1. A Longitudinal Study of the VR Services Program Robert H. Pasternack Assistant Secretary Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

2. O S E R S 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. O S E R S 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. O S E R S 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. O S E R S 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 40 local VR offices selected proportional to the size of the consumer population 8,500 sample members 8,500 sample members  Data collection period December 1994 through December 1999 December 1994 through December 1999

6. O S E R S 6 Location of Participating Offices Participating VR offices 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 Ž

7. O S E R S 7 Findings on Employment Outcomes

8. O S E R S 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. O S E R S 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. O S E R S 10 Employment Development Services  Job placement  On-the-job training  Work adjustment For some consumers:  Supported employment

11. O S E R S 11 Educational Services  Business/vocational training  2-year community college  4-year college/university

12. O S E R S 12 Mobility-Related Services  Assistive technology devices and services  Driver training and licensing

13. O S E R S 13 Support Services  Tools, equipment, and uniforms  Maintenance

14. O S E R S 14 Retention of Employment & Earnings  Persons exiting VR into competitive employment

15. O S E R S 15 Retention of Employment

16. O S E R S 16 Hours Worked per Week

17. O S E R S 17 Hourly Wages

18. O S E R S 18 Earnings Relative to the Federal Poverty Level

19. O S E R S 19 Health Insurance Through the Job

20. O S E R S 20 Job Satisfaction: Earnings & Benefits

21. O S E R S 21 Job Satisfaction: Advancement & Integration

22. O S E R S 22 Job Satisfaction: Employer Support

23. O S E R S 23 The Study’s Policy Implications Educational achievementDemonstration program on literacy development Higher educationInitiative to support increased access to college under consideration Job-related knowledgeNew service models under consideration Self-esteem/self-efficacyNew service models under consideration