‘Collaboration is key for disabilities services’

In its efforts to provide better services for individuals with disabilities, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, in partnership with the State Rehabilitation Council, held a two-day workshop aimed at promoting collaboration among various agencies.

“This is for all of us to learn from each other because we have the same goal, and that is to improve the quality of our services to individuals with disabilities,” said OVR planner researcher Arlene Yamagata shortly before the conclusion of the workshop. “Also, it’s a great time for professionals to network, to get to know each other, and to get to know what services are out there so that they can make appropriate referrals for clients.”

The workshop, held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Aqua Resort Club, was intended for OVR rehabilitation counselors as well as other professions that serve people with disabilities.

Topics covered during the workshop included ABE Program and Services, Accessible and Affordable Housing, Assistive Technology in the Workplace, Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach, Employment Services, Hearing Loss, Low Vision, NMC-COMPASS-Community Development Institute Programs, NMC Disability Support Services, Special Education and Transition Services, Traumatic Brain Injury, and WIA and OVR Collaboration.

“OVR’s purpose is to get qualified people with disabilities and place them in jobs that are meaningful for them,” Yamagata said. “[But] it’s not just OVR that provides services for clients, and we all need to have collaboration to succeed. We need to know what’s the client’s interest, strengths, and choices.”

Students with disabilities under the Special Education Program of the Public School System currently go through a transitional stage once 14 years old. The transition plan would determine if the student is interested in being employed after high school, and what type of employment he or she seeks.

Yamagata said several students may be interested in professions that require certification or a collegiate degree. The students, if eligible, would be supported to continue education without being held liable for payment.

Meanwhile, OVR extends it appreciation to the Center for Independent Living, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Division of Employment Services and Training, Hardt Eye Clinic, Northern Marianas College, Northern Marianas Housing Corp., Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc., Public School System, and the Workforce Investment Agency for their involvement in the training.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month was expanded from a one-week awareness period to a monthlong period in 1988 by the U.S. Congress. Prior to the change, the first week of October was annually proclaimed as National Employ and Physically Handicapped Week, beginning in 1945. The word “physically” was removed in 1962 to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities.