News Release

NCD #03-428
August 1, 2003
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004
202-272-2074 TTY
mquigley@ncd.gov

National Council on Disability Says Native Americans with Disabilities are Underserved

WASHINGTON-The National Council on Disability (NCD) today released its report, People with Disabilities on Tribal Lands: Education, Health Care, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Independent Living (http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/tribal_lands.html), which documents that American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) with disabilities living in tribal lands are not receiving the services they are entitled to.

The report reflects the results of a project that was developed and guided to completion in collaboration with AI/AN representatives of people with disabilities, their families, and tribal community leaders.

NCD has targeted the significant, unmet needs of unserved and underserved people with disabilities, including people from diverse cultures, as a policy priority. While people from diverse cultures constitute a disproportionate share of the disability community, they also have unique needs in addition to those experienced by other people with disabilities. With an estimated 22 percent disability prevalence rate, according to national research data, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the most disproportionate rate of disabilities and limited opportunity for access to culturally sensitive programs and services of all races. This is compounded by factors such as high poverty and school dropout rates, geographic isolation from state or local district rehabilitation services and health care, and limited employment options.

This project examined research on health, rehabilitation, independent living, and education issues that affect people with disabilities living in Indian Country. The report discusses views and perspectives of AI/AN people with disabilities, tribal leaders, and federal agency representatives identified as productive in meeting the needs of people with disabilities residing in tribal lands. This report also assesses and recommends government-to-government (state to sovereign tribal to U.S. government) improvements in relationships needed for effective coordination across existing federally funded projects and programs. In addition, a Toolkit Guide (http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/native_toolkit.html), which provides resource information, was developed for use by consumers, tribal communities, and people at state, local, and federal levels.

NCD stands ready to facilitate Congressional and federal agency dialogue with stakeholders who seek to address jointly the unmet needs of AI/AN people with disabilities in meaningful and culturally sensitive ways. It is only then that AI and AN people with disabilities have the freedom to fulfill their dreams, access economic independence, and participate meaningfully in their communities.