Innovations in Rehabilitation Interventions to Improve Service Delivery and Employment (R-3)
Study 3.3:
A State Level Project to Enhance Service Delivery
Key Contact: Douglas Watson, Ph.D. or Sharon Sabik, Ph.D.
The purpose of the study is to focus on improving rehabilitation services and outcomes of persons who are low functioning within the context of providing services to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. By partnering with Kentucky, the proposed project will represent ongoing investment in using IRI recommendations to improve services to this group. In Study 3.3A the project proposes to collect data to assess the state of service delivery for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing by assessing the level and distribution of current services being provided for persons described as deaf or hard of hearing and low functioning. Study 3.3B will analyze key agency policies and practice with the special focus on staff, their competencies, and strategies used to provide the services. These two analytical studies will be used to produce a "State of the Agency Report" (Dew, 1999).
A State Level Project to Enhance Service Delivery
Part A Focuses on:
- Characteristics of persons served comparing those who are described as LFD with those not
- Service patterns for these groups
- Employment Outcomes of these groups
Sample from Kentucky DVR:
- 125 individuals described as LFD
- 125 individuals not described as LFD
Method:
- R-911, Annual Caseload Data
- Qualitative Review/Case Audits
Part B Focuses on:
- Specific services needed
- Services provided, and outcomes
- Gaps and services barriers
- Role, efficacy and satisfaction with vendor services
- Provider skills, knowledge and competencies
- Provider training needs
Sample from Kentucky DVR:
- 10 RCDs
- Other vendors as identified
Method:
- Focus groups
Draft State Plan and follow-up