Improving the effectiveness of short-term training for personnel serving the handicapped requires adequate evaluation of rehabilitation programs. This monograph presents a sample of evaluative theoretical positions, methodological approaches, and innovative strategies applicable to the evaluation function. Papers included are: (1) "Evaluation…

The automatic interaction detector was applied as an evaluation tool to data normally collected by vocational-rehabilitation agencies. Demographic, service, and local agency variables were analyzed with mean weekly income at time of closure as the dependent variable. Recommendations for further research were made. (Author)

This review of the current status of program evaluation in vocational rehabilitation focuses on: (1) describing current motivation for conducting program evaluation in state rehabilitation agencies; (2) identifying the current status of program evaluation in state agencies; (3) reviewing existing program evaluation models; and (4) defining…

This paper discusses the need to internationalize evaluation measures; unify criteria for rehabilitation scales; and refine the definitions of impairment, disability, and handicap. A model based on the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicap (ICIDH) scales is presented, depicting the components of somatogenesis,…

The handbook for vocational rehabilitation is the result of an effort to review the literature on program evaluation, organize it, and reduce it to usable form. Taking the position that the purposes of program evaluation are to determine what are the best programs and why, to suggest ways to strengthen existing programs, and to suggest new ways to…

The model allows for the determination of the severity of the training problems, thus leading naturally to problem priority and in addition a basis for evaluation design. Results from the use of the model, in an operational setting, are presented. (Author)

This article contrasts the traditional relationships between researchers and subjects in traditional rehabilitation evaluation and research with relationships between researchers and clients-consumers in new methodologies. Collaborative research, characterized by shared power and non-hierarchical authority between client-consumers and researchers…

Developed a 15-item fidelity scale to assess the extent to which vocational programs for people with severe mental illness followed the Individual Placement and Support model of supported employment. Results indicate that interrater reliability and internal consistency were adequate. Should help differentiate programs following a specific model…

This monograph contains the results of the University of Michigan Rehabilitation Research Institute (UM-RRI) project activities with the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services model program evaluation unit to examine issues related to similar benefits in rehabilitation. A framework and discussion paper for future aspects of this project…

The five papers in this symposium address several key issues included in evaluation research. In "Designing State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Evaluation Research", Stanford E. Rubin discusses the importance of practitioner involvement in the development of research questions and plans and introduces three basic models of evaluative research.…

This conference report provides a summary of the work of the Participatory Planning Conference for Rehabilitation Program Evaluation. It is organized into four major sections relating to the Rehabilitation Services Administration sub-goals of: (1) recruitment and selection; (2) restoration and training; (3) employment; and (4) capacity-building.…

In a study to determine what impact prison college programs have had and to provide information useful to policy decisions, an evaluation, findings, and conclusions are presented for the Newgate and four other programs. An evaluation is made of post prison careers utilizing recidivism, "making it", and "doing good" as a…

The in-service training needs of first-level employees of the state health and rehabilitative clerical staff and the development and evaluation of an in-service training model workshop were investigated. Interviews were conducted with the first- and second-level supervisors to determine the needs of the clerical staff for in-service training, to…

This guide aims to help rehabilitation facilities develop effective self-evaluation systems to improve quality assurance for supported employment. The guide proposes that quality be measured by emphasizing direct outcomes that meet consumers' specified needs and concerns in terms of decision making, determination of quality, and access to choice.…

This manual is designed for use by staff development personnel and other trainers in presenting an orientation to independent living programing for rehabilitation agencies and other human service organizations. The three chapters in unit 1 define independent living, identify the major historic events contributing to the development of independent…