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OVR consumer programs improve
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Posted on Jan 30 2001
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation yesterday expressed high hopes the agency will eventually lose its high risk status following the positive result of the ongoing technical assistance programs to consumers.
OVR was removed from the reimbursement status in November 1999 which State Rehabilitation Council Chair Ramon C. Dela Cruz noted as a major progress due to collaborative efforts of various agencies.
Mr. Dela Cruz said the remarkable improvements over the past year has impressed the Region 9 Rehabilitation Service Administration after the on-site inspection conducted in February last year.
The agency, which was considered high-risk in 1992, gained the less restrictive status in 1999 after it successfully completed its corrective action plan.
OVR Director Felicitas Abraham said the agency is presently engaged in various programs to aid clients who need technical and medical assistance.
Based on the performance evaluation undertaken by the SRC, the vocational rehabilitation office exceeded the performance levels, the first instance of OVR achieving a passing score.
Mr. Dela Cruz added that even consumer movement through the various stages of rehabilitation process and the employment outcomes obtained improved significantly in FY2000.
The Case Status Movements and Outcomes of applicant eligibility, development and employment, OVR serviced 97 applicants in FY00, a significant increase from 63 and 43 in 1999 and 1998 respectively.
Of the said number the report said, at least 39 percent has achieved employment outcomes, a dramatic change from 38 percent in 1999 and 15 percent in 1998.
Ms. Abraham said that the 28 VR consumers who were successfully rehabilitated ad obtained positive employment outcomes are proofs that the agency has been working hard to serve individuals with disabilities.
The director stressed that with the collaborative effort of service providers and other advocating agencies, the OVR will be able to increase employment and promote independence among eligible individuals with disabilities throughout the CNMI.
