News

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.

During the summer of 2025, the HealthMatters program at ArtWorks helped people with intellectual disabilities get active, learn healthy habits, and have fun with their peers at the same time. Now, HealthMatters is moving beyond the U of A campus and into the community, starting at Canyon Del Oro High School in Tucson, AZ. 

During Black History Month, our aim is to continue to uplift, empower, strengthen and encourage the Black and Disability community! In this article, we are recognizing Black and Disabled Creators who have used their platform to do just that.