Devyn J. Kazhe, 25, is a Native athlete from the village of Paguate within the Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico.

From Trauma to Triumph

In 2021, Devyn sustained a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury resulting in paralysis from the chest down. With the support of her family and cultural teachings, she endured and overcame the challenges of paraplegia, becoming a skilled wheelchair basketball player, mountain biker, and skier.

Native Americans have the highest rate of disability in the United States. Challenges such as accessibility, perception of disability, poor health care facilities and lack of opportunities all are common issues faced by Native Americans with disabilities.