News, Updates and Highlights
Missouri's Ozark region Head Start programs recognized by QAR with highest designation for creating high-quality early learning experiences that help children thrive.
The Missouri Maternal Health Action Network (MHAN) has received a 2026 Good Apple Award from Missouri Appleseed, recognizing its statewide leadership in strengthening systems of care for Missouri mothers, children and families through collaboration, lived experience and trauma-informed approaches to maternal health.
IHD continues to advance brain injury-informed services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence through partnerships that bridge the fields of victim services, healthcare, brain injury and disability support. As a member of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force and a facilitator of a national special interest group focused on intimate partner violence and brain injury, Researcher Beth Dauber is working to connect research, policy and practice to improve outcomes across the nation.
UMKC-IHD leaders Sheli Reynolds and Amanda George traveled to South Korea to support growing efforts to advance person-centered practices through the Charting the LifeCourse framework. Their 10-day visit brought together advocates, families, providers, and policymakers committed to building more inclusive supports and systems for people with disabilities.
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
Join UMKC-Institute for Human Development’s LifeCourse Nexus at the 10th Annual Charting the LifeCourse Showcase
