Accessible

UMKC - Institute for Human Development (Missouri UCEDD)

Accessible is a podcast from Missouri UCEDD and LEND that brings disability leadership, issues, and impact into focus. Hosted by UMKC-Institute for Human Development’s George Gotto and Amelia Reighard, it features leaders sharing their journeys, advocacy, research, policy, and lived experience. Designed for professionals, families, self-advocates, and anyone curious about disability, Accessible makes complex systems and ideas understandable, highlighting how people and communities work together to create meaningful change.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Advocate for Access with Samantha Montgomery, St. Louis Office for DD Resources

    In this conversation, we speak with Samantha Montgomery, Director of Service Coordination with the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources. She shares insights into the complexities of service systems, including the realities of “service deserts” and how access to supports can vary widely depending on where someone lives. The conversation explores how Medicaid and local funding mechanisms—like Missouri’s Senate Bill 40 boards—shape what services are available, and why understanding these systems is critical for effective advocacy. Samantha emphasizes the power of education in helping individuals, families, and professionals ask better questions, influence policy, and work toward more equitable communities.    Takeaways:  Access to disability services is not equal—where you live can shape available supports.  “Service deserts” limit access to essential services like healthcare, transportation, and disability supports.  Medicaid plays a central role in determining what services exist and who can receive them.  Local funding mechanisms, like Senate Bill 40 boards, help fill gaps in services at the community level.  Understanding how systems are funded is key to meaningful advocacy.  Education empowers individuals and communities to advocate for change.  Policy decisions directly impact the day-to-day lives of people with developmental disabilities.  Advocacy starts with awareness and grows through informed, engaged communities.  Resources in this episode:  St. Louis City DD Resources Website: https://stldd.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DDResources/  Starling Missouri: https://www.starlingmissouri.org/  Acronym Guide:    TCM: Targeted Case Management  SB40: Senate Bill 40 Board  MACDDS: Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services  UCEDD: University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities  LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities  Register for the Accessible Book Club! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzCaUXDYkPpONi-bsdvFtuOsf-EQIMejiuLveNUnX8jXuOKQ/viewform Full Episode Details & Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/products/ For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    44 min

  2. 18 MAR

    Lived Experience to Policy Change with Christina Ingoglia & Dr. Tony Taylor, Missouri DD Council [Advocacy in Action Series]

    In this conversation, we speak with Christina Ingoglia and Dr. Tony Taylor about the advocacy efforts of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council. They discuss the importance of lived experience in advocacy, the council's legislative priorities, and the potential impact of Medicaid cuts on services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, building relationships with legislators, and the hope that comes from collective advocacy efforts. They also provide insights on how individuals can get involved in advocacy and the importance of sharing personal stories to influence policy change.    Takeaways:  Lived experience is crucial for effective advocacy in developmental disabilities. Cuts to Medicaid can significantly impact home and community-based services. Self-directed services are vital for individuals with disabilities to live independently. Building relationships with legislators enhances advocacy efforts. Community engagement and grassroots movements are essential for effective advocacy. Advocacy can take many forms, from personal stories to organized campaigns. Awareness of the broader implications of Medicaid cuts is necessary for advocacy. Hope lies in the collective voices of families and advocates pushing for change. Resources in this episode:  Learn more about the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council: www.moddcouncil.org Sign up for MODDC’s Newsletter and opt in to “Advocacy Updates”: https://mailchi.mp/moddcouncil/subscribe?fbclid=IwY2xjawQSnkJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCQVF2dGJHSFMzYXlnU1U5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs9CEdkbpFmEt67LJCndVEivPnA2eUQnvbAOQm27i4lwGC3zFkFenUouPUkl_aem_lHGv_XDPCz5APniqcIkqFQ Missouri Independent Online Newspaper: https://missouriindependent.com/ Jonah’s Vending: www.jonahvending.com Jaylee G Tees: www.wearthejoy.shop   Acronym Guide:    DD Act: Developmental Disabilities Act  UCEDD: University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities  LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities  MACDDS: Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services  Register for the Accessible Book Club! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzCaUXDYkPpONi-bsdvFtuOsf-EQIMejiuLveNUnX8jXuOKQ/viewform Full Episode Details & Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/products/ For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    53 min

  3. 4 MAR

    Advocacy at Work with Ann Simon, Mercy Kids Autism Services [Advocacy in Action Series]

    Our guest today is Ann Simon, Supervisor of Clinical Program Management at Mercy Kids Autism Center. Ann is a licensed clinical social worker, a certified social work manager, and someone who brings a systems-level lens to her work—grounded in real, on-the-ground experience. In this conversation, we’ll explore what advocacy looks like on the job, how to navigate systems that weren’t built with neurodiversity in mind, and what practical strategies listeners can take back into their own professional roles. Resources in this episode: • Learn more about LEND: https://www.aucd.org/about-lends • Mercy Kids Center for Neurodevelopment: https://www.mercy.net/practice/mercy-kids-center-for-neurodevelopment/ • Read more about the Keys to Me Program: https://www.mercy.net/newsroom/2020-01-15/keys-to-me-guides-caregivers-for-kids-with-development-disabilit/ Register for the Accessible Book Club! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzCaUXDYkPpONi-bsdvFtuOsf-EQIMejiuLveNUnX8jXuOKQ/viewform Acronym Guide: LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities UCEDD: University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities Full Episode Details & Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/products/ For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    45 min

  4. 18 FEB

    Family Voices with Heather Lytle, Family Advocacy & Community Training (FACT) [Advocacy in Action Series]

    In this episode, we’re joined by Heather Lytle, Executive Director of Family Advocacy and Community Training—FACT. FACT is a family-led organization that supports families of children with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs through training, education advocacy, and peer support rooted in lived experience.  Together, we talk about why advocacy is a lifelong skill, how parents can meaningfully participate in their child’s education, the importance of knowing your rights, and how families can build confidence—even when they don’t have all the answers.  🎥 Watch this interview on YouTube! ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@umkcihd⁠ Resources in this episode:  FACT (Family Advocacy and Community Training): www.factmo.org   Learn more about LEND: https://www.aucd.org/about-lends  People First of St. Charles: https://factmo.org/people-first/  Receive training from the FACT team: https://factmo.org/special-education-training/  Community and Children’s Resource Board of St. Charles: https://stcharlescountykids.org/  MOLEAP (Missouri Lay Educational Advocacy Program): https://mofamilytofamily.org/mo-lay-educational-advocacy-program/    Register for the Accessible Book Club! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzCaUXDYkPpONi-bsdvFtuOsf-EQIMejiuLveNUnX8jXuOKQ/viewform    Acronym Guide:    LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities  UCEDD: University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities  IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  IEP: Individualized Education Plan    Interview Transcript:  https://ihd.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/S5E1-Heather-Lytle-Transcript.docx For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    39 min

  5. 29/10/2025

    Policy of the Network & the Fight for UCEDD Funding with Lillie Heigl, AUCD

    Lillie Heigl, Director of Policy at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), joins George and Amelia for the season finale of the Voices of the Network series. Lillie shares a national perspective on disability policy, including recent developments in federal funding and advocacy efforts to protect UCEDDs and other DD network programs. They talk about the importance of relationship-building with legislators, the power of storytelling in policy work, and why advocacy is a long game. This conversation highlights how policy shapes the UCEDD network’s ability to serve people with disabilities nationwide and why staying engaged matters. 🎥 Watch this interview on YouTube! ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@umkcihd⁠ Resources in this episode: Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD): ⁠https://www.aucd.org⁠AUCD Policy & Advocacy: ⁠https://www.aucd.org/policy⁠Follow Lillie Heigl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillie-heigl-4a2930105/ Acronym Guide: DD Act: Developmental Disabilities Act UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities AUCD: Association of University Centers on Disabilities For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    50 min

  6. 15/10/2025

    Community Connections with Jacy Farkas, University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities (Voices of the Network Series)

    George and Amelia sit down with Jacy Farkas from the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, one of Arizona’s two UCEDDs. Jacy shares how the state’s unique geography and cultural diversity shape their work—from partnering with border communities and binational organizations to engaging with 22 federally recognized tribal nations. They talk about building trusted relationships, centering Indigenous perspectives, and serving as a bridge between the university and the community. This conversation highlights how UCEDDs work to build capacity within communities, expand opportunities, and support all people.Watch this interview on YouTube! ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@umkcihd⁠ Resources in this episode: University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities: ⁠https://sonoracenter.arizona.edu⁠Circle of Indigenous Empowerment: ⁠https://sonorancenter.arizona.edu/cie⁠Project SEARCH: ⁠https://sonorancenter.arizona.edu/community-programs/project-search⁠ Acronym Guide: DD Act: Developmental Disabilities Act UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities AUCD: Association of University Centers on Disabilities For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    39 min

  7. 01/10/2025

    Bridging the Gap in Developmental Disabilities with Dr. Eric Kurtz, University of South Dakota (UCEDD/LEND) (Voices of the Network Series)

    Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Eric Kurtz, Director of the UCEDD in South Dakota. In our conversation, Dr. Kurtz shares how his team works in the “gaps” between systems—connecting education, aging, mental health, and disability supports to address complex challenges. We dive into the reality of service deserts in both rural and urban areas, the unique needs of tribal communities, and how partnerships can extend expertise to families and frontline providers. Dr. Kurtz also talks about the power of storytelling through projects like Possibilities magazine, and why lifting up voices of lived experience is one of the most effective ways to show the impact of UCEDD and LEND programs. *Producer Note: We struggled with technology for this interview, so apologies in advance for any oddities with the audio!* Watch this interview on YouTube! ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@umkcihd⁠ Resources in this episode: University of South Dakota – Center for Disabilities: https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Colleges-and-Schools/sanford-school-of-medicine/Research-and-Outreach-Centers/Center-for-Disabilities Acronym Guide: DD Act: Developmental Disabilities Act UCEDD: University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities IDDRC: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities AUCD: Association of University Centers on Disabilities Interview Transcript: For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    39 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    (Re-Release) Thinking Boldly on Community Integration with Dr. Amy Hewitt, Minnesota UCEDD

    Re-Release! This episode was recorded as a live interview at the CORE 2024 Staff Conference - December 2024. We thought it would be interesting to revisit this conversation, a reminder that if the structures we work within now are no longer funded or supported, how can we build something better? How can we take advantage of this season of tumult and change and use it as an opportunity for innovation? Guest Bio: Dr. Amy Hewitt has worked for over 40 years to improve community inclusion and quality of life for children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families. She is the current director of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration. There she conducts research, evaluation, and demonstration projects on community living and belonging for children, youth and adults with disabilities and the direct support workforce. *A quick note: As of this recording, Congress is still in the appropriations process, and funding for UCEDDs is at risk. You can help protect the future of disability services, research, and training by contacting your members of Congress today. For the latest policy updates and information on how you can make a difference for the future of disability programs like ours, visit ⁠https://www.aucd.org/speak-up-for-ucedds ⁠. You can also use AUCD’s action tool to send a message to your congress people in 2 minutes: ⁠https://aucd.quorum.us/campaign/133226/⁠ Resources in this episode: -         University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration: ⁠https://ici.umn.edu/⁠ -         Support Wise Project, ICI: ⁠https://ici.umn.edu/products/-lbb3o-EQb-BhGAHTFH8Tg⁠ -         Reinventing Quality Conference: ⁠https://reinventingquality.org/⁠ -         Impact Magazine: ⁠https://ici.umn.edu/series/14⁠ -         ADDM Network: ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/autism/addm-network/index.html⁠ Acronym Guide:   UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities  LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities  DSP: Direct Support Professional ADDM: Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Site For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.eduInterview Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/products/

    48 min
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About

Accessible is a podcast from Missouri UCEDD and LEND that brings disability leadership, issues, and impact into focus. Hosted by UMKC-Institute for Human Development’s George Gotto and Amelia Reighard, it features leaders sharing their journeys, advocacy, research, policy, and lived experience. Designed for professionals, families, self-advocates, and anyone curious about disability, Accessible makes complex systems and ideas understandable, highlighting how people and communities work together to create meaningful change.

Information

  • Creator
    UMKC - Institute for Human Development (Missouri UCEDD)
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UMKC - Institute for Human Development (Missouri UCEDD)
  • Show Website
    Accessible