Evaluation of the Ticket to Work Program, Implementation ...

SVRAs use the funds to provide a mix of services intended to assist people withdisabilities in identifying their vocational goals and securing employment. For example,assessment and evaluation services help individuals select a career area and set employmentgoals. Educational and medical services prepare individuals for employment in their chosencareer area. Job placement, supported employment, and assistive technology services assistindividuals in maintaining employment for extended periods and preparing for careeradvancement. SVRA services include basic counseling services delivered by a vocationalrehabilitation counselor as well as specialized placement, training, and rehabilitation servicesspecified in a client’s Individualized Plan for Employment that are purchased by the SVRAfor a specific client from a statewide network of vendors.Figure VI.1. SSA Beneficiaries As a Percentage of All SVRA Case Closures FY1997–20039530%29%28%% SSA Beneficiaries27%26%25%24%23%22%1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3Source: RSA 911 (Case Service Reports) Public Use File.SVRAs serve a broad array of people with disabilities; in recent years, those receiving DIor SSI benefits have accounted for about one-fourth of all SVRA case closures (Figure VI.1).Another recent development includes a steady rise in the total number of SSA beneficiariesserved by SVRAs, from 137,000 closed cases in FY1997 to 175,000 closed cases in FY2003. 22 The percentages identified in Figure VI.1 include both successful and unsuccessful case closures.Successful case closures are those in which the participant achieves competitive employment in an integratedsetting that is consistent with the participant’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities,VI: State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Participation in Ticket to Work