~ Since 1992 ~
Our grassroots Native non-profit has served the people of the tribal nations in South Dakota.
Lakotas Transitioning to Culturally Grounded Lifestyles
NATIVE AMERICAN ADVOCACY PROGRAM
Independent Living
HUNKESNI OWICAKIYAPI
The focus on Hunkesni Owicakiyapi is to advocate for the rights of, with, and for people with disabilities and to identify and promote access to existing resources. We serve people with permanent disabilities who live in theTribal Nations of South Dakota.
Hunkesni Owicakiyapi acts as a facilitator that guides individuals to more fully develop their potential and gives them an opportunity for growing, developing and dealing with all phases of their life.
"It is with heartfelt appreciation that I want to express to you my gratitude for both you and the NAAP.
As a person with a severe disability, I had found it extremely difficult, burdensome, and problematic to both find and receive any help with any thing that could make my life easier, from any other people or programs ... but you have changed all that. If I hadn't been the recipient of the chair I received from the NAAP, I honestly don't know what I would have done then, or how I would be managing now. As a sufferer of multiple sclerosis, I live in that chair. My condition has progressively worsened and deteriorated over the past few months, even since I've received it, so I literally live in that chair. By day, it is where I sit in the corner and look out on the world of my home; and by night it is where I sleep. I cannot stand (for more than 10 seconds) or walk, so it is literally where I live my life. A simple thing such as a chair, one that fits the needs of this disability, has made this dibilitating experience so much easier to bear. As limited as the quality of my life is now because of this disability, it is a thousand times better because of the NAAP program and because of you. I don't know how I would be managing without the program. I remember and am thankful for you daily in my prayers. Just want you to know! I sincerely pray the program never goes away!"
~ Elaine S.
ADAPTIVE DEVICES DONATION PROGRAM
This program provides consumers, who meet income and independent living services eligibility and live in South Dakota, with devices to address their accessibility needs. The scope of services are limited to those devices that are necessary to over come barriers that substantially limit a consumer’s ability to function independently in the family or community or to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. The program works with relief organizations and individuals to obtain adaptive devices such as: reachers, show chairs, grab bars, personal hygiene and general home products as well as non perishable food items .
TAD/PHONE SERVICES
The purpose of the Telecommunications Adaptive Devices (TAD) program is to purchase and distribute telecommunications devices to make telephone services accessible for individuals with disabilities other than the deaf, hard of hearing deaf-blind and speech-impaired. (These persons may access services through the state office of the deaf services.) Persons who have disabilities (other than those specified to receive services from the office of the deaf services) that prevent them from using a telephone without a telecommunication device must be a state resident and must have phone service. Devices are electrical or mechanical for use that enables the individual to communicate through the telephone.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Any individual living in the services area who has a significant physical, mental or emotional impairment and expresses interest in participating in the NAAP independent living program is eligible.
No person shall be excluded from participation, denied any benefits or subjected to any form of discrimination because of his/her race, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability or political affiliation.
FOUR CORE SERVICES AVAILABLE
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INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES
This service provides information and referral services via our resources to anyone having questions related to independent living for individuals with disabilities.
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INDIVIDUAL AND SYSTEMS ADVOCACY
This service offers advocacy assistance in areas of discrimination, personal rights, and Social Security, indirect services for the consumer as well as other issues. This may involve direct or indirect services for the consumer.
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PEER SUPPORT
Individual: This service is provided by trained volunteers and staff who meet on a one-to one basis with consumers to confidentially discuss functional and emotional issues concerning their disability. Peer support persons receive training in communication skills.
Group: Functional and emotional issues relating to a disability are discussed in a confidential group format.
Family: A family discussion of functional, emotional, and need for independence issues. Families play an important role in the rehabilitation and social process.
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INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING
This is an educational training program designed to assist individuals with disabilities to increase their ability to live independently, facilitating a self directed life-style. All training is designed to meet the individual needs of each consumer. An assessment may be conducted to determine specific areas of need and interest.
