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: rmtreva@msn.com