Diverse Ability Incorporated

Northern Arizona Disability Resource Fair
2024-10-05 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | High Country Conference Center, 201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, 86001
Join us for an exciting NEW event focused on disability resources in our northern Arizona community! Diverse Ability Incorporated will be an exhibitor at this event.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
10 AM – 2 PM
High Country Conference Center
201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
• Learn about, and connect with, a wide range of local disability resources and supports in our vibrant exhibit hall
• Network with individuals with disabilities of all ages and other families and caregivers who live in northern Arizona
• Have fun participating in inclusive activities such as adaptive video gaming and adaptive art
• Enjoy light refreshments and take part in our door prize drawings

Dysart Fall Festival Resource
2024-09-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N Parkview Pl, Surprise, AZ, 35374
The Dysart ESS Department and the Dysart Special Education PTSA are happy to bring you our 2024 Fall Festival! The Fall Festival will be held at The Vista Center of the Arts on Saturday, Sept 28th from 4-6pm. The Fall Festival is an inclusive celebration for everyone in our community! This year’s event promises fun and excitement with activities designed to accommodate all abilities. Enjoy a trunk or treat, explore a resource fair, and shop unique crafts and delicious baked goods from our talented vendors. Get into the festive spirit face painting, participate in our silent auction and experience our not-so-spooky haunted house. There will be a variety of tasty treats from local food trucks. A sensory room will also be available to those that need it. Join us for a day of spooky fun and community, where everyone is welcome and included!
Diverse Ability Incorporated will be an exhibitor at this event. Please join us!

Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition (AZDAC) Voter Education Training
2024-09-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Free Voter Education including election propositions and initatives.

Do you have questions about:

Your voting rights?
Voter identification laws?
Propositions and initiatives?

Join us to learn more about your voting rights, ID requirements, and important ballot items in the upcoming election. We will hold two sessions on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

September 25, 2024
October 9, 2024

ASL and CART Provided
Select training date when you register.
Registration link
(you may also paste the following address into your browser https://bit.ly/3Xv9bwc)
PRESENTERS

Renaldo Fowler, Senior Staff Advocate, Disability Rights Arizona

Topic: Voting Rights

Dani Duarte, Arizona State Coordinator, VoteRiders

Topic: Voter ID Laws

Avery D. Xola, Voter Education Manager, Clean Elections Commission

Topic: Propositions & Initiatives

For more information, contact azdac@azsilc.org

David Carey, Disability Justice Educator

Arizona's IDEA Conference
2024-09-04 - 2024-09-06 | JW Marriott Desert Ridge, 5350 E Marriott Dr,, Phoenix, AZ, 85054
This year’s theme is Expect, Engage, Achieve. This cross-stakeholder event is intended for special education administrative staff, youths and young adults with disabilities, family members and caregivers, state agency staff, educators, service providers, and community members who share a commitment to student success.
The event will feature over 75 professional learning opportunities, including IDEA legal issues, instructional practices, national trends and hot topics, special education compliance, preschool and secondary transition, and content for related service providers.

National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Convention
2024-07-25 - 2024-07-28 | JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E Marriott Dr,, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, United States
Each year, thousands of people come from around the globe to attend the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention. For many, it’s to hear from world-renowned experts; for others, it’s to take a one-of-a-kind vacation. But what brings all of us back, year after year, is the feeling of an international family reunion found nowhere other than at the NDSC Convention weekend.

Download conference flyer for detailed information.

Engaging Families and Young Adults Informational Session
2024-07-10 16:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-10 16:00 - 16:30, 2024-01-10 16:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
A brief informational session to learn about the Engaging Families and Young Adults Program (EFYAP), managed by Diverse Ability Incorporated and Raising Special Kids. This program trains Young Adult and Family Advisors with diverse lived experience, and “places” them within Placement Agencies in their communities. Come and learn how you can get involved!
CLICK TO REGISTER

African American Conference on Disabilities
2024-06-28 | Hyatt Regency Phoenix, 122 N 2nd St,, Phoenix,, AZ, 85004
The AACD is the premier comprehensive disability conference in the United States that addresses the intersection between race and disability. The conference examines avenues for self-advocacy to ensure the effective provision of services, resources, and enforcement of civil rights in the African American and disability communities.
In the past several years, over 15,000 virtual attendees have come from all across Arizona, almost every state in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Africa, and Europe to learn and ask questions on a wide range of disability issues.
The virtual preview conference will be February 14-15 and in-person, June 28, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Phoenix.
Register for the virtual conference here: https://bit.ly/3Sl4HG9

AZYLF 2024 Central Region - West Phoenix
2024-06-24 09:00 - 2024-06-27 16:00 | ASU West Valley Campus, 4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ, 85306, United States
WHAT: AZYLF Central Region
WHERE: ASU West Valley Campus | University Center Bldg
4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306
WHEN: June 24-27, 2024 (M-Th) | 9:00am – 4:00pm

Since 2014, AZYLF has served youth and young adults who have disabilities and other diversities. During each conference, Participants explore leadership, the disability experience, goal setting, community resources, and self-advocacy in an engaging environment with other young people.
AZYLF provides a safe space for all to share their experiences, ideas, and feelings. The conference is peer led, with young adults serving as facilitators and peer leaders throughout the conference.

Lunch and snacks will be provided each day.
DEADLINE EXTENDED:
The AZYLF Application deadline is due 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

AZYLF 2024 Southern Region - Tucson
2024-06-10 09:00 - 2024-06-13 16:00 | Pima Communiy College, 1255 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85709, United States
WHAT: AZYLF Southern Region
WHERE: Pima Community College
1255 N. Stone Ave, Tucson , AZ 85709
WHEN: June 10-13, 2024 (M-Th) | 9:00am – 4:00pm

Since 2014, AZYLF has served youth and young adults who have disabilities and other diversities. During each conference, Participants explore leadership, the disability experience, goal setting, community resources, and self-advocacy in an engaging environment with other young people.
AZYLF provides a safe space for all to share their experiences, ideas, and feelings. The conference is peer led, with young adults serving as facilitators and peer leaders throughout the conference.
Lunch and snacks will be provided each day.
DEADLINE EXTENDED:
The AZYLF Application deadline is 11:59 pm on Wednesday June 5, 2024.

AZYLF 2024: LGBTQ+
2024-05-29 09:00 - 2024-06-01 16:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Tempe, 2100 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ, 85282, United States
WHAT: AZYLF 2024: LGBTQ+
WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Tempe
Conference Center | Coronado Room
2100 S. Priest Drive Tempe, AZ 85282
WHEN: May 29 – June 1 (Wed-Sat) | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

AZYLF 2024: LGBTQ+ is a conference for youth and young adults who identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Two Spirit, and other Gender and Sexual Minorities), residing in Arizona who are either currently in high school, or who are under the age of 26 (whether or not they are students).
Since 2014, AZYLF has served youth and young adults who have disabilities and other diversities. During each conference, Participants explore leadership, the disability experience, goal setting, community resources, and self-advocacy in an engaging environment with other young people.
AZYLF provides a safe space for all to share their experiences, ideas, and feelings. The conference is peer led, with young adults serving as facilitators and peer leaders throughout the conference.
Lunch and snacks will be provided each day.

AZYLF Application deadline is CLOSED.

American Indian Youth Disability Summit
2024-04-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Strength in Numbers: A Celebration of Indigenous Youth Resilience
This annual youth summit highlights voices of American Indian youth who have disabilities and focuses on aspects of American Indian life, history, culture and heritage that can help you address today’s challenges.
The summit will be held via Zoom. ASL and CART captions will be available.
Download Summit flyer for detailed information.

Association of Youth Leadership Forums
2024-03-30 13:00 - 15:00 | AZ
“Claim It! Disability Pride in Leadership”
This National Event will be focused on disability pride and identity! It will include two awesome keynote speakers, comedian Nina G. and advocate Kelsey Tainsh. It will also feature a disability pride panel facilitated by California YLF alumna, Christina Mills. The event will also include YLF cheers, interactive activities, opportunities to meet other alumni, information about getting involved on a national level, and more! The event is open to ALL YLF alumni from across the country of any age. It is FREE to attend!
You won’t want to miss out on this unique, exciting event! To attend, register at https://bit.ly/2024aylfevent by Thursday, March 28.

AZYLF for Indigenous Youth and Young Adults
2024-03-11 - 2024-03-14 | Skyline Gila River, 255 E. Riggs Rd, Chandler, AZ, 85249
Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) is an innovative, multi-day conference, held in multiple regions of Arizona each summer, and over weekends or during school breaks throughout the school year. These events are facilitated by Diverse Ability Incorporated, in partnership with the Arizona Youth Leadership and Engagement Alumni Association (AZYLEAA).
Eligibility requirements for AZYLF for Indigenous Youth and Young Adults.
Identify as being an indigenous young person in grades 9-12 who attends:Skyline Gila RiverAZ Compass Prep SchoolSkyline Prep High School and/orAny Indigenous youth/young adult
Wish to increase personal leadership and advocacy skills
Applicants who do not have internet access may call: 602-425-5135, for assistance with completing their application.
AZYLF FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 11:59 PM ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2024.

Talking Circle
2023-12-13 16:00 - 17:00 | AZ
Join us for the Youth-to-Youth: Voices on Advocacy and Strength Building Webinar series where you will hear from your peers about how to be successful in school and after graduation.

Disability Pride Panel
2023-11-29 16:00 - 17:00 | AZ

By and For Youth: Money$mart$
2023-08-31 18:00 - 19:30 | AZ
Youth and Young Adults, join the Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated as we explore topics such as income, benefits, banking, savings, budgeting, and credit, designed to introduce you to concepts that help make your money work for you.
If you require an accommodation to access this training, please email: info@raisingspecialkids.org or call 602-242-4366. Thank you.

AZYLF 2023: Indigenous Youth and Young Adults
2023-06-21 09:00 - 2023-06-25 20:00 | Diné College, 1 Circle Dr. Route 12, Tsaile, AZ, 86556
Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) for Teens and Young Adults is an innovative multi-day conference being held at Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona. This AZYLF conference is for indigenous youth and young adults who do and do not have disabilities, who are either currently in high school, or who are under the age of 30 (whether or not they are students). This conference will explore diversity in many areas, with a focus on education related to disability and indigenous history and culture.
To be eligible, youth must meet the following requirements:

Identify as being an indigenous young person
Be in high school or be a young adult under the age of 30
Wish to increase personal leadership, self-reliance, and self-advocacy and systems-advocacy skills
Approach this opportunity as an investment in our future, which you embrace with enthusiasm and commitment
Live in Arizona

APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 20th, 2023. APPLY NOW: AT https://tinyurl.com/azylf-indigenous-community
June 21-25, 2023
Diné College
1 Circle Dr. Route 12
Tsaile, AZ 86556
Participants and Facilitators will stay on campus throughout the event, and all meals are provided.
Although transportation to and from the conference is not guaranteed, it is our goal to ensure that all applicants who need transportation receive it, which will require timely coordination with participants and/or their families.

AZYLF 2023: Central Region
2023-06-12 08:00 - 2023-06-16 17:00 | Chandler–Gilbert Community College, 2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, 85225, United States
AZYLF for Teens and Young Adults Who Have Disabilities is an innovative multi-day conference being held in two regions this summer. AZYLF serves youth who have a variety of disabilities and diversities as they prepare for and navigate young adulthood.

Identify as having a disability
Be in high school or be a young adult under the age of 30
Wish to increase personal leadership, self-reliance, and self-advocacy and systems-advocacy skills
Approach this opportunity as an investment in our future, which you embrace with enthusiasm and commitment
Live in Arizona

APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 20th, 2023. APPLY NOW at: https://tinyurl.com/azylf-summer-app-2023
Central Region – June 12-16, 2023
Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday 9am-8pm
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
2626 E Pecos Rd
Chandler, AZ 85225
These are daytime conferences. Breakfast, lunch, beverages, and snacks will be provided at both conferences Monday-Friday, with dinner also provided on Friday at each conference. Transportation options may be available, but are not guaranteed.

AZYLF 2023: Western Region
2023-06-05 09:00 - 2023-06-09 20:00 | Springhill Suites, 1825 E 18th St, Yuma, AZ, 85365
AZYLF for Teens and Young Adults Who Have Disabilities is an innovative multi-day conference being held in two regions this summer. AZYLF serves youth who have a variety of disabilities and diversities as they prepare for and navigate young adulthood.

Identify as having a disability
Be in high school or be a young adult under the age of 30
Wish to increase personal leadership, self-reliance, and self-advocacy and systems-advocacy skills
Approach this opportunity as an investment in our future, which you embrace with enthusiasm and commitment
Live in Arizona

APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 20th, 2023. APPLY NOW at: https://tinyurl.com/azylf-summer-app-2023
Western Region – June 5-9, 2023
Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday 9am-8pm
Springhill Suites
1825 E 18th St
Yuma, AZ 85365
These are daytime conferences. Breakfast, lunch, beverages, and snacks will be provided at both conferences Monday-Friday, with dinner also provided on Friday at each conference. Transportation options may be available, but are not guaranteed.

By and For Youth: Choosing Healthy Relationships
2023-05-10 18:00 - 19:30 | AZ
Join the Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated for a candid conversation about healthy relationships, focused on promoting personal safety, security, and wellness.
If you require an accommodation to access this training, please email: info@raisingspecialkids.org or call 602-242-4366. Thank you.

Self-Care for Caregivers Conference 2023
2023-04-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd, 85040
Join us for a day of self-care, learning, and community! DDD is hosting a conference for caregivers to help them learn how to care for themselves while caring for others. There is no cost to attend.
The event will have presentations from experts in self-care and mental health. It will also offer workshops, relaxation exercises, yoga, and art therapy, among others.
Register now to save your spot. Take the first step towards a happier, healthier you. We can’t wait to see you there!
Details

WHO: For parents or family members who are caregivers of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
WHAT: A no-cost event to help caregivers learn to care for themselves while caring for others
WHERE: Desert Willow Conference Center at 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85040
WHEN: April 25, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHY: Build connections, find resources and learn about self-care.

Register at: https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/current-member-resources/self-care-for-caregivers-conference

2023 Self Advocates Conference
2023-04-23 | Zoom
Save the date for the 2023 Self Advocates Conference. This online conference will be held Saturday April 23, 2023.
Conference theme: We fall, fight, and rise as one across Arizona.
Visit the following website for updates: https://swifamilies.org/2023saconference/

2023 Arizona Council of the Blind Annual Conference
2023-04-15 08:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Care! Connect! Create!
This year’s theme is “Care, Connect and Create,” and each of our sessions and speakers will focus on how we can come together to offer friendship and support within our local chapters, through our state organization and through our national parent organization, the American Council of the Blind.
We are working on the final program details and will be updating this page with information about specific sessions as we get them finalized, so check back often. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conference-related events, so mark your calendars and join us.
Preliminary Event Schedule

Game Night – Friday, April 14 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Morning Café – Bring your own breakfast and get to know the other attendees – Saturday, April 15 – 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.
2023 AzCB Conference – Saturday, April 15 – 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Lunch and Learn – Bring your own lunch and hear agency updates from around the state – Saturday, April 15 – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Annual AzCB Business Meeting – Saturday, April 15 – 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

This year, there is no charge to attend our event, but if you wish to participate through Zoom, you must register by 5pm, Thursday, April 13th and the Zoom information will be emailed to you that night or Friday morning.

Y.E.S.! Youth Employment Summit 2023
2023-04-04 09:30 - 12:00 | Zoom
Who Should Attend This Summit?

• Behavioral Health Providers
• Case Managers
• Employment Specialists
• School Counselors and Psychologists
• Teachers
• Children’s Behavioral Health Providers
• Members and Families
• You
What Will Be Discussed? Summit Highlights & Topics
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Learn about services available to youth with disabilities through
Vocational Rehabilitation.
DEVELOP NEW SKILLS
Learn tips and tricks to help motivate and encourage youth towards
education/employment goals and what is available through the
behavioral health.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Hear the impact of employment services directly from those who have
received it!
GROUP COLLABORATION
Work with others in the community who serve youth to
brainstorm and network.
For more information please contact: Sara Hernandez, sara.hernandez@bannerhealth.com
If you need accommodations please contact: Zane Lambros, zane_lambros@uhc.com

AZYLF 2023: LGBTQ2+
2023-04-01 - 2023-04-30 | AZ
Arizona Youth Leadership Forum for Teens and Young Adults is an innovative multi-day conference being held as a hybrid of online and in person sessions in the Phoenix AZ area on the following dates and times:

Sunday, 4/2/23: 1pm-5pm – Optional Meet and Greet for locals at Rainbows Festival
Tuesday, 4/11/23: 6pm-9pm – Online
Thursday, 4/13/23: 6pm-9pm – Online
Saturday 4/15/23: 10am-8pm – In Person
(Phoenix area – exact location To Be Determined, includes outing to the Two Spirit Pow Wow)
Sunday, 4/16/23: 10am-6pm – In Person
(Phoenix area – exact location To Be Determined)
Tuesday, 4/18/23: 6-9pm – Online
Thursday, 4/20/23: 6-9pm – Online
Saturday, 4/22/23: 10am-6pm – Online
Sunday, 4/23/23: 10am-6pm – Online
Saturday, 4/29/23: 10am-6pm – Online
Sunday, 4/30/23: 10am-6pm – Online

AZYLF 2023: LGBTQ2+ is a conference for youth and young adults who identify as being part of the LGBTQ2+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Two Spirit, and other Gender and Sexual Minorities), residing in Arizona who are either currently in high school, or who are under the age of 26 (whether or not they are students). This conference is made possible by a grant from the The Kellenberger + Tollefson Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy.
Application Deadline has been extended to 11:59 pm on Friday, April 7, 2023.
Apply today at: https://tinyurl.com/azylf-2023-lgbtq2
Since 2014, AZYLF has served youth who have a variety of diversities, with up to 25 youth participating in each conference. During each conference, young people participate in a dynamic experience that focuses on self-discovery, leadership development, transition to young adulthood, including education and career exploration, effective advocacy, and empowerment through heightened awareness of the history and the culture that the conference centers on.
AZYLF provides a safe space for all to share their experiences, ideas, and feelings. Presentations by a variety of community leaders, advocates, and peers who share common cultural perspectives, are an integral component of AZYLF. Each activity or presentation highlights an area of impact for youth as they prepare for and navigate young adulthood.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on Saturday and Sunday, April 15th and 16th, when we meet in person. There will be health and safety protocols in place. Please review them at the following link, and only apply if you are willing to adhere to these protocols:
https://tinyurl.com/AZYLF-health-safety

By and For Youth: Proactive Strategies for Informed Decision Making
2023-03-29 18:00 - 19:30 | AZ
Youth and Young Adults, join the Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated as we explore self-determination, self-advocacy, and informed decision-making, packed with tips to help you build skills and feel more confident as you lead the life you choose.
If you require an accommodation to access this training, please email: info@raisingspecialkids.org or call 602-242-4366. Thank you.

AZYLF 2023: Kingman
2023-03-13 - 2023-03-17 | Lee Williams High School, 400 Grandview Ave, Kingman, AZ, 86401, United States
AZYLF for Teens and Young Adults Who Have Disabilities is an innovative multi-day conference held in various regions of Arizona, each year. AZYLF serves youth who have a variety of disabilities and diversities as they prepare for and navigate young adulthood.
AZYLF 2023: Kingman being held at Lee Williams High School during March 13-17, 2023. Application deadline is February 28, 2023.
APPLY NOW AT: https://tinyurl.com/AZYLF-Kingman-23
Lee Williams High School
March 13-17, 2023
Mon-Thur: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-9pm
To be eligible, youth must meet the following requirements:
>>>Identify as having a disability
>>>Be a high school student, or post-high school youth under the age of 30
>>>Wish to increase personal leadership, self-reliance, and self-advocacy skills
>>>Approach this opportunity as an investment in your future, which you embrace with enthusiasm, and commitment
>>>Live in Arizona
Contact Us With Questions:
admin@diverseabilityincorporated.org
Need Application Assistance?
Call: 602-425-5135

2023 Super Fest Arizona - Football and Cheer Camp for All Abilities
2023-02-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Pioneer Park, 8755 N. 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ
Super Fest Arizona – 2023 – Football & Cheer
An inclusive football & cheer camp during Big Game LVII Weekend. For people of ALL abilities, who do and do not have disabilities!
Register now to join this fun and interactive outdoor opportunity. Happening on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Pioneer Park, 8755 North 83rd Avenue, Peoria, AZ. 85345.
Register here: Super Fest Arizona – 2023 – Football & Cheer Tickets, Sat, Feb 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
Questions contact: superfest@thematthewfoundation.org

Download Super Fest Flyer
Flyer text listed below:
2023 Super Fest Arizona – Football and Cheer Camp for All Abilities
Big Game LVII Weekend
Expected appearances by NFL alumni, NFL cheerleaders, celebrities
All Abilities Invited!!
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023
10am-1pm
Check-in 9 am
8-22 yrs old (but open to any age)
8755 N 83rd Ave
Pioneer Park
Peoria, AZ
$30/athlete (early bird)
$50 for 2
$75 for 3 same family
Scholarships available
Register Now: Click Here
or visit www.thematthewfoundation.org/super-fest.html
Deadline to register: Mid January
A fully inclusive football & cheer camp with sensory friendly zones
Players and cheerleaders will receive a gift bag with t-shirt, breakfast and lunch, pom-poms, hairbow for cheerleaders and more!
Plus: The camp to be featured on ESPN
2023 Super Fest Sponsors and Supporters [logos listed]
The Matthew Foundation
Raising Special Kids
SANDS, Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome
Diverse Ability Incorporated
Daivergent
Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities
For more information email superfest@thematthewfoundation.org
