Its major steps include identifying and developing key leaders to organize focus groups, seeking tribal authorization, holding Talking Circles, studying the status and needs of specific disability issues, developing policy and program recommendations, and promoting those recommendations through tribal channels. It has created a tribally-mandated committee to develop and implement disability policies. Several tribes have created innovative resolutions that deal only with employment of people with disabilities. In reviewing their personnel policies, for example, two tribes found that they listed disability as a cause for not hiring as well as termination. Members of one tribe have formed a disability action group to provide support to tribal members with disabilities.
Most tribes are small and often lack financial resources.
Their primary priority is often achieving or protecting their political sovereignty. This often means that tribal governments are focused on land and water rights, and battles over legal jurisdiction. Fowler, et al. They have also recognized that their efforts must be consistent and on-going, and that funding and enforcement are key issues. A major barrier to the continuation of these efforts involves the question of who is responsible for directing and funding such activities.