Tribal and State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and Programs

In the spirit of Alaskans reaching out to help other Alaskans, the State Vocational Rehabilitation agency joins with Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Programs (Section 121) to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. This agreement represents the cooperation, coordination and collaboration required to create a powerful force within the rehabilitation community to increase vocational opportunities for Alaskans with disabilities, between each and all parties.

State and Tribal Governments express herein a shared commitment to advance the principles of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, in a unified manner. The State Vocational Rehabilitation agency and Native American Vocational Rehabilitation programs will meet all required obligations and responsibilities contained in State and Federal laws and regulations.

Shared Principles and Values

• Parties to the agreement have mutual respect for each other, their cultural differences, and their tribal or governmental entity.
• Parties agree that individuals with disabilities can live independently, are able to work and are respected members of our communities.
• Parties to the agreement respect the informed choice provisions in the Rehabilitation Act that empower individuals with disabilities to take ownership of their rehabilitation planning and outcomes.
• Parties agree to the principle of cooperation, yet value the difference of opinions that enrich our abilities in the future.
• Parties agree to express their opinions and educate partners toward their point of view and agree to work toward consensus.
• Parties to the agreement have respect for our elders.

Coordinated Services

• Each agency and program agrees to give strong consideration to an eligibility determination made by a partner of this agreement.
• All parties agree to share information, as needed, to expedite services for individuals with disabilities and are committed to honoring the strictest standards of confidentiality, consistent with the informed choice of the individual.
• Individualized Plans for Employment will, when appropriate, be jointly developed and accepted by each partner to assure a comprehensive level of services in a coordinated manner.
• Parties agree to work cooperatively to capture Social Security Reimbursement for all program expenditures.
• The state agency will act as a sponsor for the Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Programs who are interested in locating within the Alaska Job Center Network.

Contractual Agreements

• The State Vocational Rehabilitation agency may enter into a fee for services contract with Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Programs to provide more culturally appropriate services to Alaskan Natives who live outside the service area of a Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
• The State Vocational Rehabilitation agency may enter into a fee for services contract with a Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Program to serve non-native individuals who live within the organization's service delivery area.

Exchange Of Expertise

• Wherever possible, human and financial resources will be shared to make administrative and direct services available such as vocational evaluations; impartial hearing officers; common policies and procedures; and the involvement in the development of the State Rehabilitation and Strategic Plan.
• The State will compile an annual report with data submitted that reflects accurately the number of individuals served under State and Tribal programs.

Comprehensive System of Personnel Development

• Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Program staff may be included in training offered by the State Vocational Rehabilitation agency to improve services to Alaskans with disabilities. The parties will consult with one another in the development of curriculum for training. Training opportunities will be disseminated to all parties and an invitation extended when appropriate.
• Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Programs may offer training to staff of the State Vocational Rehabilitation agency to enhance their ability to better meet the needs of Alaskan Natives with disabilities. Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Programs will work with the State Agency to maximize the cultural competence of staff.
• Regional training sessions will incorporate training specific to the interaction between Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and the State Agency.
• Personnel development efforts will be coordinated between Native American Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and the State Agency to expand the availability of qualified rehabilitation staff including cultural competence.

Duration

This collaborative agreement will take effect upon the date of signatures and will remain in effect until amended or terminated with thirty - (30) days written notification by any participant. This agreement shall be reviewed at any time upon the written request of any participant and may be modified at that time to meet the needs of any and all participants.

At any time in the future, should another Tribal entity receive a Section 121 grant, this agreement will be modified to include that Program should they desire to enter into a mutually collaborative arrangement.

_____________________________ _______________________________
Duane M. French, Director Len White Bear, Project Director
Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Cook Inlet Tribal Council

_____________________________ _______________________________
Karen Gonne'-Harrell, Director Ann McMurrough, Coordinator
Vocational Rehabilitation North Slope Vocational Rehabilitation
Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope

_____________________________ _______________________________
Gail Sorensen, Program Manager Belinda Olanna
Vocational Rehabilitation Program Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Bristol Bay Native Association Kawerak, Inc.

_____________________________
Geraldine Harris, Administrator
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Kodiak Area Native Association

_____________________________
Jackie Bisbee, Coordinator
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Tanana Chiefs Conference

_____________________________
August Martin, Project Director
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Tlingit-Haida Central Council

_____________________________
Irma Goodwine, Project Director
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Association of Village Council Presidents, Inc.