Critical Connections
& Collaboration
The second point on the star quilt emphasizes:
- critical connections and collaboration
- TVR staff contributions to the TVR journey
- informed choice
- outreach
- information and referral
“Critical connections” refers to strong working relationships with Tribal members with disabilities, their families, and their Tribal community, which are essential to the TVR process. TVR staff build a working relationship by establishing mutual trust and respect, ensuring that each participant has an opportunity to actively participate in their service planning and exercise autonomy and informed choice.
A key factor in promoting successful employment outcomes is the participant’s relationship with their TVR counselor. Both the participant and TVR counselor must be actively involved in all aspects of service delivery to maintain a productive partnership. From the participant’s perspective, this means making informed choices throughout the TVR journey. Achieving a successful outcome requires both the participant’s commitment and the TVR counselor’s guidance.
Core Practices
Build Critical Connections
- Establish trust-based relationships with participants, families, and community members.
- Collaborate with State VR agencies, employers, and community resources to expand opportunities.
- Communicate clearly and consistently, adapting to participants’ preferred language and communication style.
Contribute to the TVR Journey
- Support participants with decision-making and informed choice.
- Provide guidance on vocational options, career opportunities, and available resources.
- Empower participants by focusing on strengths, fostering self-advocacy, and promoting self-determination.
Promote Informed Choice
- Ensure participants receive accurate information on services, providers, and employment options.
- Involve participants in every stage of the TVR process, from assessments to individualized plans for employment (IPEs).
- Support participants in weighing options and making decisions aligned with their values, strengths, and goals.
Engage in Outreach
- Share information about TVR services with the community.
- Participate in Tribal events and partner with other Tribal programs to raise awareness.
- Encourage recruitment and community understanding of the TVR project’s role.
Provide Information and Referral
- Develop clear processes for referrals to and from TVR services.
- Assist participants in connecting with supportive services (e.g., transportation, housing, mental health, independent living skills, assistive technology).
- Coordinate across multiple providers to reduce barriers and improve access to needed supports.
Click the star quilt links to learn how to implement each phase of the TVR journey.
TVR Journey
The TVR Journey is available in a downloadable format that can be printed.
TVR Journey Guide
The TVR Journey Guide webpage contains files and tools that will help guide you through each phase of the journey.