Circle of Indigenous Empowerment

The University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities is involved in many partnerships within and beyond the borders of Arizona focused on supporting—and empowering— Native persons with disabilities.

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Connections

Talking Circles
Community Visits
Tribal Events

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Information Services

Trainings
Products
Resources

Resources

Technical Assistance
New Projects
Collaborations

Projects

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Issue #1 - March 2023 | Issue #2 - June 2023 | Issue #2 - September 2023

Cover of the Native American Needs assessment report

Native American Developmental Disabilities Needs Assessment

This report provides information about the availability of services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families, the needs of DD tribal members and their families, and tribal members' familiarity and contact with the DD Network agencies.

LEARN MORE

Team

Treva Roanhorse

Elder Advisor

Jimmy Warne

Affiliate

Wendy Parent-Johnson

Affiliate

R. Joshua Drywater

Program Manager, Native Initiatives

Jacy, a woman in green top and yellow cardigan smiling

Jacy Farkas

Associate Director

Mateo TreeTop

Graphic Designer

JS Torres

Student Project Aide

Anya Carrillo

Youth Engagement Coordinator

Upcoming Events

4 to 5 p.m., Dec. 13, 2023

Youth-to-Youth: Voices on Advocacy and Strength Building Webinar

News

Native American TBI in Arizona

Sept. 27, 2023

The Sonoran Center’s Native Initiatives program manager R. Joshua Drywater and postdoctoral scholar Austin Duncan, PhD, were invited to form a team for the 4th cohort of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) I-Corps™ program. The program exists to help NSF scholars turn their scientific discoveries into products, technologies, and services that are available to the public.

Helping Native Youth Succeed through Family and Community Engagement

Aug. 9, 2023

This March 15th virtual dialogue hosted by the White House—which included Sonoran Center's elder advisor Treva Roanhorse, administrative affiliate Jim Warne, and Native youth leader Anya Carillo as panelists—provided perspectives from Native individuals (including youth) on the values of community-driven solutions in supporting Native students with disabilities.

Reclaiming Traditional & Creation Stories of Indigenous Youth with Disabilities

June 9, 2023

This year’s virtual Youth Disability Summit, themed Reclaiming Traditional & Creation Stories of Indigenous Youth with Disabilities, highlighted voices of American Indian youth with disabilities and focused on aspects of American Indian life, history, culture and heritage that can help youth address today's challenges.

Circle of Indigenous Empowerment