To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the National Disability Mentoring Coalition has named 25 outstanding leaders as the first inductees into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame. These inductees were selected for their demonstrated commitment to mentoring and for the impact of their contributions on improving the lives of people with disabilities.
We are proud to induct Treva Roanhorse, Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) in the Department of Diné Education, into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame’s 2015 inaugural class.
Treva Roanhorse is American Indian with the Navajo Nation and fluent in the Navajo language with strong value of Navajo traditional culture and the way of life. She resides in Tohatchi, New Mexico with her husband, Anslem Roanhorse.
Roanhorse is the former president of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) from 1994 to 2014. The organization was established in January 1993 as a voice and advocacy that represents American Indians Vocational Rehabilitation Programs in 26 states and Alaska that provide services to American Indians and Alaskan Natives with disabilities on the reservation and Alaskan Native villages.
She was one first six tribal VR program directors and as CANAR President set the foundation and expanded the programs from 11 to 86 and continue to expand with an increase of set aside funding from $6 million to $43 million dollars.
Her education is from the University of Arizona and profession in vocational rehabilitation, special education, and social work. She serves on many local, state, and national organizations and committees, such as: New Mexico State Rehabilitation Council; New Mexico Commission for the Blind; New Mexico Indian Education Advisory Council; Tribal Consultation Workgroup For the National Council on Disability; Advisory member to Technical Assistance Center for Education with San Diego State University and University of Arkansas; Chooshgai Community Grant School Board Member; Advisory Committee on Tribal VR Training and Technical Assistance, National Cultural Diversity Initiatives and the National Rehabilitation Leadership Advisory and Langston University RRTC Advisory Panel.
