Diverse Ability Incorporated

By and For Youth: Tools and Tips for Young Disability Self-Advocates
2021-09-09 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-05-22 13:00 - 14:30, 2021-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | AZ
If you are between the ages of 14 and 29 and are a person with a disability, Raising Special Kids and the Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated invite you for an interactive workshop packed with effective tools and tips to If you are between the ages of 14 and 29 and are a person with a disability, Raising Special Kids and the Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated invite you for an interactive workshop packed with effective tools and tips to kickstart or strengthen your self-advocacy skills. kickstart or strengthen your self-advocacy skills.

Transition Institute 2021
2021-07-24 09:00 - 14:00 UTC | AZ
The Transition Institute is an interactive virtual training day for transition-aged youth and young adults with disabilities and their parents. In addition to learning more about Raising Special Kids and Diverse Ability Incorporated, the day will include opportunities to:

Hear from self-advocates about their experiences
Learn about how to support your youth or young adult in the transition process (parents)
Learn about person-centered planning (youth)
Select a breakout session topic that is of most interest to you:

Vocational rehabilitation
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Higher education
Independent Living Centers

A special thank you to for sponsoring this event.

AZYLF 2021: Western Region
2021-07-10 - 2021-07-15 | AZ
Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) is an innovative, multi-day conference, held in multiple regions of Arizona each summer. This year, AZYLF Regional Conferences will be held online via Zoom, where Delegates can participate from the safety and comfort of their own homes. All Arizona counties are represented in one of the regions, and you are asked to apply for the regional conference for the county in which you reside.
Individualized accommodations will be celebrated and honored, and a variety of avenues for self-expression and interaction will be embedded throughout AZYLF.
Youth who are in high school, and up through age 29, who represent the full spectrum of disability and diversity are eligible to participate in AZYLF, where they will complete a personal discovery curriculum designed to raise self-awareness, leading to the development of a Person-Centered Plan, with goals, steps, and accountability measures.
Presentations by disability community leaders, advocates, and numerous other role models who have disabilities, are an integral component of AZYLF. Each presentation highlights an area of impact for youth as they transition to adulthood.
AZYLF is free of charge, and is a peer-based, peer-driven, and peer-led experience. 100% of AZYLF team members are people who have disabilities, and approximately 90% of those are youth graduates, who come back, to give back!

AZYLF 2021: Northeastern Region
2021-06-21 - 2021-06-27 | AZ

AZYLF 2021: Northwestern Region
2021-06-21 - 2021-06-27 | AZ

AZYLF 2021: Southern Region
2021-06-14 - 2021-06-20 | AZ

AZYLF 2021: Central Region
2021-06-07 - 2021-06-12 | AZ

Emerging Me: My Life Matters
2021-04-24 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | Zoom
Diverse Ability Incorporated in partnership with The Beehive 480 Presents Emerging Me: My Life Matters.
Emerging Me: My Life Matters is an inclusive, self-discovery, and leadership capacity building program for youth, which assists them in developing and embracing their identity, leading to enhanced self-advocacy, and the practice of self-determination. Emerging Me: My Life Matters exemplifies the belief that disability is a diversity to be celebrated, by equalizing and unifying youth who do and do not have disabilities in a shared process which creates opportunities for learning about and exploring their intersectant diversities, and common life experiences through engagement in individual and group activities that result in the development of a Self-Advocacy Plan, using Person Centered Practices and Planning.
Series Dates & Times:
Saturday, April 24, 2021
9am to 12pm & 2pm to 5pm
Saturday, May 1, 2021
9am to 12pm & 2pm to 5pm

TBI 404 - "It's Not Just Academics" - Cognitive Interventions After B.I
2021-04-13 13:00 - 2021-04-15 16:30 UTC | AZ
Training for professionals and family on cognitive interventions after brain injury or neuro-impairment.

TBI 404 SESSION IS VALUABLE FOR ANYONE WORKING IN THE SCHOOLS OR WITH YOUR: Counselors, general education teachers, SPED teachers, related service personnel, administrators, behavioral health, school psychologists, secure care (DOC), support staff, and parents/caregivers.
This virtual training will include advanced information on acquired brain injuries and how to utilize an understanding of neurodevelopment AND brain-behavior relationships in order to identify and effectively impact students in the classroom and in the community. Focus will be on neuro-imaging; the impact of early trauma; assessments to identify assets/deficits; appropriate academic strategies targeting executive skills; and the role of problem solving in academic coursework, STEM fields and transition. The adult education format will be lecture, dialogue, and open Q&A time.
Dates are: Tuesday, April 13th AND Thursday, April 15th, 2021.
Times: BOTH DAYS are from 1:00pm-4:30pm AZ Time (MST) via GoToMeeting.

TBI 303 - "Contemporary Issues" - Executive Functioning & Neurodevelopment
2021-04-12 13:00 - 2021-04-19 16:30 UTC | AZ
Training for professionals and family on impacts to executive functioning & neurodevelopment after brain injury.

TBI 303 IS VALUABLE FOR ANYONE WORKING IN THE SCHOOLS OR WITH YOUR: Counselors, general education teachers, SPED teachers, related service personnel, administrators, support staff, and parents. It is especially valuable for those working with youth in adolescence and young adulthood.
The format for these sessions will be short-format lecture with open discussion, ongoing question and answer sessions throughout, and include interactive opportunities (virtually) to review relevant assessments and resources. The first two modules will cover information related to Executive Functions. The second two modules will cover information related to neuro-development.
Dates are: Monday, April 12th AND Monday, April 19th, 2021.
Times: BOTH DAYS are from 1:00pm-4:30pm AZ Time (Mountain Standard Time) via GoToMeeting.

TBI 404 - "It's Not Just Academics" - Cognitive Interventions After B.I
2021-04-07 15:30 - 2021-04-28 17:00 UTC | AZ
Training for professionals and family on cognitive interventions after brain injury or neuro-impairment.

TBI 404 SESSION IS VALUABLE FOR ANYONE WORKING IN THE SCHOOLS OR WITH YOUR: Counselors, general education teachers, SPED teachers, related service personnel, administrators, behavioral health, school psychologists, secure care (DOC), support staff, and parents/caregivers.
This virtual training will include advanced information on acquired brain injuries and how to utilize an understanding of neurodevelopment AND brain-behavior relationships in order to identify and effectively impact students in the classroom and in the community. Focus will be on neuro-imaging; the impact of early trauma; assessments to identify assets/deficits; appropriate academic strategies targeting executive skills; and the role of problem solving in academic coursework, STEM fields and transition. The adult education format will be lecture, dialogue, and open Q&A time.
Dates are: (Wednesday’s) – April 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th 2021.
Times: Each session will be from 3:30pm-5:00pm AZ Time (MST) via GoToMeeting.

Arizona Disability Law: Navigating 504’s and IEP for School Children with Sickle Cell
2021-03-29 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | AZ
Title:

Educational Rights of Students with Special Needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Synopsis:
This training will provide a brief overview of IDEA and Section 504, including the evaluation procedures, Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 planning and services. The training will discuss Arizona’s policies and procedures concerning students with chronic health needs within the education environment.
Presenters: Renaldo Fowler and Amanda

Hosted on Google Meetings
Link: meet.google.com/hfe-yrnj-zdr
Join by Phone: 224-357-7413 (PIN: [REDACTED])

The Iron is HOT: Using UDL in the Virtual Classroom
2021-03-25 14:45 - 16:00 UTC | AZ
It’s undoubtedly important to teach in ways that honor learning differences and to structure lessons that are engaging, varied, and appropriately challenging. However, in this era focused on universal design for all, it is also critical to explore the underlying habits of mind related to “teaching them all.” This presentation centers on big ideas related to teaching and learning.
ADE/ESS is pleased to present the IDEA Conference in a virtual format. This year’s conference will feature 24 sessions targeted to professionals in the education community and 18 sessions targeted to youth and families throughout the 2020–2021 school year.

TBI 100 - "School of Hard Knocks" Introduction to Concussion
2021-03-22 15:00 - 16:30 UTC | AZ
Educational session for professionals and families on returning to life and learning after concussion (mTBI)

The TBI 100 training is designed for professionals working with youth and adults, parents/caregivers of survivors of brain injury and any interested community members!
You will surely learn a lot about mild brain injuries (concussions) and how best to return students to the learning environment (and adults to life) and how to support their continued recovery, growth, and development, in the classroom and in the community.
At this LIVE, INTERACTIVE, VIRTUAL event, we will discuss the mechanisms of injury, current guidelines, appropriate assessments, practical interventions, community resources and prevention strategies (of course!)

Skills to Pay the Bills: Let’s Explore Enthusiasm and Attitude!
2021-03-16 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | AZ
ADE/ESS is pleased to present the IDEA Conference in a virtual format. This year’s conference will feature 24 sessions targeted to professionals in the education community and 18 sessions targeted to youth and families throughout the 2020–2021 school year.
Join the Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated for an opportunity to highlight your strengths related to positive attitude and enthusiasm.

TBI 303 - "Contemporary Issues" - Executive Functioning & Neurodevelopment
2021-03-09 13:00 - 2021-03-11 16:30 UTC | AZ
Training for professionals and family on impacts to executive functioning & neurodevelopment after brain injury.

TBI 303 IS VALUABLE FOR ANYONE WORKING IN THE SCHOOLS OR WITH YOUR: Counselors, general education teachers, SPED teachers, related service personnel, administrators, support staff, and parents. It is especially valuable for those working with youth in adolescence and young adulthood.

2021 African American Conference on Disabilities
2021-02-01 - 2021-02-28 | AZ
AZCAAR and the Arizona Center for Disability Law will again co-host the nation’s largest African American conference on disabilities. The virtual conference will feature 11 workshops scheduled throughout the month of February on a variety of disability topics, including: education, mental health, housing, and voting.
Stay tuned for registration and link information to sign up for the workshops of your choice.
For Info on 2021’s Conference Contact: Renaldo Fowler, Arizona Center for Disability Law, rfowler@azdisabilitylaw.org, 602-274-6287 x 215

IDEA Conference: Self-Advocacy: Initiative, Accountability, Respect
2021-01-19 | AZ
Join the Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated for an overview of self-advocacy and an opportunity to practice sticking up for yourself and shining out.

IDEA Conference: IEP Training
2021-01-05 16:00 - 17:00 UTC | AZ
Learn about the special education process and the Individualized Education Program (IEP). At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will understand who is required to attend the IEP meeting and the roles of each team member (including parents), review the required parts of an IEP, learn how parents can prepare for and be more effective during the IEP meeting, how to track their child’s progress, and discover the options available if the IEP team does not agree.
Participants must register 48 hours in advance to guarantee needed accommodations.

360Youth
2020-11-07 10:00 - 2020-12-19 12:00 UTC | AZ
360Youth provides high school students and young adults with support and real-world skills they need to navigate the transition to adult life. Sessions are led by peers who have successfully made the transition from school to independent living, employment, education and job training, and adult roles. The Fall Session of 360Youth will run November 7 – December 19, 2020.
Get involved!
360Youth meets during the school year on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM via Zoom.

November 7 – Money$mart$
November 14 – Nugget$-4-Budget$
November 21 – Almost Adulting: Least Restrictive Legal Options
December 5 –Civic Engagement: Finding Your Fit
December 12 – Systems Advocacy: Setting Your Trend
December 19 – Create Balance: Invest in Your Wellness

360Youth is a collaboration with Diverse Ability Incorporated. Workshops are facilitated by peer leaders who are graduates of Arizona Youth Leadership Initiatives.

Adulting: What It Means to Me and My Future (Virtual Workshop Series)
2020-08-01 - 2020-08-19 | AZ
Sitio de registro en español
Adulting means to “act like an adult” and to be part of decisions and activities that involve daily life. It is about planning for today and the future. Making decisions and talking about what is important to the individual with a disability is part of person-centered planning, community life and inclusion.
Who Should Come:
The content of this webinar series is intended for youth and young adults (ages 14 and above) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Family members, professionals and other individuals who provide support for youth and young adults are welcome to attend but are highly encouraged to participate in a supporting role for a youth/young adult participant.
Presenters:
The University of Arizona’s Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities team and adults who are part of Diverse Ability Incorporated, Special Olympics Arizona, and Artworks.
Presenter Biographies
Sessions:
You can choose to attend one or more of the following sessions. All sessions start at 10 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m.

August 1: Person-Centered Planning
August 8: Health and Wellness
August 15: Employment
August 22: Community Living and Relationships
August 29: Wrap Up Discussion

All participants must register even if using the same device to join the online sessions. For example, if a youth and a parent will participate together on the same computer, please register for 2 people. Youth and young adult participants who attend all five sessions will be eligible for a single entry into a raffle for exciting giveaways!
Format:
The interactive workshops will be held through Zoom. Sessions will use worksheets and reference other pages from the Future Planning: A Roadmap of Our Futures, Our Wishes. These pages and session materials will become available the Monday before each event starts. You will receive a notification by email when it is available. If you would like to download the workbook, please visit https://tinyurl.com/OurFuturesOurWishes.
Live captioning in English and simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) will be available! Please note language access and other disability related accommodations in your registration.
If you would like assistance to register, please contact us.
Contact:
ucedd@arizona.edu
520-626-0442

AZYLI Statewide Capacity Building Conference 2020
2020-07-20 08:00 - 2020-07-29 20:00 UTC | AZ
The purpose of the 10-day Statewide Conference is to provide additional training to our recent AVYLF Graduates to assist them in gaining skills to provide mentoring, training, and support to others who have disabilities, in their home communities.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, you needed to be elected by your AVYLF peers to be eligible.

5th Annual Transition Institute Presented by Raising Special Kids
2020-07-18 09:00 - 2020-07-19 16:00 UTC | AZ
Raising Special Kids is thrilled to announce our 5th Annual Transition Institute! This year it will be virtual and we have a wonderful line up of presenters to learn from along with engaging activities and connection! If you are a parent of a teen or young adult or you ARE a teen or young adult… this training day is for YOU!
Event Details
An interactive training for transition-aged youth and young adults with disabilities and their parents.
AGENDA: July 18

9:00 AM

The Road to a Good Life: How to Get What you Need

10:45 AM

The Road to Careers and Employment: How to Use Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Supports

12:30 PM

The Road to Independence: Take Charge of Your Life!

2:15 PM

Youth/Young Adult Break Out Session: Self Advocacy—Mellie Santora
Parent Break Out Session: Cultural Shift—Susan Voirol

3:15 PM Wrap Up

Arizona Virtual Youth Leadership Forum (AVYLF)
2020-05-30 - 2020-06-26 | AZ
In 2020, there will be four Arizona Virtual Youth Leadership Forum (AVYLF) conferences, and Delegates will be assigned to attend one of the conferences, based on their availability, and in consideration of optimizing overall conference experiences.
When applying, youth will have the ability to indicate which of the following conference dates work best for their schedules:
AVYLF 2020 Conferences:

Saturdays: May 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27 (FULL)
Monday-Friday: June 8-12 (FULL)
Monday-Friday: June 15-19
Monday-Friday: June 22-26

AVYLF is absolutely free for the youth, and up to 25 youth from across Arizona will be selected to participate in each AVYLF conference. The AVYLF conference successfully integrates youth who represent the diversity of disability and culture in Arizona. Following the AVYLF conferences, Graduates will have opportunities to participate in ongoing activities and events, such as peer-based mentoring, additional training, future conferences, and ongoing engagement through the Arizona Youth Leadership Initiatives (AZYLI) Alumni Association.
AVYLF is a one-time only event, for summer 2020, and is based on the highly regarded and sincerely successful, Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF), which has 181 graduates from across the state of Arizona, many of whom who have gone on to become undaunted self-advocates, and leaders in their communities.
Although we will not meet in person this year, we are steadfastly committed to manifesting the magic of the AZYLF experience in this new virtual reality, and will be utilizing the same materials, undertaking the same discussions, learning from the same presentations, and embracing the peer-based leadership interactions that are the foundation upon which this conference was conceived, and carried out. Without exception, AVYLF will remain consistent, intentional, and true to the spirit of the life-changing adventure, we call AZYLF!
In short, AVYLF is BigTimeSuperFlyZillaCool!
