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A Longitudinal Study of the VR Services Program

This presentation provides an overview of a longitudinal study on the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Program. It explores employment outcomes, policy issues, and key questions related to the effectiveness of VR services for individuals with disabilities. The study design, coverage, and findings on outcomes are discussed, along with the influence of environmental factors on services and outcomes. The study also delves into the operations and organizational climate of VR agencies and presents results of the VR program, along with policy implications such as educational achievement and service models.

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A Longitudinal Study of the VR Services Program

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  1. A Longitudinal Study of the VR Services Program Robert H. PasternackAssistant SecretaryOffice of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

  2. Contents of Presentation • Overview of the study’s purposes, design, and coverage • Findings on employment outcomes • Examples of policy issues the study has addressed

  3. Study Questions • What short- and long-term outcomes do VR consumers achieve as a result of VR services? • What characteristics of individuals with disabilities affect their • access to and receipt of VR services and • short- and long-term outcomes? • Does receipt of specific VR services contribute to successful outcomes?

  4. Study Questions • How do local environmental factors influence VR consumers’ services and outcomes? • How do the operations, resources, and organizational climate of VR agencies influence consumers’ services and outcomes? • What are the results of the VR program?

  5. Overview of Design • Nationally representative sample of VR applicants and consumers • Two-stage sample: • 40 local VR offices selected proportional to the size of the consumer population • 8,500 sample members • Data collection period • December 1994 through December 1999

  6. Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Ž Location of Participating Offices Participating VR offices Ž

  7. Findings on Employment Outcomes

  8. What Helps to Improve Consumer Outcomes • Knowledge of the world of work • Employment development services • Educational services • Mobility-related services • Miscellaneous support services

  9. Knowledge of the World of Work • Knowledge of specific jobs • Knowledge of different jobs • Knowledge of the non-monetary benefits of jobs • Interest in career advancement • Job-related information gathering skills • High self-esteem

  10. Employment Development Services • Job placement • On-the-job training • Work adjustment For some consumers: • Supported employment

  11. Educational Services • Business/vocational training • 2-year community college • 4-year college/university

  12. Mobility-Related Services • Assistive technology devices and services • Driver training and licensing

  13. Support Services • Tools, equipment, and uniforms • Maintenance

  14. Retention of Employment & Earnings • Persons exiting VR into competitive employment

  15. Retention of Employment

  16. Hours Worked per Week

  17. Hourly Wages

  18. Earnings Relative to the Federal Poverty Level

  19. Health Insurance Through the Job

  20. Job Satisfaction: Earnings & Benefits

  21. Job Satisfaction: Advancement & Integration

  22. Job Satisfaction: Employer Support

  23. The Study’s Policy Implications Educational achievement Demonstration program on literacy development Higher education Initiative to support increased access to college under consideration Job-related knowledge New service models under consideration Self-esteem/self-efficacy New service models under consideration

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