A Longitudinal Study of the VR Services Program

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A Longitudinal Study of the VR Services Program

• Robert H. PasternackAssistant SecretaryOffice
  of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

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Contents of Presentation

• Overview of the studys purposes, design, and
  coverage
• Findings on employment outcomes
• Examples of policy issues the study has addressed

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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?

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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?

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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

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Location of Participating Offices

• Participating VR offices

?
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Findings on Employment Outcomes
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What Helps to Improve Consumer Outcomes

• Knowledge of the world of work
• Employment development services
• Educational services
• Mobility-related services
• Miscellaneous support services

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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

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Employment Development Services

• Job placement
• On-the-job training
• Work adjustment
• For some consumers
• Supported employment

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Educational Services

• Business/vocational training
• 2-year community college
• 4-year college/university

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Mobility-Related Services

• Assistive technology devices and services
• Driver training and licensing

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Support Services

• Tools, equipment, and uniforms
• Maintenance

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Retention of Employment Earnings

• Persons exiting VR into competitive employment

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Retention of Employment
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Hours Worked per Week
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Hourly Wages
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Earnings Relative to the Federal Poverty Level
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Health Insurance Through the Job
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Job Satisfaction Earnings Benefits
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Job Satisfaction Advancement Integration
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Job Satisfaction Employer Support
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The Studys 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