American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program is designed to assist eligible Native Americans with disabilities in becoming employed.
In Oklahoma, the program provides culturally appropriate services to individuals through a cooperative agreement between the state of Oklahoma and federal and tribal service providers.
Each Oklahoma tribal vocational rehabilitation program has a working partnership with DRS. VR clients have the option to work with both programs during the rehabilitation progress.
Examples of available services include vocational, medical and psychological evaluations, vocational counseling and guidance, physical and mental restoration, training, rehabilitation equipment and devices and job placement.
In counties served by participating nations or tribes, individuals may be eligible for services if they:
- have proof of citizenship from a state or federally recognized tribe,
- reside within an area served by a participating nation or tribe,
- have physical or mental disabilities which are barriers to employment,
- can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services to obtain an employment outcome, and
- require VR services to get, keep or return to work.
A tribal liaison from the Department of Rehabilitation Services provides technical assistance to the program which is funded through the U. S. Department of Education Grant Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services.
Special thanks
The cover photo on the brochure is courtesy of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary and is of the eagle Wadase Zhabwe. His story can be found at: www.potawatomiheritage.com/wadase/
How to Apply
Step 1: Locate an office nearest you, use this link to find the state office and contact information that serves your area.
Step 2: Call for an appointment
Step 3: Fill out an application
Step 4: Gather as much medical information as you can
Step 5: Show up for the appointment to complete the application
Keys to Success
- Keep in contact with your counselor
- Let him or her know if you move or change phone numbers
- Complete any assignments
Eligibility
A person may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if he or she has a significant physical, emotional, mental, or learning disability that is a substantial barrier to employment and requires VR services to prepare for, obtain, keep or return to work.
What to bring in order to expedite the application process:
Copy of documentation verifying the disabling condition(s), copy of academic transcript(s), Social Security card, picture ID, immigration status documentation if not a US citizen, medical insurance verification, if available.
Apache Tribe of Oklahoma
Cherokee Nation
Cheyenne and Arapaho
Chickasaw Nation
Choctaw Nation
Comanche Nation
Delaware Nation
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Muscogee Creek Nation
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Liaison
1802 NW Ferris Avenue
Lawton, OK 73507
Office: (580) 585-4223
Fax: (580) 585-4232