MnCHOICES Matters July 2016

Minnesota Department of Human Services
MnCHOICES Matters

July 2016

MnCHOICES Matters archive

Focusing on people not programs


A Note from Nancy

The message below was written by Nancy Jurgensen, a foundational member of the MnCHOICES team since September, 2010...

As some of you may know, I am retiring from the state after nearly 6 years; my last day is August 1st.  I look forward to celebrating the great joy and pleasure my grandchildren, family and friends give me. I have many interests and look forward to having the time to do “anything and everything” that my life offers!

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you - our valued and appreciated MnCHOICES partners!  I came to the state with the commitment and passion to represent and work with you on the MnCHOICES project. It’s been a privilege and honor to be part of the team.  I’m leaving with great hope and confidence for MnCHOICES thanks to your ongoing support and collaboration with the MnCHOICES team.  Thank you. 

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Target Dates for Reassessments Adjusted

In May, 2016 the MnCHOICES Reassessment Workgroup reconvened to discuss progress toward meeting established Reassessment timelines. The Workgroup recommended that DHS adjust the target dates for counties and tribes to meet all of the Reassessment requirements. There will be an official memo with details, but listed below are the new target dates for full implementation of MnCHOICES Reassessments.

Factor                                                  Date was   New Date  

Legacy tools no longer used                    9/1/2016     1/1/2017

COR does all assessments                       9/1/2016     1/1/2018

NOTE: Implementation dates for the County of Residence (COR) conducting all Assessments/Reassessments does not apply to AC, EW and PCA because the COR has historically been responsible to do those assessments.   

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Launch Planning Survey

On July 26, 2016, all counties and tribes using the MnCHOICES Assessment received an email from the DHS SSIS/MnCHOICES Help Desk requesting your participation in an important survey. This marks the official kick-off to begin launch preparations for the MnCHOICES Support Plan. Information about the survey, including a link to the survey, are in the attachment to that email. Note: the left side panel, or bar of the attachment, provides a summary of key information including the link.

Remember to:

  • Work on the survey together across divisions and administrations
  • Complete and submit only one survey per lead agency
  • Participate in conference call on August 1st to ask questions and listen to answers (participation optional)
  • Submit completed survey by August 15th

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"My Vault" is a new DB101 Feature

Work is a key topic for the people we work with and comes into focus  when conducting assessments and developing plans.  Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) is an online resource to:

  • Help people with disabilities learn how income may impact their benefits
  • Make informed choices
  • Reduce fears 
  • Ensure work is part of their plan 

DB101 is a valuable resource that just got better by adding a new feature called "My Vault" which provides a secure place to store information obtained from and created in DB101.

As a professional supporting people with long-term service and support needs, referring people to create a DB101 account will help you to help others! If you have questions use the "Talk to an Expert" option at mn.db101.org or call the Disability Linkage Line at 866-333-2466.

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    MnCHOICES Support Plan Training Underway

    The MnCHOICES team is preparing to launch the MnCHOICES Support Plan (MnSP). At this time, scripting and programming the online access and navigation training is in full-swing. The training will have a "Try It!" feature similar to the one in MnCAT Step 3. The Try It! feature provides learners with access to the MnCHOICES Training Zone - SP. 

    There will be two training zones:

    • MnCHOICES Training Zone-A (MTZ-A)
    • MnCHOICES Training Zone-SP (MTZ-SP)

    MTZ-A and MTZ-SP work together just like the MnCHOICES Assessment and MnCHOICES Support Plan applications will:

    • MTZ-A provides assessment data to inform the planning process
    • MTZ-SP uses assessment data to develop support plans 

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      MnCHOICES Mentors Alliance Meeting August 17th

      The MnCHOICES Mentors Alliance (MMA) will meet at the St. Cloud Holiday Inn on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 9 am until 3:30 pm. Register in TrainLink to attend in person or by WebEx.

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      For more information about MnCHOICES, visit us on the DHS website. For technical assistance about MnCHOICES, visit us on CountyLink.