By Jackie John, VR Program Manager
Two Vocational Rehabilitation Staff attended the 2022 Evidence for Success Disability Conference and the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Academy in Arizona this month. IHD evidence conference had 48 different break out training sessions over two days. Many service providers were present, displaying assistive technology, supporting disability rights and communication devices for those with disabilities. There were plenty of opportunities to network with others who support individuals with disabilities.
The second gathering was with the AIVRS Academy it was a two-day training, covering the VR process, how to prepare and implement employment services and knowledge on assessments for assistive technology. Conference participants actively engaged in group activities, as well as working on two case studies to determine eligibility and creating an individualized plan for employment. Final day of training was the completion of the employment process and a successful case closure.
An on-site AZTAP( Arizona technology access program) provided conference attendees with hands on experiences with assistive technology to explore the opportunities that are available to participants. Assistive Technology can be available as an on loan basis, to try it out and then if you were interested in purchasing you could do so. Our VR program can purchase assistive technology for our participants if it is needed to help with their employment goals.
Assistive technology may consist of a specialized keyboard for individuals with low vision to a pivoting floor mat for someone that needs assistance with transport into a wheelchair or vice versa. There are keyboards that you can speak to and they will type up documents to ones that can take pics of documents to read to someone who has difficulty communicating or understanding. The possibilities are endless to help support participants who want to enter the workforce to become successfully employed.
There are ninety -one Vocational Rehabilitation programs across the country within twenty – five states, who work exclusively with Native Americans or Alaskan Natives.
We can help you maintain, gain or become successfully employed. If you know of someone who would be interested in more information about our services please stop over to Training and Employment Resource Center. We have two physical locations, one on Cattaraugus territory and one on Allegany territory.
