Understanding Disabilities in American Indian & Alaska Native Communities Toolkit Guide
The National Council on Disability created this toolkit guide to provide information and suggestions for improving services and protections for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, with overview information on the prevalence of disabilities in these communities. The toolkit is divided into dedicated sections for healthy living, education, independent living, vocational rehabilitation and employment resources, assistive technology, housing and facilities, and transportation. Additional information provides overviews on federal disabilities laws, initiatives, agencies, and organizations that support work with AI/AN individuals with disabilities and communities. In the education section, the toolkit reviews individualized education programs (IEPs), outlines what each IEP should include, and provides tips for parents as they work with their child’s school to develop an IEP. The education section also lists organization contact information for supports and resources. While the other sections are not focused on educational issues, there are still valuable resources and contact information for anyone working with AI/AN students with disabilities.
This resource is of high quality in its description of problems facing American Indian and Alaska Native students with disabilities. What may be of most use is its outline of solutions and resources for these students to overcome academic, social, and economic barriers. The resource’s message is communicated well with text that is formatted for easy accessibility. It is of high utility in that it addresses an urgent need of AI/AN students today. This resource has the potential to have high impact on its target population through the dissemination of critical information to parents, community members, tribes, and schools.