During Fiscal Year 2024, data and statistics show a 9% increase in vocational service referrals to Career Assessment Systems, Inc. over FY 2023. This increase can be attributed to CAS continuing to work in a non-traditional format because Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities has sanctioned it, and it is proving to be successful and efficient. CAS remains innovative in the delivery of quality vocational rehabilitation services, which are highly utilized by a majority of vocational rehabilitation counselors who seek superior information and advocate successful decision making power, allowing for very successful Individual Plans of Employment for the participants they served in 2024.

Of all comprehensive vocational evaluation referral starts in FY 2024, 99% of services were completed within the authorized time frame, 99% of reports were completed within the authorization period, and 100% within CAS efficiency timelines. These excellent results reflect CAS staff commitment to efficiency in order to meet the mandated standards established by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities as a part of the present Provider manual and fee schedule.

Demographics of referrals continue to support the accessibility of services to all participants regardless of age, gender, race, heritage, cultural background, disability or economic level. Minority participants represented 27% of all referrals, 41% of all referrals were female, 57% were male, and 2% were defined as other. The majority, 86% of participants were between the ages of 18 and 65. Participants with varying degrees of disabilities were served by Career Assessment Systems Services, including nearly 35% diagnosed with some degree of physical disability. Of these, 63% represented a duel diagnosis of physical/mental disabilities. Separate dual diagnosis referrals represented 4% of all referrals. 95% of the counselors who returned satisfaction surveys gave a “very good to excellent” rating that certified vocational evaluation services addressed or provided specific information and were effective in addressing participant’s vocational questions and needs in the development of a successful Individual Plan of Employment. This rating is consistent and reflects CAS exceptional staff experience and their ability to adjust to the changing needs of OOD counselors as they work together in a professional relationship. Counselors who commented on their surveys shared the following quotes: “Quality is most important”, “CAS is my go to for VE's”, “VE always tailor fits jobs to the person we are working with”, “I appreciate being advised of the effort to contact the participant”, “Good relationship between stated goals and aptitudes in written report”, “Excellent explanation to participant and family members”, “Getting report before staffing helps me prepare.”

The true effectiveness of Career Assessment Systems vocational services can be measured based on the number of participants who completed and were satisfied with their vocational services experience. After participating in the certified vocational evaluation service and subsequent staffing held with the counselor, participants were given surveys that could be returned to CAS using self-addressed stamped envelopes (provided after in-person staffing) or via e-mail (sent after remote staffing). 98% of participants indicated first contact with CAS after being referred was less than 10 days, which is above the target CARF goal of 85%. 98% of the participants gave a good to excellent rating being completely satisfied with the "certified vocational evaluation service experience” they were involved in. It should be noted that some participants, even though contacted as soon as possible after CAS received the referral from OOD, perceived a time lapse and confusion relative to their first contact with OOD. Participants who commented on their surveys shared the following quotes: “Excellent service, very informative”, “Everything was great”, “Keep doing what you’re doing”, “Nothing should change”, “Was a wonderful experience.”

CAS continues to be exceptional in providing Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation services for both participants and vocational rehabilitation counselors throughout the State of Ohio.

Respectfully Submitted,
Erica Kozma, M.Ed., CRC / W. Brad Hale, President
Career Assessment Systems, Inc.