AANG Program (Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation)

Aleuts Achieving, Nurturing and Growing (AANG) Program

The Aleuts Achieving, Nurturing and Growing (AANG) Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program can help with a goal of getting a job, self-employment, or a subsistence plan for self-sufficiency. This program is for individuals who experience physical, cognitive, mental, or sensory challenges that create a barrier to employment. Examples of these challenges may include many conditions- Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Low Back Pain, Substance Use Disorders, or Hearing or Vision Impairments. These diagnoses may cause barriers to employment. The AANG Program is here to help.

Success in this program requires teamwork between participant and staff. Cooperation, commitment, and mutual respect are required throughout the process. Participants are expected to benefit from the AANG Program through services provided, leading towards an employment outcome. The focus of the program is self-sufficiency through managing disabilities while working, whether that be a 9-5 job, other form of paid work, self-employment, or a subsistence plan.

The AANG Program has tribal enrollment, residency, and medical and/or mental health documentation requirements.

Eligibility

Tribal Enrollment and Residency List (Service Area)

AANG Program participants must be an American Indian/Alaska Native tribal member residing in one of the following communities: Akutan, Atka, False Pass, King Cove, Nelson Lagoon, Nikolski, Sand Point, St. George, St. Paul, or Unalaska.

Residents of the Municipality of Anchorage can also participate in the AANG Program with tribal membership of one of APIA’s tribes: Agdaagux, Atka, Akutan, Belkofski, False Pass, Nelson Lagoon, Nikolski, Pauloff Harbor, Qagan Tayagungin Tribe (QTT), Qawalangin, St. George, St. Paul, or Unga.

A tribal card or enrollment letter is required as documentation.

Medical/Mental Health Records

AANG Program participants must sign a Release of Information form to obtain medical records or documentation of any physical, cognitive, mental, or sensory challenges. The AANG Program can assist in getting these documents, as well as pay for assessments if new or updated documentation is needed. This is a confidential process and information is strictly kept within the AANG Program.

Income

There are no income limits for the AANG Program.

Contact

For an application, visit https://www.apiai.org/etr-current-application/ or contact Cheyanne Smallwood at CheyanneS@apiai.org | 907-222-9749 to get started.