Vocational Rehabilitation Program

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (Section 121)
918/453-5004

In July 1992 a resolution was passed, by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, to submit a grant application to establish a Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Service Project to serve American Indians, who are disabled, become gainfully employed. This grant was established by the United States Department of Education under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Cherokee Nation was awarded this grant and began operation October 1, 1992, becoming the first Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program in the State of Oklahoma . There are now a total of eight (8) tribal Vocational Rehabilitation programs in the state and seventy-six (76) nationwide. The Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation has established a written cooperative agreement with the State Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) to allow both Programs to provide efficient service provision and case management to American Indians with disabilities. This cooperative agreement has also allowed Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation staff access to training opportunities, provided by the State DRS, to increase the Programs efficiency and effectiveness.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program to provide comprehensive, culturally relevant vocational rehabilitation services to American Indians with disabilities.

Program Profile

The Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program assists with the cost of training/retraining, for American Indian with disabilities, to acquire the skills needed to find or maintain gainful employment.

• Books, tuition and fees
• Transportation
• Evaluations and assessments
• Clothing and uniforms
• Tools and equipment
• Licenses
• Educational supplies

CNVR can also arrange for and/or assist with the purchase of prosthetic limbs, telecommunication devices for the hearing or verbally impaired such as, a teletypewriter (TTY) and close caption decoders, devices for the visually impaired such as, an electronic magnification system-close circuit television (CCTV), wheelchairs, and many other assistive devices which may be required for physical or mental restoration.

Eligibility Criteria

For Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation (CNVR) Services, applicant must meet the following criteria:

• A member of a Federally recognized Tribe residing within the Cherokee Nation's 14 county jurisdictional area.
• Have a mental or physical disability, which results in a substantial impediment to employment.
• Can benefit from CNVR services, in terms of employment outcome.
• Require CNVR services to prepare for, enter in, or retain gainful employment.

How can CNVR services help?

CNVR assists with the cost of training/retraining, for American Indian with disabilities, to acquire the skills needed to find or maintain gainful employment. ALL SERVICES ARE INDIVIDUALIZED.

What types of services does CNVR provide?

CNVR provides a variety of services based on individual needs and resources. Some examples include:

The applicant must provide at least one form of documentation for each of the following areas (examples are given):

Are there other services available?

CNVR also provides referral service for those who need specific information regarding disabilities, equipment, providers, and other resources available.

What are some of the disabilities of CNVR consumers?

CNVR serves individuals with a variety of disabilities, some examples are:

• Spinal Cord Injury
• Amputation
• Deafness and Hearing Loss
• Orthopedic Impairments
• Diabetes
• Seizure Disorders
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairments
• Learning Disabilities

Who do I contact?

CNVR employs qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors trained to assist individuals with disabilities in pursuing a career. You can contact CNVR by telephone to schedule an appointment.

What areas are served by CNVR?

CNVR provides services to American Indians residing in the following counties:

Cherokee Nation
Vocational Rehabilitation
3.5 MILES SOUTH OF TAHLEQUAH ON HI-WAY 62
BEHIND RESTAURANT OF THE CHEROKEES, Tsa-La-Gi Annex Room #141
Voice/TTY (918) 453-5004
1-800-256-4415
Fax (918) 458-4482