This report describes a project to promote independent-living outreach services that are culturally relevant for American Indians and Alaska Natives with severe or significant disabilities. A pilot training workshop conducted in Aztec, New Mexico, focused on the importance of service providers understanding American Indian culture and on independent-living strategies for outreach. At the close of the workshop, participants developed Blue Print for Action Plans. Progress outcomes were measured by a 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month evaluation of each action plan and its efficacy. Evaluations described completion of action plan steps, resources used, any revision of steps, barriers encountered and how they were overcome, and exciting aspects of the action plan. Evaluation results revealed that 43 percent of participants had to revise their action plans because of barriers associated with "finding American Indian consumers" due to isolated areas of the reservation and cross-cultural communication problems. A common solution to these barriers was "persistence in outreach services." Results indicate that 44-56 percent of participants who used the pilot training workshop methods for over 6 months increased their level of independent-living service delivery to American Indian clients. Appendices include the workshop agenda, evaluation forms for the workshop and action plans, handouts, a timeline, and the project advisory committee. (Contains 18 data tables and figures.) (SV)

Topics include:Present Realities of American Indians, the state of Native American Health, Health disparities, Clinical Psychology and American Indians, Vocational rehabilitation of American Indians with alcohol problems, Assistive Technology, Vocational rehabilitation, American Indian women issues, and much more. -- Amazon.