Through a collaborative partnership between Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, funded by an American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) grant, Tribal member Amanda is following her dream of owning her own photography business. With vocational rehabilitation (VR) support, she obtained a part-time job with the Tribe as a resource coordinator for Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), where she uses her photography and design skills to raise awareness of her deeply held cause.
Amanda’s road to empowerment and independence was facilitated through the partnership between OVR and Tribal VR. Both work in tandem with organizations, employers and providers to support Oregonians with disabilities to achieve their career goals and independence. Amanda’s employment story is an inspiring example of the impact of these partnerships. Amanda is not only pursuing her dream of owning her own photography business, Ampkwa Images, but she uses her talents to help Tribal communities and Indigenous people. “Since starting VR, my life has changed in every way. VR really helped me recognize who I could be and my full potential,” Amanda said. Read more about Amanda’s story here. To learn more about AIVRS programs’ success stories, please visit the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center.