News

During Spring 2026, Sonoran Center trainees participated in several campus-wide research and presentation events that highlighted their work in disability, global health, and interdisciplinary research. The events provided opportunities for students to share their research and outreach activities, engage with faculty and community members, and contribute to conversations surrounding disability and public health.

Growing up as the child of Vietnamese refugees, I learned early that getting health care can be hard. It can depend on how well you understand the system. This led me to join the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities as a Diversity Fellow. For my project, I worked with Encircle Families and the International Rescue Committee in Tucson.

May is Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month, a time to recognize the histories, cultures, creativity, and lived experiences of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American communities. This media list highlights APIDA books, films, podcasts, and creators.

The Sonoran Center is re-launching our Staff Spotlight series! This month, we’d like to highlight the hard work and dedication of our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) team. The Pre-ETS team works with schools, employers, and Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation programs to prepare students with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. 

The Third Annual Disability Studies Conference at the University of Arizona took place on April 15 through 17, 2026. Since its inception three years ago, the conference has grown from a relatively small gathering on a single afternoon to a three-day affair spanning multiple locations and dozens of attendees. It has become a place where the disability community at U of A and southern Arizona can share their knowledge and build new connections.

I was a part of the Undergraduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities program at the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the University of Arizona. My research compared two widely used Language Sample Analysis programs and determined which is better in supporting the diagnosis of language problems.

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. Our very own Gabe Martinez spoke at the DPS rally!

On April 1st through 4th, 2026, the University of Arizona Wheelchair Basketball team will compete in the Intercollegiate championships. We sat down with Alma Velazquez, who plays for the U of A wheelchair basketball team, to talk about the upcoming championships and what drives her and the team.

At the Sonoran Center, I learned that there are systemic barriers that keep people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from getting the healthcare they need. The Children’s Clinics is different - they offer primary care, behavioral health, and rehabilitative services, all with a special focus on children and teens with developmental and physical disabilities. I knew this would be a great organization to get involved with. 

The Black Father Crew is a national network dedicated to supporting Black fathers raising children with disabilities. The group is facilitated by Dr. Brandy James. We sat down with Dr. James to discuss how the Black Father Crew came to be, its mission, its future, and what drives Dr. James and the rest of the Black Father Crew to continue their important work.