TVR Hosts 2013 Disability Awareness Day

On Friday, September 27, the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) program held its annual Disability Awareness Day at the former First Americans IGA Building. The event highlighted community service programs and initiatives that help or support eligible individuals, including but not limited to those with disabilities. The main goal of the event was to create awareness to the community of the different types of programs available to people with disabilities.

TVR has been putting on Disability Awareness Day for around 10 years, and this year it was huge. This year they had a mini job fair with several businesses accepting applications. Also present were several programs, AERC helping with resumes and vendors. Various program representatives presented to the crowd, telling about the services they offer. There were several door prizes donated by local businesses, vendors and programs, and TVR hosted a free lunch catered by the Smoke’s Catering.

A highlight of the event was Norman Shawonkasic, who attended Disability Awareness Day this year. He wears many hats and among them he is the Vice President of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) and the Director of the Menominee Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Wisconsin. He is an advocate for American Indians with Disabilities and he was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to sit on the Bureau of Indian Education Special Advisement Committee that reports to Congress. Shawonkasic came to TVR’s Disability Awareness Day in 2011 and travels across the country to speak, advocate and help however he can. He said, “I do lots of lectures and I’m always happy to speak, I’m glad to be here.”

Cody Terrance-Gibson was the main organizer of the event. She said, “TVR really came together as a team and pulled off a magnificent event.”

Since TVR first started back in 2001, they have helped 199 people be successfully employed. The mission of the TVR program is to empower Native Americans with disabilities by helping them achieve their employment goals and gain independence.

The TVR program averages 2 to 6 people intake a week and has helped about 600 people with long-term education that almost always advances to employment.

TVR Program Manager Nikki David explained that there are a lot of hidden disabilities. She said, “Disabilities are not just physical or mental, they can be learning or alcohol/chemical dependency, anything that impedes you from going to work.”

If you think you have a disability call 358-6125 or 358-6176 and ask for Cody or Nikki.

Nikki said they are planning more community outreach presentation and training services. For example, training first responders on emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. If you have suggestions contact the TVR offices.

See the Niawen section of Indian Time for a message from the TVR team.