Vocational Rehabilitation Program

GAO testified on its work to date on the vocational rehabilitation program, which uses federal funds to help persons with disabilities become employed and integrated into the community. GAO discussed who the program serves, what help they get, and program results. GAO examined individuals served in 1988--the most recent year for full data--and found that they varied considerably in background and disability. About two-thirds had a severe disability. Compared with those not accepted, those served were more likely to have some education beyond high school. GAO found few differences in disability types between those accepted and those not. Most persons served got diagnosis and evaluation of their disability and counseling; all other services were much less all frequent, including all types of education and training less frequent. Rehabilitated individuals experienced short-term gains in employment and earnings. Long-term outcomes were mixed, however. The number with earnings from wages quickly dropped to pre-program levels, and only half the group had earnings in each of the five years following vocational rehabilitation. The average earnings for those working rose each year. Yet eight years after rehabilitation, 40 percent still had annual earnings that totaled less than the equivalent of working all year at the minimum wage.