Tribal and state Vocational Rehabilitation programs serve Indigenous communities with distinct approaches, but share a common purpose: supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful, competitive employment. In this session, presenters from the Navajo Nation TVR and Arizona’s Employment First team share real-world examples of collaboration that honors sovereignty, builds trust, and strengthens outcomes. Participants will explore how professionals can engage across systems through shared planning, team alignment, and culturally responsive communication. This session highlights what’s working, where challenges remain, and how respectful partnerships can lead to more inclusive and coordinated employment services for Tribal members with disabilities.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of both Tribal and state Vocational Rehabilitation programs in supporting Indigenous job seekers with disabilities.
- Identify effective strategies for building respectful, coordinated partnerships between Tribal and state VR professionals.
- Apply culturally responsive practices to strengthen collaboration and shared planning across systems.