News, Updates and Highlights
After a distinguished career leading disability initiatives in Missouri, Iowa and beyond, Derrick Willis has returned to the UMKC Institute for Human Development as associate director. He will help shape Missouri's UCEDD strategic direction, expand partnerships and strengthen efforts that create more inclusive communities across the state.
As the IHD prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027, we're inviting former employees, students, trainees, partners, self-advocates, family members and collaborators to reconnect. If you've been any part of IHD's journey over the past five decades, we'd love to hear from you!
Podcasts
This episode explores the power of leadership, community engagement and disability advocacy, highlighting how families, local organizations and self-advocates can work together to create more inclusive communities and stronger supports. Larry Opinsky shares his journey as a parent, advocate and leader in self-directed supports.
Rural healthcare systems face growing challenges, from provider shortages to transportation barriers and hospital closures. In this episode of Accessible, we discuss what these realities mean for people with disabilities, how policy decisions could shape the future of care and why disability inclusion must be part of rural health solutions.
Sheila Wunning discusses the structure of Missouri’s developmental disability system and the potential impact of recent federal and state Medicaid discussions. This episode explores home- and community-based services, cross-system collaboration and the policies that shape supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and providers.
Duane Shumate reflects on the evolution of disability employment in Missouri, from sheltered workshops to community-based jobs, the Employment First movement, barriers to employment, and strategies helping people with disabilities achieve meaningful work and competitive wages.
Events
Some of the most meaningful ideas, connections and innovations begin with a conversation. This September, you have a unique opportunity to be part of one. Join us for the inaugural Great Conversations event on September 18, 2026!
Join the Missouri Maternal Health Action Network on September 25th for their 4th Annual Summit ‘Building Bridges of Care: Recovery, Resilience, and Family Empowerment’ for a day filled with engaging panels, enlightening discussions and exclusive networking opportunities.
Join UMKC-Institute for Human Development’s LifeCourse Nexus at the 10th Annual Charting the LifeCourse Showcase
Great Conversations 2026
Introducing Great Conversations — A new annual event that brings together diverse voices to engage in curated conversations exploring how UMKC-IHD is impacting and shaping communities.
Friday, September 18, 2026
Seats are limited.
