Do you have a mental or physical disability?
► Do you want to go back to work?
► Do you need training or special equipment to do so?
Vocational Rehabilitation Services may be able to help you. What are Vocational Rehabilitation Services? On the Navajo Nation, the Office of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) provides Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services to eligible Native American with disabilities. OSERS helps individuals with disabilities get the training, education, and equipment they need to go to work. VR Counselors help you get the services you need to gain and keep employment.
Eligibility for VR Services To qualify for Navajo Nation VR Services, you must:
► Be an enrolled member of an Native American tribe
► Reside on or within a 10-mile radius of the Navajo Nation
► Have a physical and/or mental impairment
► Require vocational rehabilitation services in terms of an employment outcome
What to Expect During the Process Application
You must fill out an application to make sure you qualify for VR services at the OSERS office. First, you will have an intake interview. Be prepared to answer questions about: your disability, your family history, your past education or training, and your past work experience. You should take information about your income and disability to the interview. OSERS will let you know if you qualify for VR services.
Plan for Employment
If you qualify for VR services, a counselor will ask you about what type of job you want and what problems you may have working. The counselor will use this information to help you plan how to go back to work. This plan is called an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Grievances
If you and your counselor cannot agree on your IPE or if you do not receive services that are in your IPE, you should contact the Client Assistance Program (CAP). If you are denied services, you have the right to appeal.
Examples of VR Services
► Counseling and Guidance
► Physical and Mental Restoration Services (including Native Healing Services)
► Vocational and other Training services (includes educational expenses)
► Transportation (includes vehicle modifications)
► Interpreter and note-taking services for individuals who are deaf
► Reader, rehabilitation teaching, note-taking and mobility services for individuals who are blind
► Assistive Aids and Devices
► Job Placement
► Occupational licenses, tools, equipment, initial stock and supplies
► Rehabilitation Technology Services
► Independent Living Services
State VR Services You can also apply for services from the State VR office in the state where you live. You are eligible for State VR services even if you live on the reservation.
You may also contact your nearest VR office at:
Window Rock Agency (928) 871-6338
Kayenta Agency (928) 697-5685
Crownpoint Agency (505) 786-2259
Fort Defiance Agency (928) 871-6338
Chinle/Ganado Agency (928) 674-2132
Tuba City Agency (928) 283-3481
Farmington Agency (505) 327-5123
Note: Keep copies of all letters and papers you receive from OSERS. Take notes on what is said and what is done at meetings. This information will help if you have problems with your services