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. -4 ДН.

    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 мин.

  2. 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 мин.

  3. 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 мин.

  4. 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 мин.

  5. 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 мин.

  6. 20.08.2025

    Start with Connection with Dr. Marcia Moriarta, UNM Center for Development & Disability (Voices of the Network Series)

    In this episode, George and Amelia sit down with Marcia Moriarta, director of the University of New Mexico’s UCEDD and LEND program at the Center for Development and Disability. Marcia shares her insights on innovative programs for individuals with disabilities, interdisciplinary approaches to care, and the critical role of the national UCEDD and LEND network in advancing best practices across states. Key Takeaways UCEDDs provide flexible, interdisciplinary services that often cannot exist in traditional healthcare systems.Programs like START show that addressing social, emotional, and relational needs can prevent crises and hospitalization.Collaboration across the UCEDD/LEND network multiplies impact, sharing evidence-based practices nationwide.LEND programs are life-changing for trainees, fostering skills that benefit individuals, families, and communities.Both direct services and systemic interventions are critical for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. *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 New Mexico-Center for Development & Disability: https://hsc.unm.edu/cdd/New Mexico LEND Program: https://hsc.unm.edu/cdd/training-programs/nmlend/New Mexico START Program: https://cdd.health.unm.edu/autismportal/new-mexico-start/ 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 Watch this interview on YouTube! ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@umkcihd⁠ Interview Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/products/ For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu.

    36 мин.

  7. 06.08.2025

    Integrated Advocacy & Interdisciplinary Collaboration at the Kennedy Krieger Institute with Maureen van Stone (Voices of the Network Series)

    Maureen Van Stone, director of the Maryland UCEDD at Kennedy Krieger Institute, talks about their unique structure, powerful advocacy work, and the impact of Project HEAL—a medical-legal partnership serving people with disabilities. She also shares why UCEDDs must speak up amid potential funding cuts.Topics Include: - The Maryland UCEDD's strong focus on advocacy and public policy - Project HEAL which provides legal services to individuals with disabilities and families - Kennedy Krieger's collaborative model (legal, medical, advocacy, policy - all under one umbrella). - Funding changes pose significant risks to UCEDDs and their programs. - Telling the story of UCEDDs is essential for community awareness and support. *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/⁠ Watch this interview on YouTube! ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@umkcihd⁠ Resources in this episode: Kennedy Krieger Institute: https://www.kennedykrieger.org/People on the Go Maryland: https://www.pogmd.org/Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law): https://www.kennedykrieger.org/community/initiatives/maryland-center-developmental-disabilities/project-healDisability Rights Maryland: https://disabilityrightsmd.org/ 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: https://ihd.umkc.edu/products/ For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    40 мин.

  8. 23.07.2025

    Empathy in Action: How UCEDDs Build Stronger Communities with Dr. Chris Murray (Voices of the Network Series)

    In this episode, Dr. Chris Murray from the University of Oregon’s UCEDD shares how decades of research, training, and deep community engagement have helped shape better outcomes for people with disabilities. Topics Include: - Overview of the Oregon UCEDD and their focus on early intervention and paraeducators - How UCEDDs adapt to the needs of the community - The critical value of UCEDD funding in Oregon and nationally - The challenge of self-promotion in advocacy - Balance between systems change and individual supports - Why empathy must be backed by ongoing action **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/ Watch this interview on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@umkcihd Resources in this episode: University of Oregon-Center for Human Development: https://chd.uoregon.edu/ Ages and Stages: https://agesandstages.com/Oregon Screening Project: https://osp.uoregon.edu/WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act): https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioaIDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/ideaInstitute of Education Sciences: https://ies.ed.gov/SIG Network: https://signetwork.org/ 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   Interview Transcript: https://ihd.umkc.edu/products/ For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu

    53 мин.
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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.

Информация

  • Автор
    UMKC - Institute for Human Development (Missouri UCEDD)
  • Годы выхода
    2022 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    45
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © UMKC - Institute for Human Development (Missouri UCEDD)
  • Сайт подкаста
    Accessible