Understanding Disabilities in AI/AN communities Toolkit: New Knowledge and Practice

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In collaboration with the National Council on Disability (NCD), the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) has embarked on updating the NCD’s 2003 Understanding Disabilities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Toolkit Guide.

Desiree Lapahie

Data Analyst

National Indian Council on Aging

Desiree Lapahie is a data analyst of the National Indian Council on Aging with five years of experience in the Aging sector. She is a member of the Navajo Nation. From caregiver to a data analyst, she advocates on behalf of American Indian older adults for improved comprehensive health, social services, and economic wellbeing.Ms. Lapahie’s professional experiences include caregiving and advocacy for elder issues. For 5 years, she worked as a caregiver and experienced the lack of native perspective for AI/AN people with Alzheimer’s. She played a role in the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to pass a New Mexico legislation that would benefit people with Alzheimer’s. She earned her B.A in Economics, with a minor in Business Management at the University of New Mexico.

Jean Van Ryzin (Moderator)

Senior Director, Communications

National Council on Aging

Jean Van Ryzin is Senior Director of Communications at NCOA, where she oversees all external messaging for the organization. Jean manages a team of marketing and communications specialists tasked with building the NCOA brand across multiple channels, including web, social, email, and public relations. Prior to working at NCOA, Jean had a freelance writing and editing business and worked for a variety of organizations in the aging field, including LeadingAge.