A special 2-hour webinar training from the Sonoran Center's Circle of Indigenous Empowerment.
When
Where
Join us for a discussion about disability issues for Indian Country and how self-employment strategies can impact Tribal members with disabilities. Discussion will include examples of disability focused services for members that live in their Tribal communities or in urban populations. Services vary for urban and rural reservations — we will address available services and the gaps for available resources addressing disability services. Youth pre-employment services, school-to-work transition and youth leadership examples will be shared for students with disabilities. Working partnerships for employment development on and off reservation communities to offer accessible work experiences and partnership development for business development and partnerships. Virtual business development will also be discussed as stay at home options for business and self-employment development.
Invited guests include Tribal members with disabilities, educators, service providers, economic development specialists, entrepreneurs, youth transition, Tribal organizations and other partners.
Speakers
Eric Burns
Eric Burns has been working as a Certified Orthotist for over 25 years. Eric went to school at the University of Florida for an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and then to Northwestern University for training in Orthotics. He is currently a Regional Director for Hanger Clinic in Arizona and New Mexico. In his role at Hanger, Eric has developed a national residency program for Orthotics and Prosthetics with over 25 clinicians becoming certified, worked in specialty children's clinics, supported several adaptive sports programs, been involved in St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinics, helped start clinics for the underserved in Mexico, developed orthotic and prosthetic clinics at the Sells Hospital, and currently oversees several orthotic and prosthetic clinics on reservations across Arizona and New Mexico.
Amber Childs
Amber Childs is a dynamic and accomplished individual, proudly representing her cultural heritage as an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation from Ajo, Arizona. With a passion for fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship within Native communities, Amber has carved an impressive career path in the field of business development.
Having gained valuable experience and insights in various positions and after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Tourism Management from Arizona State University, Amber’s journey began as a Recreation Manager for Gila River Indian Community, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing recreational facilities and opportunities for community members. Following this role, she served as the Promotions Coordinator for Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, where she showcased her creative flair and organizational skills in promoting entertainment and special events.
Drawing from her experience in promoting community engagement and organizational development, Amber now serves as a Business Development Specialist at the prestigious National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. In this role, she focuses on empowering and supporting Native American entrepreneurs on a national level, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the business world.
Melanie Murray
Melanie Murray is the Vocational Services Manager with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, near Scottsdale, Arizona. She oversees the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Career Counseling Programs for the Community. She began her career in Salt River as a special education teacher and State Champion Basketball Coach at Salt River High School. She then became a part of the original founding team of the VR Program in Salt River. She has been at the helm of the VR Program for over 11 years. One of her passions is transition services, which has been an emphasis of the Salt River VR Program. Prior to working in Salt River, Melanie was employed with Albuquerque Public Schools in New Mexico for over 12 years, working as a Special Education Teacher, IEP Specialist, Transition Specialist, and Basketball Coach