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477 Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation
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The 477 Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) department provides culturally-relevant vocational rehabilitation (VR) services in collaboration and partnership with the State of Alaska, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to eligible Alaska Natives and American Indians (AN/AI) with disabilities residing in Southeast Alaska. VR services assist clients in planning their path to gainful employment, including self-employment and small business ownership.
The department strives to empower eligible AN/AI with disabilities to become selfsufficient and independent through an array of services designed to achieve an employment objective consistent with each client’s unique circumstances. TVR provides step-by-step plans to clients.
TVR also provides: Guidance for clients needing help through the VR process for training. Referrals to appropriate employment agencies to ensure each client finds the best job that suits their skills, abilities and strengths. Counseling when a client needs moral support, someone to talk with on basic needs, schooling and issues surrounding alcohol or drug abuse.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, work opportunities were limited in 2020 and our goals and objectives were hindered.
2020 Highlights
Successfully closed 24 VR cases that resulted in clients securing and/or maintaining employment. Provided VR services to 62 clients of which 21 secured and/or maintained employment. Participated in Kake’s annual meeting to provide outreach on TVR services. Continued to assist clients with education/vocational training: » One client enrolled in UAS mining courses. » One client enrolled UAS accounting course. » One client enrolled in Universal Technical Institute. » Seven clients enrolled in Penn Foster distance education courses through the Vocational Training & Resource Center.
2021 Goals
Provide VR services to 62 tribal citizens with disabilities. Successfully close 20 cases that result in clients securing and/or maintaining employment. Secure five-year grant from U.S. Department of Education – Rehabilitation Services
Administration (USDOE/RSA). The application deadline was extended one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Daax’tein
Teresa Sarabia Manager
