ArizonaLEND faculty spotlight: Howard Zlamal, dedicated to empowering the disability community

Howard Zlamal, MEd, is special education and self-advocacy faculty member for the ArizonaLEND program, bringing over 17 years of experience as a special education teacher for a local school district in Tucson.

When asked what inspired him to pursue a career in special education, Zlamal’s answer was deeply personal.

“I get to use my own experiences with a disability to help others,” he said. “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.

Zlamal’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.

“LEND is a great way to learn how to work with others and to build teams to achieve a common goal,” Zlamal explained, reflecting on his experience in the program. “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.

Zlamal 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 — 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, 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.