By: Native American Disability Law Center. Published in 2007.

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The Native American Disability Law Center conducted a needs assessment of Native Americans with disabilities.

Highlights include:

• “This needs assessment found that the Law Center has a positive impact on the lives of its clients. Half of respondents say their problem was solved because of the Law Center and three quarters would use the agency again. Two thirds say they know more about their rights because of the Law Center and that the staff communicate effectively and with respect, gaining the trust of clients. These high levels of client satisfaction, the positive resolution of cases, and the long term impact of clients’ interaction with the agency are all strengths.
• The agency’s target populations face almost insurmountable challenges. Poverty, isolation, discrimination and stigma combined with a lack of basic medical and social services in the community all serve to make the work of the Law Center both vital and difficult to provide. The communication most law firms use — phone and internet – are not easily accessed by these clients. Public transportation is scarce and often inaccessible, and 60% of the population surveyed could not afford gas for their cars. Civil rights issues may be less important when 43% of families face hunger, 35% are without a regular place to live, and 54% risk having their utilities cut off or cannot afford to warm and light their homes.” (p. 4).

Categories: Income Maintenance, Individual Rights, Individuals with Disabilities, Legal Aid Attorneys, Legal Aid Practitioners, Native American, Native Americans, Public Benefits, State-Specific, Victims of Crime