On April 4, self-advocate, community leader and UMKC-IHD Outreach Specialist Candace Cunningham was honored during a Kansas City Current vs. Gotham FC game as the recipient of the Olivia Bloomfield Legacy Seat Recognition.
The recognition celebrates individuals whose work helps make communities more accessible, inclusive and equitable for all.
Honoring Oliva Bloomfield’s Legacy
The Olivia Bloomfield Legacy Seating initiative was created in memory of Olivia Bloomfield, a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Born with congenital muscular dystrophy, Olivia believed every child deserved equal opportunities to play, participate and belong.
Her advocacy helped champion the development of inclusive playgrounds throughout Kansas City and beyond, creating spaces where children of all abilities can play together.
The legacy seat recognition honors “unsung heroes whose service provides a unique and valuable contribution toward making our communities and the world more accessible and inclusive for all.”
Recognizing Advocacy and Leadership
Candace was selected by an internal committee that included Olivia’s parents, Matt and Sara Bloomfield, in recognition of her continued leadership and advocacy within the disability community.
Candace is a research aide in the Outreach Department where she coordinates fellowships through the Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC). A person with lived experience from Lee’s Summit, Candace has participated in advocacy efforts since 2006 and holds a master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
As part of IHD’s WeSaid at the UCEDD initiative, Candace hosts Candace’s Corner, a podcast series featuring leaders from across Missouri discussing key issues affecting the disability community. Through honest dialogue and storytelling, the podcast amplifies the experiences and perspectives of self-advocates while encouraging greater awareness and inclusion.
During the match, Candace received live videoboard recognition at CPKC Stadium, where her advocacy work and podcast were featured in front of fans.
Reflecting on the recognition, Candace shared that the honor represents something she cares deeply about: “building communities where people of all abilities are included, valued, and have opportunities to fully participate.” She added that the message behind the Legacy Seat — “everybody deserves a chance to play” — extends far beyond sports.
“Experiences like this reinforce the importance of continuing to advance accessibility and inclusion in all spaces — recreation, employment, and community life,” Candace said.
This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the broader purpose of outreach work at IHD: building relationships, amplifying voices, and helping communities better understand the experiences of people with disabilities and those working toward more inclusive systems. Candace’s platform demonstrates how storytelling can be a powerful tool for education, advocacy, and connection. Through each conversation, Candace’s Corner helps extend IHD’s mission beyond programs and services by reaching people in a personal and meaningful way.
A Winning Night for KC Current
The evening ended with a 2–1 victory for the Kansas City Current over defending league champions NJ/NY Gotham FC — making the celebration even more memorable for Candace and her guests.
To learn more, visit Olivia Bloomfield Foundation or Kansas City Current.
Follow Candace on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the amazing she work is a part of.
