Affiliations: Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, OK,
USA | Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
23284-2011, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Grant Revell, Project Director,
Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
on Workplace Supports, P.O. Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284-2011, USA. Tel.: +1
804 828 6989; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: This paper describes two new policy initiatives currently underway
– the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach (BPAO) Projects and the use
of Report Cards for community rehabilitation providers – and their potential
effect on influencing choice and self-determination for populations of
individuals with disabilities. We provide quality indicators that suggest
promising practices for enhancing consumer self-determination in utilizing
Benefits Planning programs and selecting a community rehabilitation service
program. Finally, we review examples of how some components of current
employment policy initiatives can actually limit consumer choice and
self-determination. We conclude by emphasizing the importance in today's
employment policy environment for individuals with disabilities to use quality
indicators, such as those presented in this paper, in making fully informed
choices about work and service providers.
Keywords: self-determination, disability, vocational rehabilitation, social security work incentives, ticket to work, benefits planning, quality indicators
