California Department of Rehabilitation counselors' cultural competence for American Indians/Alaskan Natives

The objective of the project was to compile cultural, social, and demographic information for California Department of Rehabilitation [DOR] Counselors that would assist them to increase their cultural competency to work with American Indians/Alaskan Natives [AI/AN]. This information was entered into a handbook for use by DOR counselors. The handbook provides background awareness and knowledge of the present AI/AN population and culminates in specific strategies to help ensure successful employment outcomes for AI/AN, who have the highest rates of national and state of California disability. The literature review found that minority populations did not gain the same equity of service in Vocational Rehabilitation. The AI/AN, statistically being a small population, are often not included in mainstream research studies or in data-gathering groups; thus, much information was found in groups funded to investigate the socio- economic status of AI/AN. In addition to the literature review, four interviews were conducted; two with program directors of the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation [AIVR] programs in California, and two with DOR counselors. The results of the information gathering indicate that AI/AN continue to be a population, although diverse in itself, that has maintained and/or is rejuvenating a culture that is distinct from that of the mainstream. AI/AN have a history with the federal government that has shaped the circumstance of the Native peoples today. The process of obtaining services in Vocational Rehabilitation can be impacted by culture and view- points of both the counselor and the consumer. The handbook can add much to a counselor's body of skills. The American Indian/Native Alaskan consumer, who can perceive that the counselor is respectful, aware, and knowledgeable of his or her life, will be more likely to become a full participant in the consumer/counselor partnership that needs to exist in order to reach employment goals.