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