Can the 704 annual performance report be used for planning? A critical review

Centers for independent living (CILs) that receive Title VII Part C federal funds must submit a Section 704 Annual Performance Report to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). In this paper, the most recent 704 Annual Performance Report data (2002) was analyzed, growth over the last five years was identified, and recommendations for future reporting methods were offered. In 2002, 354 federally funded CILs received $464 million, served 193,000 consumers and provided 1.35 million individual services. These figures represent an increase of 3.6, 2.2, and 1.7 times more, respectively, than those reported for 1997. Recommendations are made to improve the 704 Annual Performance Report form to collect multi-dimensional data that may facilitate meaningful interpretation for planning.