This client satisfaction study was conducted as part of a larger project of the Office on Services to Persons with Disabilities of the Department of Human Services. Satisfaction surveys were conducted with the following programs: Day Activities and Health Services, Client Managed Attendant Care, In Home and Family Support, Child Care Managed Systems, Community Living and Assistance Support Services. For this project, the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Jobs Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program recipients who had the care of someone with a disability or had a disability were surveyed. These recipients had an AFDC eligible child in their household but were exempt from participation in the JOBS program and employment seeking requirements because they were unable to work as a result of a long or short term disability of someone under their care. This consumer satisfaction survey evaluated the level of satisfaction among persons with disabilities who have participated in the JOBS Program. A self-administered questionnaire to assess the satisfaction of clients with disabilities with the JOBS program was developed. This instrument contained 38 items addressing 3 general areas: demographics, specific services received, and client satisfaction with JOBS program services and their JOBS case manager. All participants in the JOBS Program in the state of Texas identified as permanently disabled by the Texas Department of Human Services were selected as respondents for the survey.

Child care and transportation were the most frequently mentioned types of assistance which the respondents felt were the most helpful to them and their family about the JOBS program. The third most mentioned activity which clients felt was helpful was related to life skills and job search training. A fourth area that clients felt helpful was the case manager’s assistance in obtaining other services in the community, such as food stamps, housing, counseling, and medical care. Overall, respondents provided very positive comments about their case managers and the JOBS Program. Many affirmed that their connection with the JOBS Program also provided them with less concrete, but valuable, benefits such as increased self-confidence, social skills, and a sense of respect.

PUBLICATIONS:

Padilla, Yolanda C. (1997). Participation Patterns of Persons with Disabilities in Welfare-to-Work Programs. SCI Psychosocial Process, 10 (3), 81-88.

Padilla, Yolanda C. (1995). Client Satisfaction Survey of Persons with Disabilities Participating in the JOBS Program: An Evaluation Study of the JOBS Program in Texas. Final Report prepared for the Texas Department of Human Services, Office on Services to Persons with Disabilities.

Sponsor:
Texas Department of Human Services