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NAVAJO NATION
OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION & REHABILITATION SERVICES
Paula S. Seanez, Navajo OSERS
NAV AJO NATION OSERS
Mission: Promoting Work and Independence for People with disabilities.
Provide culturally relevant VR services necessary to assist American Indians with disability in preparing for securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome.
NAV AJO NATION OSERS
•1962 – AZ RSA funded a study revealing active participation by Navajo people in VR
•Established in July 1975 with 3 staff
•Cooperative relationships between the state, federal agencies, and Navajo Nation to improve existing system. •3 year (I & E) grant from DES/RSA with a 10% match by the Navajo Nation
History of Navajo OSERS
1975-1978 Comprehensive VR service delivery plan
Affirmative Action plan 1978 authorized special project grants
to governing bodies of Indian tribes on federal and/or state reservations for cultural relevant VR services
Department of Dine EducationOffice of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services
Navajo NationEducation Committee
Navajo NationBoard of Education
Superintendentof Schools
Associate Superintendentof Schools
Federal/StateSupported Programs
OSERSNavajo Nation
Council on Disability
Rehabilitation ServicesVocational Rehab./Independent Living
Early Childhood Intervention Training & Support Services
Chinle Agency
Crownpoint Agency
Ft. Defiance Agency
Ganado Sub-office
Kayenta Agency
Shiprock Agency
Tuba City Agency
Utah Navajo Service Area
NEW MEXICO
Crownpoint
Gallup
Tohajiilee
Tohatchi
Shiprock
ARIZONA
Chinle
Ft. Defiance
Ganado
Kayenta
Keams Canyon
Polacca
TubaCity
Winslow
Tuba City IndustrialLaundry Program
Tuba City
Food ServiceVending Operation
Window Rock
Unemployment Rates over time
2000 2001 2005 2007
Navajo Nation
44% 42% 53% 49%
Arizona 4.0% 4.7% 4.6% 3.8%
U.S. 4.0% 4.7% 5.1% 4.6%
Source: Arizona Dept of Commerce Research Administration, Arizona Unemployment Statistics Program Special Unemployment Reports (2000-2007).
Navajo Nation Office of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Services Early Childhood Intervention (Growing in
Beauty) Tuba City Industrial Laundry/Food Vending
Services Navajo ABLE Navajo Nation Trust Funds Navajo Nation Advisory Council for People
with Disabilities
Early Childhood Intervention(Growing in Beauty) “Hozhoogo Jinooseel” brings families
and professionals together, working to support the child’s growth, development and learning.
A person is Eligible for VR services:
1. Be an enrolled member of an American IndianTribe/Alaska Native Tribe;
2. *Must physically reside on/near the reservation;3. Have a physical or mental impairment which
constitutes an impediment to employment; 4. Require VR services that will lead to
employment.
*Each Tribes determines radius of on/near reservation
What Services may be Provided? Native Healing Services An evaluation to determine eligibility and
vocational needs Guidance & counseling Work related placement services Vocational skills training Mental/Physical restoration Expenses for Maintenance, tuition,
books/supplies, personal needs, room/board, transportation
Services for the blind, deaf, visual impairments
Services….. Self employment start up costs, tools,
equipment, supplies Occupational needs, licenses, tools, uniforms,
work shoes Rehabilitation Technology Accommodations Assistive technology devices for participating
in training, employment Post-employment & other services to help or
maintain employment Information and Referral to other programs
as needed
Independent Living Services
Independent Living Services(IL) are provided to assist Navajo people with significant disabilities so that they can live independently in their home, community and environment.
IL Services are funded by the Navajo Nation Trust Funds set aside by the NN Council in 1986.
A person is eligible for IL services: Enrolled member of the Navajo Nation; Have a significant mental/physical
impairment which limits their ability to function independently in their community, home and environment, or engage in employment;
IL services are required to achieve a greater level of independence.
What IL services maybe provided? Information/referral Advocacy Peer Counseling Assistive Technology devices & equipment Native Healing Services IL skills Training Rehabilitation services(ramps, home
modifications) Assistance in identifying accessible housing,
transportation, services. Mobility skills training for blind/visual
impairment.
Tuba City Industrial LaundryFood Vending Services
TCIL/Food Vending Services are training sites that provide support services and employment for individuals with disabilities who are referred from VR, IL , schools and other services.
The training sites are located in Window Rock and Tuba City.
Navajo Nation Council on People with Disabilities
Advisory Council for the Navajo Nation. Appointed by the President of the Navajo
Nation. Composed of Navajo Persons with
disabilities, parents of children/students with disabilities and service provider agencies;
Advises and recommends to Navajo OSERS and Navajo Nation programs to assure equal access to employment, public buildings and services on the NN
Advisory Council Current Members Hoskie Bennally, Jr. President /Waterflow Sylvia McKinley,Vice-President/Fruitland Janice Begay, Secretary-Treas/Shiprock Cecelia Benally/ Fruitland Elsie Dee, Montezuma Creek, UT Rose M. Zunie, Church Rock, NM Roger B. Johnson, Rehoboth, NM Stephanie L. Benally, Midvale, UT Emmett Betsuie, Shiprock, NM
Navajo Nation Trust Fund for People with Disabilities OVERVIEWIn December 1986 the NN established the
trust fund for seven million dollars pursuant to Resolution CD-68-86 for Navajo people with disabilities.
Every year5% of annual accrued interest is reinvested.95% of the annual accrued interests are used
to provide services to individuals with disabilities.
Purpose – Trust Funds
Provide supplemental fiscal support to NN and non-Tribal programs for the establishment and provision of appropriate, quality, accessible services which promote the self-sufficiency of Navajos with disabilities.
Conceptual Representation of Navajo Cycle of Services
Conceptual Representation
Resilience
(north)
Thinking
(east)
Planning
(south)
Implementing
(west)
Ahė hee(Thank You)
For more information:(928) 871-6338
Visit our Website at:www.osers.navajo.org
Email Address: [email protected]