In today’s episode, George and Amelia hear from Dr. Karrie Shogren, director of the Kansas University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and one of the fields premier experts on self-determination. Dr. Shogren also shares insights on the role of education and training in advocacy, the significance of collaborative learning, and the future for inclusive research.

Resources in this episode:

Kansas University Center on Disabilities: https://kucd.ku.edu/

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Interview Transcript:

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

In this conversation, George and Amelia chat with Emily Hartley, the new executive director of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council. Emily shares her journey into the field of disability advocacy, her experiences working with individuals with disabilities, and the importance of self-advocacy and family involvement in shaping policies.

Resources in this episode:

MO WINGS – https://www.mo-wings.org/

Olmstead Decision – https://archive.ada.gov/olmstead/olmstead_about.htm

Missouri DD Council https://moddcouncil.org/

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Interview Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Emily-Hartley-Transcript.pdf

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

In today’s episode, we are joined by David Baker, director of Missouri Assistive Technology. In this conversation, we dive into the transformative power of assistive technology and how it can be integrated into people’s lives at every stage. Through 3D printing and loan programs, the small but mighty team at Missouri AT are making a huge impact on people with disabilities in our state.

We did have some technical difficulties somewhere in the middle of this episode, so please excuse the shift in audio quality around the 15 minute mark.

Resources in this episode:

Tech Act of 1988: https://rtcil.org/sites/rtcil/files/documents/ATA%20Fact%20Sheet%202.15.2021--Fixed.pdf

To find an AT program in your state: https://at3center.net/state-at-programs/

Missouri AT Device Loan Program: https://at.mo.gov/device-loan/

Missouri AT Show Me Loans: https://at.mo.gov/show-me-loans/

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

AT: Assistive Technology

Interview Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/David-Baker-Transcript-1.pdf

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

In today’s episode, our hosts chat with Pam Merkle, the executive director of the Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities (or AADD). She discusses the innovative programs AADD offers to support individuals aging with developmental disabilities, emphasizing the importance of community, humor, and healthy aging practices. Pam highlights the significance of partnerships in delivering effective services and provides valuable advice for newcomers in the field. She also shares stories of community engagement and friendship and how important these real-life connections to the people they serve are to improving their quality of life.

Resources in this episode:

AADD Annual Conference (May 12-13, 2025) – St. Louis, MO

⁠https://www.agingwithdd.org/conference/⁠

To learn more about AADD:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agingwithdd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-on-aging-with-developmental-disabilities

Twitter: https://x.com/AaddSt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaddstl/

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

AADD: Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities

Interview Transcript:

https://ihd.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pam-Merkle-Transcript-Extended.pdf

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

We’re back! Our esteemed hosts took the summer off from podcasting, but Accessible is back to regularly scheduled programming with an exciting roster of interviews this fall. First up, we have Kim Riley, founder of the Transition Academy here in Kansas City. Kim discusses the importance of economic inclusion for individuals with disabilities and the need for customized support and resources. She shares her personal journey as a parent of a child with autism and how it inspired her to create the Transition Academy. She also advocates for fun and joy in the disability space and encourages a shift towards innovative and inclusive approaches.

Resources in this episode:

Transition Academy: www.thetransitionacademy.org

Annual KC DiversAbility College & Career Fair: https://thetransitionacademy.org/kc-diversability-college-and-career-fair/

PASS Program: https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Interview Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kim-Riley-Transcript-1.pdf

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

Today we are joined by Meghan Burke, a professor of Special Education from Vanderbilt University. Beyond her role as an important educator, Meghan is a widely sought-after lecturer and researcher in advocacy, families and siblings, and disability policy, and she has published well over 130 articles in scholarly journals in her career. In this conversation we dive into how a strong relationship between families and professionals can have a huge impact on individuals with disabilities. As special education teacher, these partnerships led Meghan to develop advocacy programming for families as a researcher, empowering and educating them to navigate the complex landscape of disability services.

Resources in this episode:

• Due Process Complaint Explanation: https://www.missouriparentsact.org/resources/communicating-effectively/due-process-complaint-due-process-hearing/

• Find a Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center near you: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/

• Exceptional Lives Book: https://www.amazon.com/Exceptional-Lives-Practice-Progress-Dignity/dp/0134984331

• National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR): https://acl.gov/about-acl/about-national-institute-disability-independent-living-and-rehabilitation-research

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf

• Council of Parent Attorney and Advocates (COPAA): https://www.copaa.org/

• Vanderbilt Kennedy Center UCEDD: https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/ucedd

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Interview Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/060324-Meghan-Burke-Transcript.pdf

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

In this episode, George and Amelia talk to Sharon Williams – longtime member of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, a retired attorney, and a parent of an adult son with a developmental disability. Sharon has also been a vital member of our Advisory Leadership Team here at UMKC Institute for Human Development – offering feedback on programs that impact individuals and families. Sharon and her son Bobby represent an important, but not always acknowledged, part of the life span of supporting someone with a disability – both her and her son are aging. This was a great conversation to hear about the supports that Bobby has in his life outside of his family – employment, extracurricular activities, and community engagement and the journey they went on to get there.

Resources in this episode:

• Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council: https://moddcouncil.org/
• Special Olympics Missouri: https://somo.org/

• MO WINGS (Missouri Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders): https://www.mo-wings.org/
• After Abuse, Resources for Missourians with Disabilities: https://www.afterabusemoguide.com/

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Interview Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/5-15-2024-Sharon-Williams-Transcript.pdf

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

On today’s episode, we are joined by Katie Arnold, an inclusive researcher and disability advocate at the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois Chicago. Growing up with a sister with an intellectual and developmental disability, Katie intimately understands the sibling experience. She founded the Sibling Leadership Network which provides support and resources for siblings of individuals with disabilities. Her newest project, the Future is Now is a curriculum that walks families through how plan for the future, ask difficult questions, and make sure everyone’s needs are met. The Future is Now is available Virtually for anyone, anywhere. Resources in this episode:

• Sibling Leadership Network (SLN): https://siblingleadership.org/
• Missouri SLN Chapter: https://www.missourisln.org/
• L'Arche Communities: https://www.larche.org/
• University of Illinois-Chicago, Department of Disability and Human Development: https://ahs.uic.edu/disability-human-development/
• The Virtual Future is Now: https://sites.google.com/view/vfin-uic

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Interview Transcript:

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu