Native American Disability Law Center

Volume 2

June 9, 2026

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Special Education Highlight


The Native American Disability Law Center (Law Center) advocated on behalf of a young man, through his guardian, who was an eighth-grade student attending a Bureau of Indian Education-operated school on the Navajo Reservation.

The student experienced significant educational deprivation and loss of related services due to both formal and informal removals from school stemming from behaviors associated with his disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Throughout the advocacy process, the Law Center attended numerous meetings concerning the student's behavioral and academic needs and empowered the guardian to effectively advocate for her child.

The Law Center supported the guardian by helping her understand her parental rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), explaining the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and procedural safeguards, and providing information about the services available to students with disabilities. The Law Center also assisted the guardian in filing a state complaint and later supported her during the mediation process to address the violations identified by the investigating agency.

As a result of the Law Center’s advocacy, the student now receives services designed to address his behavioral and related service needs, including occupational therapy (OT), behavioral support from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), counseling services from the school psychologist, and skill-building support from the school counselor to promote his continued educational success. In addition, the student was awarded compensatory educational services, which he may access over time to recover the instruction and support services he missed due to the school's failure to provide appropriate educational programming.

These outcomes have helped ensure that the student receives the supports and services necessary to make meaningful educational progress and access a free appropriate public education as required under IDEA as he moves forward in his education.  

Welcome Bia to the Law Center!


Greetings,

I'm excited to join Native American Disability Law Center's Farmington office and I am looking forward to working together and getting to know the community we serve in the Four Corners region.


My full name Tabinda Riaz comes from the Persian (Farsi) language. My nickname "Bia" means little bird. As a youth, I was encouraged to be an active part of the local community and learned the importance of public service as a way to strengthen and empower those facing hardships and barriers. To be an effective advocate and address inequalities, I pursued a career in public interest law and worked with a variety of legal services organizations in the areas of elder law, family law, access to affordable housing, and community economic development. In addition to obtaining a law degree, I also became a certified mediator. In my studies and experiences, I have developed a human rights focused perspective and approach to resolving conflicts.


Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the natural environment, writing poetry (and getting several poems published!), cooking with local ingredients, and the creative arts - painting, sewing, dancing, and drumming.


Please feel free to reach out,

Bia


Know Your Voting Rights: Navajo Nation Elections 2026


Voting is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard and participate in the future of the Navajo Nation. Disabled Navajo voters are encouraged to prepare now for the upcoming 2026 election cycle.


The Navajo Nation Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and the General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.


Every eligible voter has the right to:

  • Receive equal access to polling locations and voting services.
  • Request reasonable accommodations if they have a disability.
  • Vote independently and privately.
  • Receive assistance with voting if needed due to a disability or language need.


Disability-Related Voting Access

Voters with disabilities living on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah have the right to accessible voting. Polling locations must be accessible to individuals with mobility, vision, hearing, and other disabilities. Accessible voting equipment should be available to allow voters with disabilities to cast their ballots privately and independently.


Voters may also have the right to:

  • Receive assistance from a person of their choice (with limited exceptions).
  • Access curbside voting options where available.
  • Request reasonable accommodations from election officials.
  • Obtain election materials in accessible formats when available.



If you experience barriers such as inaccessible polling places, inaccessible voting equipment, denial of assistance, or other disability-related obstacles to voting, help may be available.



The Native American Disability Law Center encourages all eligible voters to verify their voter registration, learn about their voting rights, and make a plan to vote. Every eligible voter deserves an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process and have their voice heard.

For more information about voting rights or disability-related voting access issues in Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah, contact the Native American Disability Law Center.


Outreach Team Connecting with the Community

The Native American Disability Law Center conducted 48 outreach activities, reaching 1,110 individuals across rural and underserved communities this quarter. Of those engaged, 664 individuals received information about the Law Center’s services, and 308 reported increased awareness of disability rights and available supports.

Outreach efforts also expanded into 14 new underserved communities, reflecting continued progress toward increasing access to services.

While these efforts show strong engagement, barriers such as geographic isolation, transportation challenges, and limited connectivity continue to impact outreach in some rural areas. The Law Center remains focused on strengthening partnerships and expanding outreach strategies to improve access and awareness moving forward.

Farmington, New Mexico Main Office

905 W. Apache Street, Farmington, New Mexico 87401

Toll-Free: 1-800-862-7271

Phone: 505-566-5880

Flagstaff, Arizona Office

1515 E. Cedar Avenue, Suite D1, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86004

Toll-Free: 1-800-862-7271

Phone: 928-433-0963

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