Evaluation of the Ticket to Work Program Initial Evaluation Report

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E. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS
The preliminary findings presented above encompass somewhat different perspectives
on the issue of TTW services for the AOI population. The process analysis suggested that
screening out individuals who may fall in one or more AOI groups may be a common
practice among non–SVRA ENs, making it difficult for the AOI population to gain access
to TTW services and likely limiting their choice of providers. The process findings are
consistent with the concentration of Ticket-using beneficiaries in the two AOI groups in
SVRAs, but the higher participation rates observed for the two AOI groups were not
foreshadowed by our discussions with providers.
The high participation rates based on the preliminary definition of the two AOI groups
highlight the diversity among beneficiaries with similar impairments. While the impairments
used to define the two AOI groups are correlated with use of ongoing supports or
workplace accommodations, many beneficiaries with those impairments may be able to work
without substantial outside assistance. Thus, the results indicate that the evaluation must go
beyond simple definitions based only on impairments in order to understand fully the factors
that limit participation in TTW and ultimate employment success.
Furthermore, the preliminary results showing high participation rates do not imply
equivalent employment success for the AOI groups. The full analysis of AOI issues must
therefore wait until more follow-up data are available on employment and benefit receipt
and until the estimation of program effects can be implemented.
VI: Adequacy of Incentives Study