Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Vocational Rehabilitation Program's Performance Has Been Mixed Since the Abolishment of Occupational Access and Opportunity Commission

Report 05-14, March 2005




Report Summary

  • The Vocational Rehabilitation Program's performance under the Department of Education has been mixed. While its performance initially improved after the Occupational Access and Opportunity Commission was abolished in 2002, performance declined during Fiscal Year 2003-04.
  • The program has taken several steps to improve its performance, including developing a five-year strategic plan, improving its contracting system, and developing innovative contracting methods to increase privatization and expand service capacity. However, the program's performance has been hampered by consistently high staff turnover.
  • The current initiative to move developmentally disabled individuals into employment will increase the demand for vocational rehabilitation services. While the initiative may produce Medicaid Waiver savings, it will require a high level of collaboration between the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.


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Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
vocational rehabilitation, disability, disabilities, employment, employment initiative, developmental disabilities, supported employment, contracting, employee leasing, occupational access and opportunity commission, OAOC, VR, education, school districts, best financial management practice, performance reviews, schools, school districts, principal, training, certification, staff development