About Tribal VR
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation projects (also called Section 121 programs) receive funding to provide culturally relevant VR services to members of Indian Tribes. Tribal VR and Oregon VR work together to bridge cultural traditions and values in order to maximize opportunities for employment and self-support. Tribal VR offers a greater understanding of local, cultural and family needs on the Indian Nation, while Oregon VR offers a broad understanding of business and college environments off the native lands.
Tribal VR contacts
Core services of both programs
- An assessment to determine eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs.
- Counseling and guidance, including information and support services to help individual's make informed choices.
- Referral to other needed services from other agencies.
- Job-related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services and follow-up services.
Our shared philosophy
- Respect for individual dignity, personal responsibility, self-determination and the pursuit of meaningful careers.
- Respect for the privacy, rights and equal access of the individual.
- Inclusion, integration and full participation of the individual.
- Support for the involvement of an individual's representative if requested, desired or needed.
- Support for individual advocacy, systemic advocacy and community involvement.
Who is eligible
Eligibility criteria shared by both programs
- The applicant has a physical or mental impairment that is a barrier to employment
- There is a reasonable expectation that the applicant will benefit in their employment outcome from VR services
- The applicant requires VR services in order to achieve a successful employment outcome
Specific requirements for Tribal VR services
- The individual must have an official tribal enrollment, and
- Must live on or near a tribal reservation.
Note: People who are eligible for Tribal VR services can choose to get services from both Tribal VR and Oregon VR, or they can choose to work with only one program.
How it works
VR helps people create an Individualized Plan for Employment (or IPE). This is a plan of services to help the individual reach their employment goal.
VR staff will:
- Develop the IPE in partnership with the client.
- Provide the client with the opportunity to exercise informed choice.
- Have the IPE approved with a client's signature
- Give full consideration of comparable services and similar benefits.
- Provide a substantial service according to an IPE and wait at least 90 days after the client begins working before closing the case.
- Make post-employment services available, if they are needed.
Tribal VR contacts