Evaluation of the Ticket to Work Program Initial Evaluation Report

B.36
using UI data was that the data were nine months old, and SSA had indicated that they
would not pay right away based on these data, but rather, would wait until wages could be
verified by a claims representative.
Program Administration. Interviewees noted a number of issues encountered in
trying to administer TTW. These problems related to communications between DRS and
the Program Manager. Most of these communication problems related to program start-up
and had been resolved by the time of the initial interview. DRS also pointed to problems
with verification of earnings, and cross-referencing individuals currently receiving VR
services with those receiving a Ticket. The CD-Rom provided by the Program Manager for
this purpose did not contain Social Security Numbers (SSNs), which were necessary for this
purpose. DRS staff noted that about 20percentof the addresses in the database were
incorrect, and roughly 40percentof the addresses in DRS files were incorrect. DRS staff also
noted that some individuals who had been issued a Ticket (and who had presented to DRS
for services) were not included on the CD-ROM.
c. Status at Follow-up
Service Delivery. DRS has made few significant changes in service delivery during the
past year. DRS is providing more individual training on the Ticket program to its counselors
and is re-emphasizing the information provided during the past year. Training for
beneficiaries takes place in smaller groups with eight to ten participants and is more detailed
than the training previously provided. During the past year, DRS staff presented the Ticket
Program at all 12 One-Stops in the state. At present, staff members conduct bi-weekly
orientation meetings in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and in other portions of the state, as
needed.
DRS invites organizations interested in becoming ENs to the orientation session at the
nearest One-Stop. It then invites the organizations to apply to become ENs; approximately
two thirds apply. However, DRS staff stated that interest in the program has “fizzled”; few if
any organizations are applying. DRS has no signed agreements with other ENs to jointly
serve Ticket holders, and noted a situation where one EN instructed beneficiaries to apply
for DRS services without informing DRS that they had assigned their Ticket to the EN.
DRS has established close working relationships with SSA FOs. Interviewees noted a
positive and productive relationship with the AWIC. Staff members obtain beneficiaries’
releases to obtain financial and medical information from the FO. DRS also works closely
with the BPAOs, particularly in cases of concurrent beneficiaries who are receiving both SSI
and DI benefits.
Ticket Assignments and Outcomes. DRS will accept the Ticket of any beneficiary
who applies for service. DRS does not have a policy of unassigning Tickets of beneficiaries
who are not making reasonable progress, because beneficiaries are entitled to services
through Title I of the Rehabilitation Act. However, due to budget shortfalls, DRS was
forced to place many Ticket holders on a waiting list for services—many were on the waiting
list for up to six months and could not proceed with writing IWPs. Oklahoma state law
Appendix B: Provider-Specific Case Study Summaries