(Music)
Announcer: American Indians with disabilities who seek employment often walk alone on a frightening path, where their own skills and abilities are not easily recognized. Assisting tribal members with disabilities in preparing for and obtaining employment-based on each individual’s abilities and interest is the mission of the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation program located across the state of Oklahoma.
Many Nations, United Voices
Presented by Oklahoma Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Council and Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Announcer: Oklahoma Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs provide culturally appropriate services to any eligible American Indian. In order to receive services, you must be a member of a federally recognized tribe and live within the tribal vocational rehabilitation service area. You must be able and willing to gain employment after receiving rehabilitation services. Once you’re determined eligible, you and your VR counselor will develop a written plan based on your specific needs.
Types of services may include guidance and counseling, physical and mental restoration, training services, rehabilitation technology, job placement and other goods or services that determined necessary to help you go to work. Each Oklahoma Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation program has a working partnership with the state of Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. As a consumer, you have the option to work with both programs during the rehabilitation process.
Michael Jackson, Consumer: “It was not just a working relationship between them, but it was a team effort. They kept each other appraised of my support system, which was a large number of agencies.”
Announcer: The VR process unfolds into seven steps. They are Application, Evaluation, Determination of Eligibility, Planning, Receiving VR services, Employment, and Post-Employment Services.
