Disability Policy Seminar 2026 Recap
On March 23 and 24, 2026, the Disability Policy Seminar (DPS) took place in Washington, DC. The DPS is a gathering of disability advocates, experts, and professionals from around the United States. Arizona sent its largest delegation this year with 28 representatives from the Arc of Arizona and Tempe, Arizona Achieve Statewide Advocacy Coalition, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Ability360,Guthrie Mainstream Services, and the University of Arizona Leadership in Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ArizonaLEND) and Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
The DPS is a two-day affair: the first an opportunity for the disability community to learn from one another through seminars, workshops and discussion forums.
On the second day, they brought the concerns of people with disabilities to an advocacy day at Capitol Hill by meeting with their state legislative offices. The Arizona team met with both senator offices and eight of the nine house representatives to discuss issues important to the disability community - education, healthcare and funding for disability programs in particular.
The U of A Sonoran Center was represented by its director, Jacy Bell Farkas, Program Aide and Self-Advocate Gabriel “Gabe” Martinez, and trainee Jenny Haggerty (pictured above). Gabe and Jenny are also Arizona LEND fellows. Gabe had the opportunity to speak at the DPS rally held at the capitol on Day 2. Gabe’s speech focused on the importance of public education and employment for people with disabilities, as well as the impact of the LEND program.
“I’m still learning through a program called LEND,” Gabe said. “It teaches me about different disabilities and how they can be supported to be successful in school. I want to see more people with disabilities working in the community and public education helps that happen.”
Thanks to all the disability community members who came together to make the days of learning and advocacy possible.
Check out DPS’ online resource, the DPS Academy, for an introduction to disability policy.