Quarterly Updates

Intertribal Disability Advocacy Council

In partnership with the Borealis Foundation, the Law Center is developing an Intertribal Disability Advocacy Council (IDAC) to enhance working relationships and connections among various Native communities and Native Americans with disabilities. With a majority of participants being Native Americans with disabilities, the IDAC will be comprised of 7 to 9 representatives from different Native communities representing 5 regions across the country – Northwest, Southwest, Plains, Northeast, and Southeast.

The IDAC will conduct virtual listening sessions in each region of the United States to identify the gaps in services and needs facing Native Americans with disabilities. The final result of these meetings and discussions will be a report on the needs of Native Americans with disabilities, possible solutions to address these needs, and the role of the federal government in contributing to these solutions.

The federal government has an important trust responsibility to address the health and welfare needs of all Native Americans, including those with disabilities. The Law Center hopes that this report will not only strengthen the advocacy network among Native Americans with disabilities, but also encourage the federal government to meet its responsibilities.

Law Center Receives Generous Donation

The Law Center received a generous donation of $50,000 from the Inez Cardozo-Freeman Trust. Ms. Cardozo-Freeman was the daughter of sharecroppers who emigrated from the Azores to the Central Valley of California. Through dedication and hard work, she excelled academically and ultimately earned a PhD. She became a tenured professor at Ohio State University with expertise in folk art, folk traditions and customs. She was also a long-time champion of people with disabilities. While a student at Harvard University, her son developed a severe mental illness that made it difficult for him to work.

Ms Cardozo-Freeman was his primary support and had firsthand experience with how disabilities impact the lives of individuals and their families. This gift will support the Law Center’s continued work on behalf of others with disabilities to ensure that they have the support and services they need to live and thrive in their communities.

What is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?

VR helps job seeker with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintatin and advance in employment.

You may be eligible for VR if you meet all the following requirements:

● You have a physical or mental impairment

● Your physical or mental impairment causessubstantial barriers to employment

● You require VR services in order to prepare for,obtain, maintain, or advance in employment

● You could benefit from VR services in terms of getting and keeping a job

Based on individual need and informed choice, eligible individuals of all ages may receive the following types of services:

● Evaluations to explore job interests, skills, and capabilities

● Vocational counseling to help identify a job goal andservice needs

● Assistance with training or education, if needed toobtain a job

● Help with job interview skills

● Special equipment or technology to addressdisability-related barriers

● Job coaching to assist with learning new tasks andachieving job stability

For more information contact your local VR Agency

The Law Center has been serving as one of the 85 agencies working across 41 states as a Benefit Enrollment Center (BEC) since 2018. This is grant funded by the National Council on Aging. BECs focus on connecting Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes to benefits that pay for healthcare, food, and more.

Farmington, New Mexico Office

Toll-free: 800-862-7271

Phone: 505-566-5880

Flagstaff, Arizona Office

Toll-Free: 800-862-7271

Phone: (928) 433-0963

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