Independent Idaho

Living Independence Network Corporation

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Society & Culture
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Independent Idaho is a podcast dedicated to the exploration of all things disability in the Gem State and beyond. Independent Idaho is a production of the Living Independence Network Corporation, one of Idaho's three Centers for Independent Living. Our mission is to empower Idahoans with disabilities across the lifespan to achieve our desired level of independence.

2d ago

The Work of Independence with Dianna Willis

Episode Description What happens when life changes in an instant, or slowly over time? For Dianna Willis, blindness didn't end her career or her ability to make a difference—it gave her a new perspective on what true independence and inclusion can look like. In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Dianna to discuss her journey of adapting to blindness, returning to the workforce, and becoming a leader in disability advocacy. Together they explore what it means to remove barriers instead of expecting people to overcome them, why employment is such an important part of independence, and how creating accessible communities benefits everyone. Along the way, Dianna also shares what life is really like working alongside her guide dog, Babs, and why disability is often less about a person's impairment than the systems and environments around them. Whether you live with a disability, work alongside someone who does, or simply want to build more welcoming communities, this conversation offers practical insights and an inspiring reminder that independence isn't about doing everything alone—it's about having the opportunity to participate fully. About Our Guest Dianna Willis (M.Ed., M.A., WIP-C) is a Vocational Specialist with Living Independence Network Corporation (LINC), where she helps people with disabilities pursue employment and financial independence as a credentialed Work Incentives Practitioner through Cornell University. She also serves as Board President and co-founder of the Idaho Access Project, a nonprofit working to create accessible communities through authentic community engagement. In addition, Dianna serves on the City of Boise's Cross-Disability Task Force, helping shape a more inclusive future through systems-level change. Living with blindness herself, Dianna brings both lived experience and professional expertise to every aspect of her work advocating for greater independence and opportunity for people with disabilities. Check out the LINC and Idaho Access Project websites.
Jul 13

The Invisible Injury with Stefanie Shadduck

Episode Description What if the most life-changing injury is one that no one can see? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Stefanie Shadduck, Traumatic Brain Injury Program Director at Idaho State University, to discuss the realities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and why it is often called the "invisible injury." From concussions and falls to motor vehicle crashes and military service, traumatic brain injuries affect thousands of Idahoans every year. Yet many people never receive a diagnosis, struggle to find resources, or don't realize that ongoing memory, concentration, fatigue, or emotional changes may be connected to a brain injury. Stefanie shares how Idaho is working to improve TBI screening, connect people with resources, and strengthen systems of care—especially in rural communities where services can be difficult to access. She also reflects on her own experience with "chemo brain" during cancer treatment, offering a deeply personal perspective on what it feels like to live with an invisible cognitive challenge. This conversation explores resilience, recovery, and the importance of building communities and systems that help people thrive after brain injury. About Our Guest Stefanie Shadduck is the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Director at Idaho State University, where she leads statewide efforts to improve access to TBI resources through education, systems coordination, and community partnerships. Her work focuses on helping individuals, families, healthcare providers, and organizations better navigate the complex landscape of brain injury services across Idaho. She also trains university students to recognize traumatic brain injuries and connects them with communities through outreach and health fairs. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience with cognitive challenges during cancer treatment, Stefanie brings a compassionate and practical perspective to conversations about brain health, recovery, and independence. You can learn more at Idaho Traumatic Brain Injury Program and the Brain Injury Association of Idaho. Email Stefanie at stefanieshadduck@isu.edu.
Jul 6

The Road to Independence with Amber Beall

Episode Description For many Idahoans, driving isn't just about getting from one place to another—it's the key to employment, healthcare, family, and independence. Until now, however, Idaho has had limited access to specialized driving rehabilitation services for people whose disabilities, injuries, or medical conditions affect their ability to drive. In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Amber Beall, founder of Adaptive Driving Idaho, to discuss the launch of this much-needed service and what it means for people across the state. Amber shares her journey as an occupational therapist specializing in neurological rehabilitation and explains how her work helps individuals evaluate whether they can safely continue driving, return to driving after injury or illness, or explore adaptive equipment that makes driving possible again. From stroke and traumatic brain injury to spinal cord injury, vision changes, and age-related conditions, this conversation explores how adaptive driving opens doors to greater independence and community participation for Idahoans. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone living with a disability, or simply curious about how adaptive driving works, this episode offers an inside look at an exciting new resource now available in Idaho. About Our Guest Amber Beall, MS, OTR/L, DRS, is the founder of Adaptive Driving Idaho and an occupational therapist with more than a decade of experience in neurological rehabilitation. She is a Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS), Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS), and Certified Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (CFVRS). Throughout her career, Amber has worked with individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurological conditions, helping them return to meaningful daily activities—including driving. As a Boise native, Amber is passionate about expanding access to adaptive driving services and helping Idahoans maintain their independence, safety, and connection to their communities. Check out Adaptive Driving Idaho for more information.
Jun 29

A Dude Who Just Wants to Stay in His Home with Randy Nilson

Randy Nilson spent decades working, saving, paying taxes, and building a life in Idaho. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), he adapted to changing mobility needs and continued working for many years. Today, despite living modestly and wanting nothing more than to remain in his own home, Medicaid policies put him at risk of losing the independence he worked so hard to maintain. In this episode, Randy shares his personal journey and discusses the challenges many older adults and people with disabilities face when trying to age in place and remain part of their communities. His story highlights important questions about disability, long-term care, public policy, and what it truly takes to live independently.
Jun 22

Giving a Care with Sheila Weaver

In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Weaver, LCSW, MPA, Program Manager for the Family Caregiver Navigator Project at the Idaho Caregiver Alliance. A fourth-generation Idahoan born in Mountain Home, Sheila has spent more than 20 years serving Idaho families through a wide range of roles in state government and community systems. Our conversation explores the growing importance of supporting family caregivers across Idaho, including the work of the Idaho Caregiver Alliance, the development of Idaho’s Kinship State Plan, and the challenges facing grandparents and relatives raising children. Sheila also shares insights into caregiving policy, system coordination, aging and disability supports, and why strengthening caregiver networks matters for the future of Idaho communities. www.caregivernavigator.org www.idahocaregiveralliance.com/projects-and-events/kinship/
Jun 15

The Rural Disability Movement with Elissa Ellis

Elissa Ellis is the Executive Director of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), a national disability-led membership organization that supports Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and disability advocates serving rural communities across the United States. APRIL works to advance the rights, independence, and full inclusion of people with disabilities in rural America through advocacy, training, leadership development, and collaboration. You can learn more about APRIL at www.april-rural.org.
Jun 8

The Fight for Family PCS with Jessica Jackman

Jessica Jackman is a disability and family caregiver advocate from Pocatello, Idaho, and is affiliated with Fair Care Idaho, a grassroots organization focused on protecting and strengthening supports for Idaho families who provide in-home care to loved ones with disabilities. Drawing from her lived experience as a caregiver for her son, Jessica has become an active voice in statewide discussions surrounding Medicaid-funded family caregiving, home and community-based services, and Idaho’s direct care workforce shortage. She has worked alongside advocacy coalitions, caregivers, and policymakers to highlight the critical role family caregivers play in keeping individuals with disabilities living safely and independently in their homes and communities. Find out more about Fair Care Idaho at https://faircareidaho.substack.com/.
Jun 1

Standards of Justice with Don Kostelec

Don Kostelec is a transportation and community planning professional with more than 25 years of experience focused on creating safer, healthier, and more equitable communities through transportation and land use planning. His work across the United States has emphasized active transportation, Complete Streets, Health Impact Assessments, and the integration of public health into planning processes, with particular expertise in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA transition planning, accessibility compliance, and inclusive community design. Don is widely recognized for helping communities better understand how street and infrastructure design impacts safety, mobility, and equity, while encouraging approaches that prioritize people over vehicle movement. He has served in leadership roles with organizations including the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and Bike Walk NC and is a frequent national speaker and contributor on walkability, accessibility, and safe street design. Learn more about Don's work at www.vitruvianplanning.com.

Independent Idaho is a podcast dedicated to the exploration of all things disability in the Gem State and beyond. Independent Idaho is a production of the Living Independence Network Corporation, one of Idaho's three Centers for Independent Living. Our mission is to empower Idahoans with disabilities across the lifespan to achieve our desired level of independence.

Creator

Living Independence Network Corporation
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

41
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Living Independence Network Corporation
Show Website

Independent Idaho