568 Applicants with Significant Disabilities to Get Critical Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services

OKLAHOMA CITY − Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Director Mike O’Brien, Ed. D. reopened vocational rehabilitation and employment services on March 27 for 568 applicants on a waiting list for those whose disabilities are significant barriers to employment

Services had been deferred to applicants in this group since Nov. 2, 2008. They have been on a waiting list until funds were available to pay for their services.

“We opened the waiting list window briefly on Jan. 13 and started serving 1,429 new clients who applied between Jan. 19, 2007 and Nov 1, 2008,” O’Brien explained. “That group provided accurate cost per case numbers that assured us we could reopen and serve everyone remaining on this waiting list.”

Applicants whose disabilities are categorized as not significant will remain on waiting lists at this time. If additional funding becomes available, these individuals will receive assistance based on the severity of their disabilities and the dates of applications.

According to O’Brien, “The federal Rehabilitation Act, which governs our vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, does not permit agencies to cap or limit services needed by current clients in order to go to work. Instead, we have to control costs by delaying assistance to new applicants who are placed in three categories based on the significance of their disabilities.”

When delays are required, services continue for those who are already agency clients in order to help them go to work as soon as possible. Only new applicants are placed on waiting lists as a cost control measure under the provisions of the federal law.

Taxpayers invest $9,306 to rehabilitate DRS’ average vocational rehabilitation client, who typically repays that investment during the first three years of employment by contributing an average of $3,038 in state and federal taxes each year.

According to O’Brien, vocational rehabilitation programs are “a great deal for the state.”

In spite of waiting lists, DRS helped 2,246 vocational rehabilitation clients with disabilities become employed in 2008 with average wages of $20,250 per year. As a result, this group paid $6.8 million in income taxes and earned more than $45.6 million in wages, enabling them to contribute to economic growth and generate sales tax revenue in their communities.

“When we help Oklahomans with disabilities go to work, their success saves other state and federal agencies money previously spent on disability checks, medical services and social assistance,” O’Brien said. “In addition, the federal government gives the state of Oklahoma four federal match dollars for every state dollar contributed to vocational rehabilitation programs.

"This high match level is an indication that the federal government believes in vocational rehabilitation's ability to transform lives," O'Brien said.

For more information about the state Department of Rehabilitation Services, visit DRS Online at www.okdrs.gov or phone 1-800-845-8476. The number is accessible by telecommunications equipment for the deaf.

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