Performance measurement and data

A popular saying in our field is, "If it gets measured, it gets done." Measuring performance--whether of staff members or of employment outcomes--is crucial for understanding what we're doing well, where we're lacking, and how we can improve. Explore this topic in the resources below.

Data Note 14: Timeframe from Application to Closure in Integrated Employment for Vocational Rehabilitation Customers with Developmental Disabilities

Originally published: 1/2008

Getting a job promptly after applying for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services is important for a successful career. Rapid placement boosts self-confidence and prevents applicants from losing work skills as a consequence of inactivity. Moreover, employers may prefer candidates whose work history shows limited gaps in employment.

Data Note 13: Disability and Occupation

Originally published: 12/2007

It is well-documented that people with disabilities have a significantly lower rate of employment than people without disabilities (36% versus 74% according to the 2006 American Community Survey (ACS). Less is known about the types of work they do. Using the occupational classification system within the ACS, researchers explored the prevalence of people with disabilities within occupational groupings and discuss its relationship to occupational growth. Future analysis will address variation across disability groups.

Massachusetts Employment and Disability Snapshot Report, 2000-2005 (Report 2)

Originally published 11/2006

This is the second in an annual series of snapshot reports on the employment of people with disabilities in Massachusetts developed by the Medicaid Infrastructure and Comprehensive Employment Opportunities (MI-CEO) grant. It is intended to provide people with disabilities, advocates, policymakers, researchers, and other interested parties an overview of the state and trends in employment of people with disabilities.

Data Note 8: Relationship Between Integrated Employment and State Unemployment Rates for MR/DD Consumers

Originally published 11/2006

Note: This is an older publication, and some of the terminology used has since become outdated.

State mental retardation/developmental disability (MR/DD) agencies provided day and employment supports to over 466,500 people in 2001. Approximately 23% of individuals supported by MR/DD agencies nationwide were employed in integrated employment settings, with individual state outcomes ranging from 2% to 56%.

Data Note 6: WIA Employment Outcomes

Originally published 8/2006

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) requires One-Stop system partners who provide employment services funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to report data on performance measures. These data include the rate of customers entering employment, their employment retention rate, and their rate of earning a work credential. WIA tracks a number of funding streams for different audiences. This Data Note focuses on adults in the general population and dislocated workers.