OVR reports increase in job placements

The overwhelming rise in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s performance rating for the year 2000 is significantly reflected in the enhanced management of its programs and services, noting a 180 percent increase in the effectiveness of its employment placements between 1999 and 2000.

OVR Director Tee Abraham disclosed in a report that the VR agency has recorded a total of 28 employment placements during Fiscal Year 2000, 75 percent of whom are individuals with significant disabilities.

The average hourly wage of clients who have landed jobs is $5.19 versus last year’s $4.91 hourly average rate. This brings the consumers’ 2000 average annual salary to $10,795, comparable to wages earned by regular workers.

Statistics showed that tax contribution of OVR consumers has increased to $33,181 this year alone.

“We did very well this year compared to the previous years,” said Ms. Abraham, who took over VR’s administration in the latter part of 1999.

OVR has tapped both private and government agencies such as Rota Hotel, Tinian Dynasty Hotel, American Textile Garment Factory, Kan Pacific Marianas Hotel, Tinian Telesource, J.C. Tenorio Enterprises, Governor’s Office, Public School System, and others, as employers for the newly-placed consumers.

According to 2000 client information statistical figures, the VR agency’s majority of consumers under its basic support and supported employment services comprise Chamorros at 62 percent, Carolinians at 15 percent, and Palauans at 7 percent.

Some 59 percent of its clientele are males while 41 percent are females.

By age, 37 percent of consumers are between 20 and 34 years old, while 22 percent individuals belong to the 35-44 age bracket.

Meanwhile, OVR recently rose above under-average performance ratings based on 1997, 1998 and 1999 figures and has considerably gained high performance marks required by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

From poor to excellent, OVR scored more than the average national norms required due to its improved quality of service and number of clients served during the current year.

In one performance indicator, 66.67 percent of individuals, under OVR’s guidance, achieved the targeted employment outcome, going beyond the 55.80 percent federal standard.

VR also surpassed the 62.40 percent RSA standard as it was able to deliver 74.07 percent of its clients to gain employment with earning levels equivalent to at least the minimum wage, the percentage who are individuals with significant disabilities.