About

Karla Rivas Parker joined AzTAP in January of 2021. Karla was born and raised in Guatemala in Central America. In 1990 she was a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship that allowed her to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Informational Studies at California State University Chico. After her return to Guatemala, Karla initiated the first Computer Training Center for persons with blindness or vision impairments thanks to a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. She also worked with indigenous women in the development of sustainable small businesses in the areas of agriculture, hospitality and handcrafts in San Juan La Laguna Guatemala.

In 1998, Karla received a second Fulbright Scholarship to attend Arizona State University earning a Master’s degree in Social Work in the year 2000; and in the year 2019, she earned her second Master’s Degree in Education and Vision Studies from the University of Massachusetts. She worked with Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) from November 11, 2000 until May of 2020. During those years, Karla worked in various positions, including Counselor for persons with blindness or vision impairment, statewide blindness coordinator, supervisor for a VR office in Phoenix, and manager for the Independent Living Blind unit, where she was in charge of the statewide Older Individuals who are Blind program.

She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS), Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT)  and has obtained a certificate in Post-Employment Training in Rehabilitation Administration from San Diego State University in California, and a certificate in Assistive Technology from Northern Arizona University.  Karla has worked in the field of disabilities for the last 25 years.