Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation services are offered on a personalized and individualized basis where consumers work one-on-one with a VR Counselor and/or a Rehabilitation Technician. The consumer and VR Counselor work as part of a team that custom tailors a rehabilitation plan that offers the most benefits to the consumer. It is based on informed consent, which acknowledges that the consumer orchestrates his or her own Individual Plan for Employment (IPE), and the VR Counselor utilizes their expertise to make the plan effectively happen.
MPTN-VR also incorporates traditional services into a rehabilitation plan that, again, is tailored for the consumer. This includes: sweat lodge ceremonies; smudging; prayer; talking circles; social events, and traditional lifestyle information.
The MPTN-VR Service program's goal is to help those Native Americans with disabilities get and keep good jobs. Eligibility requires residency in Rhode Island and Connecticut; enrollment in a Federal or State recognized Tribe, as well as a documented disability, which impedes the ability to acquire, continue in, or obtain employment. Most VR programs have an order of selection that means that they service the consumers with the most severe disabilities first. What is unique about the MPTN Tribal VR program is the fact that we can serve people with mild learning disabilities as well as someone with quadriplegia, psychiatric, and substance abuse disorders. We view every consumer on an individual basis when it comes to disability; it is our value that we ensure the best and most appropriate continuum of care and service delivery.
The staff at MPTN-VR comes from different cultures, training regimens and disciplines. By having uniqueness in our staff, we are able to be multi-disciplinary in our approach, and we can draw on each other's varied experiences.
For purposes of non-discrimination laws (e.g. the Americans with Disabilities Act [Sect. 503 of the Rehab Act of 1973 and Sect. 108 of the Workforce Investment Act]), a person with a disability is generally defined as someone who:
MPTN-VR also defines cognitive delays and learning disabilities as acceptable diagnoses to qualify for services if they result in a functional limitation and impediment to employment.
Any Native American who fulfills the eligibility requirements listed in Question 3 (above) can obtain services from MPTN-VR.
Yes. Consumer applicants must be 16 years of age or older to enroll in the MPTN-VR program.
Yes. VR Counselors and/or technicians routinely meet with consumers within the consumer's community; in fact, wherever the consumer feels most comfortable, the VR Counselors and technicians will meet there with him/her.
Each consumer will develop an Individualized Plan of Employment (IPE) to determine the services needed for that individual. Services include: Counseling and guidance; vocational testing; exploration and planning; situational assessments; referral and linkage; case management and advocacy; job placement and development; rapid job search and any services designed around "Informed Consent".
MPTN-VR can provide guidance, advocacy and planning related to setting up an "In Home" business plan.
By calling the VR office to meet with one of the VR Counselors, you will learn about the VR Program and, if you choose, complete an application. In the interview you may be asked to provide income information and medical records; sign a release form so VR can obtain this information and allow for a medical, psychological, vocational and/or other evaluations to be arranged by VR.
If you require training or education to reach your job goal, VR may assist you with tuition, books, supplies and related costs. The extent of VR's financial assistance depends on a number of factors, such as income level and other sources of finance aid. However, a VR Counselor will discuss this with you.
Receiving VR services will not affect these benefits. However, once you go to work, these benefits may be affected. The VR staff or your Social Security office can answer your specific questions.
