Arizona’s Voice for Students
with Disabilities

Challenging Stereotypes. Raising Expectations. Improving Outcomes.

Across Arizona, thousands of students with both visible and invisible disabilities are slipping through the structural cracks of a one-size-fits-all system that doesn’t work for them.

Raising the Bar for Student with Disabilities

Champions for Kids believes that by demystifying special education and replacing outdated stereotypes with data and real student stories, we can begin the work of raising expectations and ultimately outcomes.

We advance this mission in partnership with our coalition of Champions – the special education experts, professionals, family members, and parents across the state, working together toward shared goals.

teens at desk

Every Child Deserves to Belong and Succeed

mother child trees

Our vision

Every student with a disability in Arizona to have the support and opportunities they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Our Mission

Our mission

Shatter pervasive myths, paving the way for higher expectations for students with disabilities. We advance this mission in partnership with our coalition of Champions – the special education experts, professionals, family members, and parents across the state, working together toward shared goals

vision

Our Vision for Student Success

We envision an Arizona where students with disabilities receive the consistent support and high expectations required for excellence in school and beyond. We challenge the status quo by focusing on policy pressure and institutional solutions that improve outcomes at the state level.

boy in hall

Redefining Expectations and Outcomes for Arizona

Our organization raises awareness regarding the specific challenges students with disabilities face in Arizona and the incessant achievement gap. By spotlighting the gap between personal experience and legislative action, we build the capacity of those who support these students and provide a clear path toward academic achievement.

Voices Leading
the Way

Voices Leading
the Way

Karla Phillips

Karla Phillips-Krivickas
Co-Founder, Chief Policy & Strategy Officer

Karla Phillips-Krivickas
Co-Founder, Chief Policy & Strategy Officer

Jenny Mulins

Jenny Mullins
Co-Founder & Executive Director

Jenny Mullins
Co-Founder & Executive Director

Amanda Glass

Amanda Glass
Community Partner from Disability Rights Arizona

Amanda Glass
Community Partner from Disability Rights Arizona

Clare Crowson

Clare Crowson
Content Editor

Clare Crowson
Content Editor

Natalie Braun
Administrator Support

Natalie Braun
Administrator

Supporting Families. Ensuring
Access. Improving Outcomes.

Partnerships

This is a sampling of our more than 50 partnerships

Paertnerships

Funding Partners

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Executive Council Charities

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Helios Foundation

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Arizona Cardinals Foundation

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Arizona Community Foundation

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Peoria Diamond Club

Funding Partners
Become a Champion
About Champions for Kids

Become a Champion

Real change requires a network of dedicated change-makers. When you connect with our network, you gain access to the data, briefs, and insights needed to drive impact at scale.

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State and Local Policy Updates: Stay informed on policy issues affecting your community and classrooms.

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Professional Development: Specialized training on Arizona 
issues for caregivers and professional partners.

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Annual Conference & Virtual Meetings: Connect with a statewide coalition of experts and peers.

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Exclusive Resources: Access data tools and reports designed to simplify the special education system.