Community Connections with Jacy Farkas, University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities (Voices of the Network Series)

George and Amelia sit down with Jacy Farkas from the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, one of Arizona’s two UCEDDs. Jacy shares how the state’s unique geography and cultural diversity shape their work—from partnering with border communities and binational organizations to engaging with 22 federally recognized tribal nations. They talk about building trusted relationships, centering Indigenous perspectives, and serving as a bridge between the university and the community. This conversation highlights how UCEDDs work to build capacity within communities, expand opportunities, and support all people.Watch this interview on YouTube! ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@umkcihd⁠

Resources in this episode:

• University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities: ⁠https://sonoracenter.arizona.edu⁠

• Circle of Indigenous Empowerment: ⁠https://sonorancenter.arizona.edu/cie⁠

• Project SEARCH: ⁠https://sonorancenter.arizona.edu/community-programs/project-search⁠

Acronym Guide:

DD Act: Developmental Disabilities Act

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

AUCD: Association of University Centers on Disabilities

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu