There is limited representation of the diverse intersectional experiences of the disability community. I became involved with DISCAPAZ: Disability Experiences in the Borderlands, a research group that focuses on sharing stories of individuals with disabilities in borderland communities.

I was lucky enough to be selected as an intern for a local facility that serves the neurodevelopmentally disabled community — an experience I will absolutely never forget.

The inaugural event was put together by a multidisciplinary planning committee composed of faculty and staff from across the University, including Austin Duncan, PhD, from the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. For 2024, this year’s theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.

On Monday, April 22, 2024, UArizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities trainees had the opportunity to share their accomplishments at the annual Trainee Symposium.

ACEing Autism allowed me to combine my passion for tennis with my passion for working with children, specifically children with autism. Being able to interact with children with autism has given me a foundation for similar experiences I might face as a speech pathologist.

When I joined the Sonoran Center undergraduate certificate program, I knew I wanted to find something that I connected with. The Sonoran Center is partnering with Campus Recreation and the Autism Society of Southern Arizona to launch a pilot swim camp for adolescents with autism.

The Sonoran Center’s postdoctoral scholar Austin Duncan, PhD, and his research team have recently completed the first phase of a pilot study on a swim camp for Autistic kids and teens ages 10 to14. The swim camp is designed to give the participants a sensory-sensitive environment for them to have fun, stay active, and socialize with other kids like them.

This month we are turning the tables to shine a spotlight on the man behind the keyboard—Drew Milne. Drew is the content coordinator for the Sonoran Center, and has been responsible for writing countless articles highlighting the work of others, including our recurring Staff Spotlight series. Now, in honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we are proud to give Drew his time to shine! We sat down to get to know Drew and learn more about his experience as part of the Sonoran Center team.

In October 2023, the Sonoran Center and student partners established the University of Arizona Autistic and Neurodivergent Student Association (ANDSA). Now, ANDSA is thriving.