After a successful launch last year, the Northern Arizona Disability Resource Fair is returning to Flagstaff on Oct. 4. The free event, organized by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) at Northern Arizona University in collaboration with Care 4 the Caregivers, will provide information, resources and services to individuals with disabilities and their families throughout northern Arizona.
“When we began organizing the Disability Resource Fair in 2024, we knew it was addressing an important need for the northern Arizona disability community,” said Kelly Roberts, executive director of IHD. “The response, however, was even greater than we imagined, underscoring just how significant the need is to increase awareness. Last year the exhibit hall sold out and more than 150 community members attended. That momentum is continuing, with more and more local collaborators joining us this year. It’s truly exciting and energizing to see so many people who care about this community coming together to share and learn.”
More than 30 exhibitors are expected to attend. The list includes everything from assistive technology, homecare services and adaptive recreation to mobility solutions, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluations and a variety of organizations that provide support and educational services for people with disabilities.
IHD events manager Adi Schaeffer said events of this kind traditionally take place in the Phoenix area, but for people with disabilities and their families who live in northern Arizona, it can be challenging to drive there. Additionally, many of the exhibitors they see do not even offer services in northern Arizona.
“This fair brings together local resources and services that directly serve the communities in northern Arizona,” Schaeffer said. “We have exhibitors from a wide variety of organizations, and people in the local disability community can network as well as participate in a variety of inclusive fun activities. Additionally, we are offering volunteer opportunities for students and will have all sorts of fun activities and many opportunities to win raffle prizes.”
Miles McDonald, communications manager for IHD, said this year the fair will have an accessible obstacle course and a sensory room for those who need a quiet space.
“We have added a sensory room because the exhibit hall can get noisy and busy,” McDonald said. “It will give attendees a chance to get away and into a quiet space for a little bit. The sensory room is sponsored by the Northern Arizona Healthcare Children’s Health Center. They are staffing it and equipping it with sensory items too.”
The Northern Arizona Disability Resource Fair will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 4 at the High Country Conference Center, 201 W. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is free and light refreshments will be offered in the afternoon.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to register, please visit the website or email IHDconference@nau.edu. Registration is encouraged but not required to help ensure organizers have sufficient refreshments and supplies and can provide reasonable accommodations.
Mariana Laas | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu