by requirements for the degree of (Education) - NCRTM

equired to function successfully on the job; whether or not earnings are
commensurate with the individual's abilities; if opportunities for advance-
ment exist; and to what extent previous training contributed to job place-
ment. Such a study, particularly if done on an ongoing basis, could offer
data on the effectiveness and efficiency of VR services and could identify
factors associated with success andfailure. The results would contribute
to improved services and an increased proportion of Successful outcomes.
Approximately 30% of the people closed in competitive employment had
gross earnings of $50 or less at time of closure. Many of these people,
therefore, fell below the poverty level indicator. The question arises
whether or not 'these people should be closed rehabilitated and VR services
terminated if their earnings are that low. It would seem that for many
of these people very serious problems remain. It is interesting to note
that there was little difference between the mildly and moderately retarded
in the percentages of people grouped in the various earnings categories.
A follow-up study of the 159 people who were closed rehabilitated in
employment would be interesting in terms of discovering
non-competitive
permanent those situations are, i.e., do many of the unpaid family
how
workers and sheltered workshop employees eventually acquire competitive
emp 1 oyment ?
An investigation of rehabilitated closures could be done to determine
what factors distinEuish those who are competitively employed from thos
who are placed in non-competitive employment.
Furthermore, a follow-up could be done on those people C144) closed
not rehabilitated prior to acceptance to determine what factors influenced
56% of them to refuse services after they applied.
91