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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 711. Evaluation
(a) Statement of purpose; standards; persons eligible to conduct
evaluations
For the purpose of improving program management and
effectiveness, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Commissioner, shall evaluate all the programs authorized by this
chapter, their general effectiveness in relation to their cost,
their impact on related programs, and their structure and
mechanisms for delivery of services, using appropriate methodology
and evaluative research designs. The Secretary shall establish and
use standards for the evaluations required by this subsection. Such
an evaluation shall be conducted by a person not immediately
involved in the administration of the program evaluated.
(b) Opinions of program and project participants
In carrying out evaluations under this section, the Secretary
shall obtain the opinions of program and project participants about
the strengths and weaknesses of the programs and projects.
(c) Data as property of United States
The Secretary shall take the necessary action to assure that all
studies, evaluations, proposals, and data produced or developed
with Federal funds under this chapter shall become the property of
the United States.
(d) Information from other departments and agencies
Such information as the Secretary may determine to be necessary
for purposes of the evaluations conducted under this section shall
be made available upon request of the Secretary, by the departments
and agencies of the executive branch.
(e) Longitudinal study
(1) To assess the linkages between vocational rehabilitation
services and economic and noneconomic outcomes, the Secretary shall
continue to conduct a longitudinal study of a national sample of
applicants for the services.
(2) The study shall address factors related to attrition and
completion of the program through which the services are provided
and factors within and outside the program affecting results.
Appropriate comparisons shall be used to contrast the experiences
of similar persons who do not obtain the services.
(3) The study shall be planned to cover the period beginning on
the application of individuals with disabilities for the services,
through the eligibility determination and provision of services for
the individuals, and a further period of not less than 2 years
after the termination of services.
(f) Information on exemplary practices
(1) The Commissioner shall identify and disseminate information
on exemplary practices concerning vocational rehabilitation.
(2) To facilitate compliance with paragraph (1), the Commissioner
shall conduct studies and analyses that identify exemplary
practices concerning vocational rehabilitation, including studies
in areas relating to providing informed choice in the
rehabilitation process, promoting consumer satisfaction, promoting
job placement and retention, providing supported employment,
providing services to particular disability populations, financing
personal assistance services, providing assistive technology
devices and assistive technology services, entering into
cooperative agreements, establishing standards and certification
for community rehabilitation programs, converting from
nonintegrated to integrated employment, and providing caseload
management.
(g) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
such sums as may be necessary.
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