Arizona is doing a poor job helping those with disabilities find work shows a recent audit of the program, which is run by the state’s Department of Economic Security.

Arizona’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps those with severe mental or physical impairments find employment.

But the recent state audit suggests fewer people are reaching that goal and at higher costs — specifically two-and-a-half times more — than other comparable programs nationwide. The next most expensive is Guam.

Of the more than 10,000 cases closed in 2014 and 2015, 76 percent ended without an employment outcome. Limited federal dollars primarily pay for the program.

According to the audit, if the state’s expenses were in line with the national average, about two-thirds of the people on the wait list could have been helped sooner.

The department agreed with the findings and said it will take steps to improve the rehabilitation rate and other problems.