg went to work on the morning of October 20th expecting the usual, only to be stopped in their tracks by posters, postcards, table tents, and Braille cards fluttering the high-traffic areas of 2nd street.  Posters were displayed in business windows; table tents stationed on bank coffee tables; Braille cards rested on restaurant tables; and postcards stacked on information desks – just a few of the locations where campaign materials appeared.

The unique design of these materials demonstrated Suasion’s out-of-the-box thinking.  A series of distinctively crafted pieces were formed around three specific disabilities. On each piece, a question was asked, but composed in a way that it could be modified for any location. The questions included: How would you ________ if you used a wheelchair? How would you ________ if you were blind? How would you _________ if you were deaf?

As Suasion posted the materials around the city, the team filled in the blank, based on the location of the poster, post card or table tent. Questions such as, “How would you fill out a deposit slip if you were blind?” and “How would you get to the second floor if you used a wheelchair?” are only two of the many strategically designed pieces that grabbed an onlooker’s attention.

The team at Suasion developed all aspects of the campaign - from the idea of launching an educational campaign to composing the news release that attracted media attention. In addition, Suasion’s team made countless phone calls to the businesses, restaurants, and organizations that displayed the materials in the city.

To increase the impact of the campaign, Suasion obtained media exposure by developing effective news releases and coordinating interviews with television news reporters. Both NBC affiliate, WGAL8, and CBS affiliate, WHPTV-21 conducted interviews with CILCP’s Executive Director and highlighted the unique campaign.

The campaign proved to be a great success. It not only created a lot of exposure for the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, but it also caused people to take a step back and look at life from a different perspective.

Suasion Partners with Three Rivers Center for Independent Living to Launch Life-Altering Program

Suasion organized the unveiling of a new, life-altering program for people living with disabilities in Allegheny County. By partnering with the non-profit organization, Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL), Suasion planned and coordinated a launch event for the media and stakeholders in the greater Pittsburgh area to announce the new program: Living Well With A Disability.

Suasion’s team developed and designed marketing materials including brochures and giveaway items; obtained key speakers; prepared a Web site; and developed press materials prior to the event. Prior to the launch, Suasion also organized a media schedule to include the three 30-second television spots produced by Suasion. These innovative spots showcase people with disabilities “living well.”  Suasion President Victoria Radabaugh said, “Having worked extensively with the disability community, we understand the importance of showcasing people with disabilities as just that – people who happen to have a disability.  We developed these spots to feature people first – the viewer is actually surprised at a later point in the spot to see that the person has a disability.”  The spots were very well received in other markets in which they ran. (View the spots by visiting http://www.livingwellwithadisability.org.) 

In addition, Suasion provided media relations services, resulting in media exposure in the Pittsburgh area.

With nearly 150 advocates and individuals from social service and disability related organizations in attendance, the press conference at the Westin Convention Center was truly a success.

Increased Patient Base of Health Care Provider

Victoria and Megan were asked to increase the awareness of a Federally Qualified Health Center as a source of quality care for the community.  Advertising and public relations tools were used to convey the positive experiences various members of the community had with the multiple practices.  The result:  a buzz in the community about the testimonial campaign and an immediate increase in patients.

Moved Hard-to-Reach Audiences to Obtain Important Health Screening

A cardiology practice desired to reach out to low income and Hispanic populations as these segments are at higher risk of heart disease and less likely to seek preventative medical care.  Victoria and Megan developed an innovative approach which centered on providing risk assessments and screenings in the places these audiences are most comfortable, rather than attempting to get the consumers to visit the medical office.  Megan set up screenings in churches, community centers and even hair salons.  She and Victoria developed hard-hitting, emotional messages for radio, direct mail, posters and billboards to get people to attend the screenings.  This program was extremely successful with more than three times the expected number of people being screened – most of whom were moderately high to high risk for heart disease and had not been screened previously.   The practice obtained a number of new patients and, more importantly, many high risk patients received the follow up care they needed.

Rebranded Health Center

Victoria conducted focus group research with patients, community members, social service organizations and community leaders in order to guide the strategic branding process of a Federally Qualified Health Center.  Based on the information attained, a new name was recommended along with a positioning and operational support.  Victoria continued to work with the center to build the brand through a communications program.  Later research indicated the new brand is well integrated within the community.

Measured and Recommended Strategies for Improving Employee Satisfaction

At the request of a large health care provider with over 250 employees, Victoria and Megan conducted a series of focus groups and a quantitative study.  The research included the various levels of employees, from front line staff to top executives, in an effort to identify strengths and weaknesses of the operations and to ascertain employee relations needs.  Results of the study were used to develop an action plan which has led to an improvement in employee satisfaction and retention.

Determined Patient Perception and Recommended Changes for Improving Satisfaction

In an effort to determine and improve the level of patient satisfaction, Victoria and Megan conducted patient satisfaction surveys across multiple practices.  They developed the questionnaire, executed the survey, analyzed the data and presented the results along with specific recommendations for improving patient satisfaction.  Victoria and Megan also provided extensive follow up and facilitation to ensure the study was not just a report, but rather was transformed into actions that improved the organization.

Increased Average Monthly Intakes by 400% with Launch of New Program

Victoria and Megan developed, coordinated and executed the launch of a new, innovative program for people with disabilities.  To launch the program in central Pennsylvania, Victoria and Megan planned and coordinated a media event at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, which included obtaining the participation of key leaders such as Speaker of the House, Dennis O’Brien and Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, Estelle Richman.  The press conference was attended by a multitude of local and regional print and broadcast media, and more than one hundred influential visitors.  The event was recognized as one of the largest press conferences held in the State Rotunda.  A highly effective advertising and public relations program, which included television, Internet and direct mail programs, was also developed.  The launch and campaign were immediately successful and produced a 400% increase in inquiries to the organization.

 

Facilitated Strategic Planning and Initial Execution of Plan

Victoria was asked to lead the annual strategic planning process of a Federally Qualified Health Center’s board of directors and key executives.  Through a daylong retreat, she led a variety of exercises and interactive discussions to identify and prioritize strategic objectives for the organization.  Using the information from this session, Victoria developed a written strategic plan and recommendations for meeting the objectives.  To ensure the plan was actually executed, she also developed and managed a task force that met monthly and was responsible for moving the organization toward the determined objectives.  As a result, the strategic plan became a working document and the objectives are consistently being met.

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