American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Program
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.
Video!
Watch
the Oklahoma Tribal VR Council's "Many Nations, United Voices"
Read the
Oklahoma Tribal VR Council's "Many Nations, United Voices" transcript