Service Delivery Model for the Severely Disabled Individual: Needs and Services

Abstract

Data describing the characteristics of individuals considered “most severely disabled” and those considered less than “most severely disabled” is presented. Service provisions required by the two groups are discussed. The data indicates that there are significant differences between “most severely” and less than “most severely disabled” clients in physical functioning abilities; frequency with which they live alone or in institutions; need for transportation, attendant care, recreation, home modifications speech therapy, psychological therapy, vocational counseling and placement; and frequency with which they apply for and receive benefits from Medicare, Social Services-Title XX and Vocational Rehabilitation. A surprising finding was the high percentage of most severely disabled people who said they needed vocational counseling (72%) vocational training (75%) and vocational placement (72%), although only 59% had applied to the state vocational rehabilitation agency for services and only 38% had actually received any form of service.