Survey: Website review
In February 2023, 63 VIP members participated in a survey to provide feedback on a new website. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) created a website with residential service termination information for people who use one of the disability waivers. The VIP members shared feedback on communication preferences and clarity of the information.
With this feedback, DHS will work to improve plain language and add additional definitions, details or examples to certain sections of the website.
Survey: Experiences and ideas
In March 2023, 95 people responded to a survey about their experience calling the Disability Hub MN. VIP members were asked questions about location of staff, call routing, voicemail options, and revolving recorded messages.
Of the results:
- 25 people have never called the Hub before
- 43 people have called in the past year
- 27 have called over a year ago
Fifty-two people feel it is important or very important that the Hub staff who helps them live in the same region of the state as them. When asked about the member's experience with the revolving messages when they are on hold, 26 people said they listen to these messages and have learned something new. These results were used to make improvements to the caller's experience.
Survey: Services
In July 2023, 72 VIP members completed a survey to identify members who are on Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) and earning less than $600 a month from employment. Of those 72 members, 15 were identified to participate in a follow-up interview to help identify ways to improve the MA-EPD program. Interviews will be held in December.
Survey: Grants
In September 2023, 99 VIP members from 21 counties completed a survey to identify service areas that Innovation Grants could fund in their upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP). The survey results highlighted the need to address issues, such as mental health, transportation, and accessibility and inclusion.
The feedback from this VIP activity was shared with the Grants and Contracts team and it will be used in the next Innovation Grants RFP in 2024.
Survey: Training resources
In October 2023, 76 people responded to a survey about their experiences with positive support training resources. VIP members were asked about their familiarity with existing resources, their training style preferences and ideas for inclusivity.
The results showed:
- 52 people had never used the training resources
- 41 people felt there were gaps in the resources
- 32 people were not familiar with the term "positive support"
- 18 people felt changes were needed to make the materials more inclusive
The Minnesota Department of Human Services will work to develop new resources to better meet people's needs.
Survey and Focus Group: Services review
In December 2023, 48 people responded to a VIP survey to provide input on integrated community supports (ICS) services. Participants were also asked to participate in a web-based focus group to provide in-depth information. One member was able to join the focus group.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services will use the information provided by the VIP survey and focus group to consider ICS policy changes. This information from the VIP will be combined with input from case managers, lead agency leadership and providers who also participated in focus groups.