Research Article

Article Details

Citation:  Foley, S.M.; & Livermore, G. (2020). Successful vocational rehabilitation innovations: Building a better toolbox. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 53 (3), 257-260.
Title:  Successful vocational rehabilitation innovations: Building a better toolbox
Authors:  Foley, S.M.; & Livermore, G.
Year:  2020
Journal/Publication:  Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:  IOS Press
DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-201102
Full text:  https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...    |   PDF   
Peer-reviewed?  Yes
NIDILRR-funded?  Yes

Structured abstract:

Background:  Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) successfully participated in a randomized control trial of an intervention designed in partnership with more than 100 VR personnel and twenty state VR agencies to identify effective practices for increasing earnings outcomes of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries receiving VR services.
Purpose:  This paper introduces articles in the Special Issue to tell the story of the SGA Model Demonstration from design, testing, and impact evaluation.
Data collection and analysis:  The SGA Model Demonstration began reviewing administrative data, collecting expert opinion, and exploring current practice in eight state VR agencies. After an eighteen-month period of capacity building, two state VR agencies randomized local offices and implemented a rapid coordinated team approach.
Findings:  State VR agencies are successfully participating in rigorous research activities including model demonstrations with experimental designs.
Conclusions:  Model demonstrations that include experimental designs are effective strategies to improve knowledge and build a better practitioner toolbox to advance employment outcomes of VR clients.

Disabilities served:  Autism / ASD
Cognitive / intellectual impairment
Developmental disabilities
Multiple disabilities
Populations served:  SSI and SSDI recipients
Interventions:  Vocational rehabilitation
Outcomes:  Employment acquisition
Full-time employment
Part-time employment