Longitudinal outcomes in Vermont's Consumer Choice Demonstration Project (1993--1999)

Abstract

This study explored strategies for providing service recipients with increased choice in the state vocational rehabilitation process. This study compared costs, services received and outcomes achieved for people served in the Standard Program of the Vermont Division Vocational Rehabilitation (Section 110) and its Consumer Choice Demonstration Project. The Choice group was more than two times more likely to have completed rehabilitation compared to the Section 110 group. The mean cost for paid services for the Choice group was 11% higher than the Section 110 group ($1,838--$1,635). The mean quarterly earnings for the Choice group not receiving SSI or SSDI was 2.7 times higher for people receiving SSI or SSDI ($3,351--$1,168). The mean quarterly earnings for the 110 group not receiving SSI or SSDI was 2.3 times higher for people receiving SSI or SSDI ($3,369--$1,446).