Through the courses that I have taken for my Certificate in Developmental Disabilities, I have learned how many public health initiatives and medical training are not inclusive to disabled people. Going forward as a medical professional, I have learned ways to create inclusive practices for people with IDD.

While looking for an internship, I knew I wanted to do something that would relate to my interests. However, I was also looking for something that would give me new experiences and teach me new skills. I found the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, which gave me the best of both worlds. I had opportunities in high school to work with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD).

We sat down with Kelsey Montaño and Loretta Alvarez of the Pre-Employment Transition Services team to discuss the successes of the Summer Work Program in 2024 and what's next for the program.

On the University of Arizona campus, it is easier to get around as a pedestrian than in a car. The campus has lower speed limits and more crosswalks than Tucson overall. This is good, but more is needed to make sure pedestrians are safe. Pedestrians with disabilities face even more disadvantages making it unsafe to walk around campus.

On July 16 at the 17th Annual Project SEARCH Conference, the Sonoran Center's Arizona Project SEARCH initiative was given the "100% Outcome Award" for two of its sites, which were each successful in training and assisting all of their interns during the program year to obtain employment in a competitive, integrated setting.

On June 28, 2024, the African American Conference on Disabilities (AACD), took place at Hyatt Regency in downtown Phoenix. This year marked the thirteenth annual conference, gathering over 400 attendees from across the United States.

On July 10, 2024, the Aging and Disability Business Institute at USAging presented Artworks with The John A. Hartford Foundation 2024 Business Innovation Runner-Up Award for its unique suite of creative programming to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in southern Arizona.

Society’s views play a large part in determining “normal” through conventions, customs, and routines. This ideology has a large influence on healthcare practices which can impact how disabled individuals experience life and receive care. By including disability training in education, there can be changes in attitudes, skills, and knowledge among the new generation of healthcare professionals.

Like the monsoon rains, conference season has come once again. The Sonoran Center staff have been hard at work presenting their work at conferences and events throughout southern Arizona and beyond.

During the Summer of 2024, the Sonoran Center had the privilege of hosting Denis Ouma as part of the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement. We had the opportunity to sit down with Denis and discuss the Professional Fellows Program, the disability experience in Uganda, his trip to the United States, and the unforgettable experiences he has had along the way.