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There are sometimes a few proposals which were not funded in their entirety, those few being scaled back from their original
level of requested funding (allowable under the program).
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The agency is actively at work on the Occupational Information Development project and has taken the following steps and actions
related to OIDAP recommendations in FY 2011: 1. New Occupational Information System: Technical, Legal, and Data RequirementsSSA
needs a new OIS to replace the Dictionary of Occupational Titles for SSA’s disability adjudication system. To meet SSA’s disability
adjudication needs, the new OIS must be designed as to assure its data are not only useful, but also reliable, valid, and
able to withstand any legal challenges.Characteristics to support these requirements include: a) grouping of occupations at
a level to support individualized disability assessment; b) cross-referenced to the Standard Occupational Classification;
c) precise occupationally-specific data; d) core work activities; e) minimum levels of requirements needed to perform work;
f) discrete, observable measures of both work activities and worker characteristics; g) a manageable number of data elements;
h) sampling methodology capturing the full range of work; i) measures that are psychometrically sound; j) data collection
of high quality data; k) valid, accurate, and reproducible data; l) information about whether core work activities could be
performed in alternative ways; and, m) terminology that is consistent with medical practice and human function.Agency Action:
SSA continues to actively work to develop a new occupational information system for use in its disability programs. 2. Data
Elements for the New Occupational Information SystemBased upon previous research related to job analytic techniques, the Panel
derived a listing of work activities applicable to all occupations. We recommend that this taxonomy serve as a stimulus to
develop SSA-specific instruments that measure the requirements of work. We recommend that new instruments include not only
work activities, but also the physical and psychological abilities required to do work, work context, and any other attributes
appropriate to disability adjudication.Agency Action: Based on recommendations received from the OIDAP, stakeholder groups
and users, In FY 2011, SSA prepared a Phase I document outlining an approach for developing an initial work taxonomy (content
model, consulted extensively with Panel members: and completed a review of literature pertaining to OIS work taxonomy development.
SSA also assembled a list of disability evaluation constructs.3. The Classification of OccupationsOnce a large database representative
of all work in the national economy is available, we recommend that SSA use various methods to classify jobs based upon work
activities. Work activities will be a common language that should allow for the abilities of people to be matched to appropriate
work available within the economy.Agency Action: In FY 2011, SSA continued to collaborate and reach out to Federal agencies.
SSA held several consultative meetings with various agencies including the Department of Labor, Census Bureau met with various
government agencies with a focus on the process of developing a sampling methodology and process for data collection.4. Development
of Internal and External Expertise for the Creation and Maintenance of the New Occupational Information SystemTo create and
maintain an up-to-date and legally defensible OIS and the development of an independent internal unit at SSA, staffed with
experts on work analysis and other related disability research needs, should be a priority. It is also recommended that SSA
develop and maintain online researcher and professional communities to inform the unit’s emerging and ongoing ideas, research,
and methods is also recommended.Agency Action: Since October 2009, SSA has entered into contractual agreements to obtain the
services of two industrial/organizational psychologists. In FY 2011, SSA posted a position for an internal chief scientist
and continues to actively explore opportunities through external and internal postings and professional organizations.5. Need
for Basic and Applied ResearchDeveloping a new OIS requires significant research by SSA. Early research should focus on the
development and pilot-tests of measures of work requirements, usability analysis of these measures, and creation of an appropriate
sampling plan. Research will also be required to determine the most accurate and defensible sources of data for the OIS, the
best methods for measuring the required work attributes, and if any other attributes are appropriate for study due to their
potential for use in the adjudication process. Other research focused on exploring and validating the link between the work
requirements and attributes of the person, the environment, and other job-related factors is needed. Finally, applied research
examining user needs and the effects of new instruments on SSA’s disability process and programs are necessary. Agency Action:
SSA has initiated several research studies. In FY 201l, SSA also completed a comprehensive OIS Research and Development Plan
that identifies key project activities, methodological approaches, stakeholders, R&D activities and timeframes for developing
a new OIS. SSA will continue to explore research questions as the project continues. 6. Measurement ConsiderationsIn addition
to the research needs described in Recommendation 5, SSA should consider scale development research (e.g., creating appropriate
forms that measure the requirements of work and the functional abilities of people). These measures should be observable,
discrete, and include characteristics such as frequency, duration, or other needs. Agency Action: In FY 2011, SSA began work
in this area. SSA is developing a Work Analysis instrument which is required for OIS data collection. SSA is developing standards
and criteria for OIS. 7. Communication with Users, the Public and the Scientific CommunityWe recommend that SSA use both traditional
and emerging government and private media outlets to inform or solicit input from various audiences about SSA and Panel activities
regarding the OIS development. Agency Action: In FY 2011, SSA and OIDAP members participated in numerous conferences events
and professional meetings to disseminate information about the Panel and project activities as the agency develops the new
Occupational Information System.
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