Since completing the ArizonaLEND program in 2022, Claire Adams, has continued to champion inclusive practices in her many leadership roles in the community and within her new role as a paraprofessional at a local school district.
Since completing the ArizonaLEND program in 2022, Claire Adams, has continued to champion inclusive practices in her many leadership roles in the community and within her new role as a paraprofessional at a local school district. Recently, she received the National Council on Independent Living’s Diania Viets award, reflecting ArizonaLEND’s mission to develop leaders who continue to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
In May 2025, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Rehabilitation Studies and Services. She also received the Outstanding Senior Award and was featured here: https://education.arizona.edu/bachelor-science-education-rehabilitation-studies-services
Claire has continued to be a leader within the disability community since her training with the ArizonaLEND program. She is currently the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council Chairperson and is the first person under 25 years of age to become a Chairperson for a Statewide Independent Living Council. In her role as Chairperson, she oversees their Chief of Strategy and Innovation and assists in reviewing and approving the State Plan for Independent Living. Claire shared that one of her proudest moments since completing the program has been “co-leading an initiative to promote Arizona's supported decision-making law and other alternatives to guardianship.” Claire further stated, “I would not have had the confidence to lead this statewide effort without ArizonaLEND, where I also developed key leadership skills that I applied throughout the initiative.”
Over the summer Claire was awarded The National Council on Independent Living’s Diana Viets Award. This is awarded to young disability advocates who promote the philosophies of disability pride and independent living as well as empowering youth to advocate to further the disability rights movement. Claire said, “I received it because of my work providing direct support to youth to strengthen their advocacy and Independent Living skills, as well as giving my all in disability policy over the past few years.”
Reflecting back on her experiences in the program Claire shared that ArizonaLEND was her introduction to working on interdisciplinary teams.
“One takeaway that really stands out to me is the importance of adapting your message to different advocacy styles, which we got a lot of practice with at the Leadership Intensive! ArizonaLEND taught me how different disciplines have their own strengths to bring to the table, and how collaboration across disciplines can lead to the best outcomes to the populations we serve.”
