Our region’s people are strong and resilient, in part because we have strong communities and values, that emphasize helping and sharing with eachother.

At AVCP, we are committed to helping remove barriers that prevent our people from being independent. The AVCP Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program was established to assist tribal members with disabilities who reside in the AVCP region, in returning to the workforce, maintaining employment, and actively participating in subsistence activities.
VR helps people who want to work but have challenges getting or maintaining jobs, and carrying out subsistence activities, due to their disability(s).

Examples of disabilities include

Physical challenges such as:
  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Medical (arthritis, cerebral palsy, diabetes)
  • Physical (amputation, chronic pain, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury)
Mental or behavioral challenges such as:
  • Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Anxiety Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Traumatic Brain Injury/Head injury
In order to receive support from the VR Department, the following process must be completed. VR staff will help you through this process.
  • Completing the VR application
  • Copy of a tribal ID
  • Completion of an initial intake interview to gather information for the applicants individualized personal profile
  • Proof of disability
  • A determination of eligibility
  • Completion of an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) that includes an employment goal

The AVCP VR Program is funded by a five-year grant (2015-2020) through the Department of Education, with fiscal years running from Sept. 30th through Oct. 1st. This program is operating on its fifth and final year.

“Thank you to AVCP for the much-needed boat and motor. Our family is looking forward to using it for subsistence activities such as bird hunting, egg hunting, fishing, berry picking, and moose hunting. Our family will gather food and fruits to store away.”
Murphy John

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

A:  VR works with people with all types of physical, behavioral or personality disorders who have a desire to work. While we serve individuals with physical disabilities (deafness, visual impairments, etc.), we also work with individuals with no physical disabilities. For example, we can also help tribal members with learning disabilities and a history of substance abuse.

A: Services will depend on what you and your VR counselor agree upon in your Individualized Employment Plan. Each client receives counseling and guidance at each step of the program in order to help better understand their potential and set achievable goals. While counseling is a free service, the price of other services varies and is based on each client’s ability to pay. AVCP Tribal VR funding cannot be used when another funding source (such as medical insurance or federal student financial aid) is available.

A:  Through medical, psychological, vocational, or other testing, VR may help you get a proper and documented diagnosis to determine or establish eligibility. You may have a disability if you have problems getting or keeping a job or keeping up in school or job training.

A:  A member of our team will help you get settled into your new job and follow your progress for at least three months. If you and your employer agree that things are working out, we will close your case. However, if you lose your job or have trouble, you may be eligible to have your case reopened.

A: Subsistence is considered employment through the Tribal VR Program. If your disability is negatively impacting your ability to participate in subsistence activities, please contact us for an assessment.

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