Strategies to Empower People is partnering with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) through a specialized grant to develop the Native American Service & Equity Initiative a program designed to strengthen culturally responsive supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This work is grounded in integrity, inclusion, advocacy, and deep respect for Native cultures and communities. Through this partnership, STEP is committed to building pathways that honor identity, elevate voices, and ensure equitable access to services for all.
This page is currently under construction as we continue building resources for the Native American Service & Equity Initiative. More information and materials will be added over time, so please check back regularly for updates. Thank you for your patience and support.
REQUEST FOR COLLABORATION
Strengthening Support for our Community Members with Disabitlies
Strengthening Support for our Community Members with Disabitlies
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen the bridge between California’s developmental services system and Tribal communities.
We seek and partner with Tribal leadership to ensure that members with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) receive equitable, culturally respectful support, they are entitled to without compromising tribal traditions or sovereignty.
———-
Empowering Tribal voices. Honoring traditions. Strengthening self-determination.
Why this Matters
Why this Matters
For generations, Native American communities have experienced barriers accessing developmental services, including:
- Lack of trust in state systems
- Complex and confusing bureaucratic processes
- Historic underrepresentation within Regional Center services
This grant-funded initiative addresses those challenges by bringing knowledge, advocacy, and navigation support directly to Tribal communities guided by Tribal leaders and local voices.
Our Commitment to Sovereignty
Our Commitment to Sovereignty
We work as invited guests under the leadership and cultural direction of each Tribe.
-
Data Privacy : Tribal data is controlled by the Tribe. Nothing is shared without explicit permission.
-
Community-Led Design : Cultural protocols lead the way.
-
Government-to-Government Respect : Tribal authority is recognized in all decision-making.
What We Offer to the Community
We are not here to dictate care; we are here to provide tools based on your community’s specific needs.
- System Navigation & Advocacy: Direct training for Tribal Social Services, Health Departments and Medical Professionals on how to navigate systems processes, including how to access services and meet unmet needs. This includes identification and helping individual and navigate services that may be unfamiliar or underutilized within the community
- Self Advocate & Family Training: We equip self advocates and families with training on accessing generic resources, Primary Services, understanding the systems, future planning, Life Supports, and related topics to promote choice, independence, and long-term success. We come to you to provide the training you need, in the areas that matter most to you, with continued support throughout the process – you lead your own training.
- Cultural Adaptation of Resources: Training and advisement to enable Tribal communities to establish their own service delivery systems. This ensures funding and resources remain within the community while creating local jobs.
- Capacity Building: Training Tribal staff to become subject matter experts on IDD resources, ensuring long-term sustainability after the grant period ends.
- Conflict Resolution: Assistance in resolving disputes between Tribal members and the service systems.
Contact Us
Have questions, need more information, or want to connect with our team?
Use the form to reach out to us regarding the Native American Service & Equity initiative, or any support related to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Whether you’re a self advocate, family, community member, provider, or partner organization, we welcome your message. Our team is committed to listening, learning, and building collaborative pathways that honor culture, promote equity, and uplift the voices of those we serve.
We look forward to connecting with you and will respond as soon as possible.