AIVRTTAC ITTA Helps Nez Perce TVR Services Program Staff Renew Skills After Pandemic Closures
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AIVRTTAC was unable to provide on-site intensive training and technical assistance (ITTA) for almost three years. When many tribal communities closed their offices, AIVRTTAC staff began to offer virtual trainings and meetings in order to continue providing ITTA to AIVRS projects. However, though it proved to be effective, virtual communication is never as dynamic as person-to-person interaction.
In April 2023, AIVRTTAC Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator Rebecca Holland (ITTA lead) and AIVRTTAC Content Expert Paula Seanez (who also serves as director of the Navajo Nation Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services) conducted the first on-site ITTA training in almost three years. This training took place in Lapwai, Idaho at the Nez Perce Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) Services Program.
The Nez Perce TVR Program has been funded since 1997. When ITTA began, several staff members were new to their roles and needed to be trained in the VR process to make sure they were in alignment with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) regulations.
To say the ITTA was effective would be an understatement. The staff members absorbed as much information as possible and asked thoughtful questions to clarify their understanding. In addition to training on the VR process, AIVRTTAC staff provided icebreaker and team building activities to emphasize the need for a strong and cohesive group. The staff participated in an activity to identify their program’s vision and used this vision to create a culturally appropriate VR process. The two-day staff training went by quickly and accomplished a great deal.
It was incredibly powerful for AIVRTTAC staff to be on-site and learn about the Nez Perce community as well as the challenges and struggles the program faces. It was an honor to be asked to visit.
Interested in receiving ITTA or TTTA services from AIVRTTAC?
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