Partners - Nebraska Ticket to Work

Partners - Nebraska Ticket to Work Palliative Care Program

The Nebraska Ticket to Work Palliative Care Program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities manage chronic pain and discomfort that prevents them from acquiring or maintaining employment. Palliative care is an emerging practice that focuses on reducing the severity and symptoms of an illness or a disability rather than providing a cure. Although palliative care grew from the hospice movement, there are significant distinctions between the two. Palliative care is not limited to those in terminal stages of a disease; it is available at any point that symptoms present themselves.

Program Summary

The program coordinates pain management techniques with employment supports.
Services are provided to individuals who have chronic pain that affects their ability to work.
Approximately thirty people have been served over the course of the program.
Staff provide referrals and links to services and supports.
A team of medical and human services professionals coordinates employment services, supports and medical interventions.
The program was initially funded by a $71,000 MIG investment and has been matched by in kind contributions from partners.
Strong collaboration from a broad array of partners and a teambased approach were some of the keys to the program’s success.