QUARTERLY UPDATE
2025 Hopi Event
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the Native American Disability Law Center proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Hopi Community Day in Kykotsmovi, Arizona, in collaboration with Disability Rights Arizona and the Hopi Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program.
This year’s event brought together 16 agencies, each providing outreach, program information, and essential resources to community members. A total of 119 attendees engaged with presenters and service providers throughout the day, demonstrating continued community interest and strong participation.
The event opened with a respected Master of Ceremonies, a former Hopi Vice President, who helped set a welcoming and culturally grounded atmosphere. Presentations covered a range of key topics, including Arizona Long-Term Care Services (ALTCS), disability rights and self-advocacy, accessible voting, and vocational rehabilitation opportunities. Two community members also shared inspiring personal success stories, highlighting the meaningful impact of VR services.
Throughout the event, informational booths offered attendees direct access to organizations providing support in housing, healthcare, education, independent living, and benefits programs. Law Center Board Members and Staff were on-site to provide one-on-one conversations, distribute educational materials, and address disability-related legal questions.
The day concluded with a traditional cultural dance and a community meal, fostering connection and honoring the spirit of community engagement. The event successfully strengthened partnerships, increased awareness of disability services, and expanded the Law Center’s outreach within the Hopi community.
Outreach Team Exceeds Annual Goal by 266%
Expanding Disability Rights Awareness Across Communities Between January 1 and September 30, 2025, the Law Center’s Outreach Team completed 128 community-based events, exceeding the annual goal of 48 by 266.67%. These events reached 2,818 individuals, with 1,687 attendees (59.82%) receiving direct information or support on disability rights, benefits, and advocacy services.
This strong engagement reflects the success of culturally grounded outreach strategies and meaningful partnerships with tribal programs such as Hopi Vocational Rehabilitation. The team’s work significantly expanded access to resources for underserved communities, including elders, caregivers, and students with disabilities, and strengthened public awareness of the Law Center’s services.
Overall, the Outreach Team not only surpassed performance expectations but also advanced the Law Center’s mission by ensuring more individuals understood their rights and available supports. Successful Adoption Ensures Navajo Children Remain Connected to Family and Community
The Law Center had a successful outcome in one of its Guardian Ad Litem cases in 2025
Law Center Attorney Austin Moore, serving as the Guardian Ad Litem, successfully advocated for the adoption of two young Navajo children by family members. This adoption keeps the children close to their relatives and community. The Court held a final adoption hearing and post-adoption celebration attended by family, friends, CYFD, CASA, and Austin Moore.
Right to Learn: Law Center Secures Inclusive Education for Native Youth
The Law Center continues its work assisting Native students with disabilities in obtaining the supports and services they need to be educated in their least restrictive environment. In one case, a 12-year-old boy had been removed from his placement in the regular education classroom and was only receiving educational services for a half day once a week in a segregated setting. With the Law Center’s assistance, the School agreed to return him to his previous placement with additional supports and services and to provide compensatory services to make up for the educational and social time he had been denied.
Warm Holiday Wishes from the Law Center
As we close out 2025, the Law Center is preparing for the holiday season while completing annual reports for our major grants. This process offers an important opportunity to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and the collective efforts that make our work possible.
While our staff remains dedicated to addressing the legal and advocacy needs of our community, we recognize that we do not do this work alone. We are grateful for the strong partnerships with tribal programs, organizations, and advocates who share our commitment to advancing disability rights. We also extend our sincere appreciation to supporters across the country who make our mission possible.
From all of us at the Law Center, we wish you and your families a joyful, peaceful, and restorative holiday season.
All the best,
Austin, Benita, Hoskie, Joy, Natae, Rose, Roxanne, Valarie, Melissa, and Therese