On September 1, a team from Encircle Families, led by Trudy Billy, Director of Outreach and Tribal Programs, brought families, youth, professionals, and community partners together at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock for the Four Corners Special Education Day.

This month Arizona Office of Employment First (AZOEF) introduces you to Jules Hyde. Jules is the Associate Director of Employment at First Place Phoenix – a developmental disability service provider. He is also the President of the Arizona Association of People Supporting Employment First (AZ ASPE).

As a member of the DISCAPAZ research team, I gained new insights into the realities of living with a disability in the Arizona-Sonora borderlands region. The experience made me think about issues of place, language, and access and how they impact people living with a disability on the border.

Summer 2026 is winding down and the Sonoran Center Summer Work Program has wrapped up its biggest season yet. Having started in 2021, the Summer Work Program has wrapped up its fifth year, and shows no signs of slowing down. 

The Arizona Office of Employment First (AZOEF) recently partnered with Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to provide in-person Customized Employment training in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson. VR staff from offices across the state participated in the sessions. The training focused on Understanding the Why, What, Who, and How of Customized Employment.

The Arizona Office of Employment First recently had a Customized Employment training tour throughout Arizona. While in the rural Northern region, one message came up repeatedly. The message was that community engagement is vital to employment services. randy Price, Regional Employment System Specialist with the Arizona Office of Employment First, emphasizes the importance of these activities.

There is a little-known work incentive that changes the whole discussion about going to work while in school. A student on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can have more money when attending school and working.

During the summer of 2026, I was part of the AdvoCats program with the Sonoran Center. During my time there, one student helped me see how much someone can grow when they are given patience, encouragement, and the opportunity to take small steps toward independence.