Improving Quality Assurance at South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department: Developing a New Electronic Tool

Abstract

When the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law in 2014, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD) considered how to best evaluate and measure compliance in light of the new performance measures. For many years, SCVRD used a paper form to measure quality assurance within cases across the state. This project developed a new, electronic program based on WIOA definitions and regulatory interpretation provided by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), as well as rehabilitation counselor competencies, and evaluated its effectiveness in the field. Participants reported satisfaction with the instrument’s ease of use and ability to reflect accurately the agency’s efforts concerning the new WIOA standards. This information will be used to demonstrate the quality of the VR program to stakeholders, train staff on the paradigm shift of the new WIOA service delivery model, and ensure the agency continues to serve a national leader in its commitment to meeting the vocational needs of individuals with disabilities.