Affiliations: Region VI Community Rehabilitation Programs
-Rehabilitation Continuing Educational Program, University of North Texas, P.O.
Box 31456, Denton, TX 76203-1456, USA. Tel.: +1 940 565 2316; E-mail:
DOBrien@scs.unt.edu | VCU, RRTC, P.O. Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284-2011,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Grant Revell, M.S., M, Ed. Research
Associate VCU RRTC 1314 West Main St., POBox 842011 Richmond, VA 23284-2011.
E-mail: wgrevell@maill.vcu.edu
Abstract: As State budgets tighten, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies
and Community Rehabilitation Providers face a daunting challenge to
collaboratively craft methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
community-based employment services while preserving consumer informed choice.
Results Based Funding methods push service systems in the direction the
consumer chooses by creating incentives for consumer valued outcomes.
Alternatively, hourly funding can push in the wrong direction, with incentives
for more service activity, thereby unintentionally generating outcome
interference for both the provider and the customer. Milestone funding systems
have been shown to improve outcomes for consumers while simultaneously
increasing the number of successful rehabilitations for the VR agency. Service
providers have successfully learned to shift the focus of their work from
process and activities to outcomes and results. This article discusses the key
elements that make a Milestone or Results Based funding strategy
successful.
