Howard Zlamal is Special Education and Self-Advocacy faculty for the ArizonaLEND program, bringing over 17 years of experience as a Special Education teacher for a local school district in Tucson, AZ.
When asked what inspired him to pursue a career in Special Education, Howard's answer was deeply personal: "I get to use my own experiences with a disability to help others. I had many successful moments in the past, so why not help others to reach those good levels of success?" This lived experience has become the foundation for his work, both in the classroom and beyond.
Howard's dedication to the disability community extends far beyond traditional teaching. He also provides habilitation and respite services in the community and is passionate about teaching community safety skills for individuals with disabilities—work that reflects his commitment to empowering people with disabilities to navigate the world with confidence.
That commitment was shaped in part by his time as an ArizonaLEND trainee. Reflecting on his experience in the program, Howard explained, "LEND is a great way to learn how to work with others and to build teams to achieve a common goal. People of different professions, cultures, and ability levels join forces…This helps to provide good results for all involved." Now, as a faculty member for nearly a decade, he's come full circle. "We now have the opportunity to mentor LEND trainees with the same leadership strategies that we were taught and now use in our everyday work," he shared.
Howard continues to advance the conversation around disability rights and safety on a national stage. In December 2025, he presented a poster at the TASH Conference in Denver, Colorado—a gathering of researchers, educators, people with disabilities, families, advocates, service providers, and allies dedicated to sharing knowledge and strengthening the disability community. His poster focused on the safety of people with disabilities in the community, covering critical topics such as situational awareness to avoid dangerous situations, first aid, safety with public transportation, and how to use a flashlight to increase personal safety.
Through his teaching, advocacy, and mentorship, Howard Zlamal exemplifies the values at the heart of the LEND network: collaboration, empowerment, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities. His work serves as a powerful reminder that when we draw on our own experiences to lift others, we create lasting change—one student, one trainee, one community at a time.
Image Description: A man wearing glasses, a blue dress shirt, and a patterned tie stands in front of a white backdrop with repeating “TASH – Advancing Inclusion” logos. He is smiling and wearing a name badge that reads “Howard Zlamal.”
