The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD) accepts grants for specific projects through its various centers and programs. At minimum, these projects require conducting research, developing training, reaching out to targeted local, state or national audiences, and distributing information with the overarching goal of improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Digital Library

We are currently reviewing our publications, resources and other materials to ensure accessibility guidelines are met, which will then will be uploaded to a digital organizer, serving as a library and archive of our work.

Until then, tune in to the Accessible Podcast to get informed and stay up to date on important disability topics. 

Accessible Podcast

Accessible Podcast in neon sign font with two people on microphones in the background.

Accessible is a podcast that brings disability leadership, issues, and impact into clear focus. 

Produced in partnership by the Missouri UCEDD and Missouri LEND, Accessible spotlights leaders who work in and around the developmental disabilities field. Through thoughtful conversations, the podcast creates awareness of the work happening across systems, communities and disciplines, while offering insight and education on disability issues for a broad audience. 

Hosted by UMKC Institute for Human Development Director George Gotto and Program Development Director Amelia Reighard, Accessible explores how leaders found their way into disability-focused work, the roles they play today and the ideas shaping the future of the field. Episodes highlight advocacy, policy, research, lived experience and systems change, making both disability leadership and disability issues more accessible to everyone. 

Whether you work in the field, are connected personally to disability or simply want to better understand how systems can support people with disabilities, Accessible opens the door to conversations that matter. 

LEND Partnership

What started as a resource for interdisciplinary trainees has grown into a platform that spotlights the developmental disabilities field, while creating awareness and understanding for audiences both inside and outside the field. 

The podcast is informed by ongoing collaboration with Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) faculty, who help guide episode topics and conversations to ensure the content is meaningful for students and professionals entering the developmental disabilities workforce. Episodes offer insight into real-world practice, systems, advocacy and leadership – connecting academic learning to lived experience and community impact. 

Meet the Hosts

George Gotto, Ph.D., is the Director of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD) in Kansas City, Missouri. George is trained as a Medical Anthropologist with an emphasis in community-based research and cross-cultural perspectives on health and disability. 

Amelia Reighard, LMSW, is the Director of Program Development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD) in Kansas City, Missouri. Amelia is a Licensed Master Social Worker and has been with the Institute for over a decade working on various research and community-training projects.

New Episodes

Season 5 launches February 18, 2026! Check out new episodes every other Wednesday.

New! Accessible Podcast Virtual Book Club coming to you on April 2, 2026. Register for the book club to join our live discussion of Being Heumann, Judy Heumann’s powerful memoir on disability rights, leadership and collective action.

Find Accessible on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Youtube Spotify Podcast

Learn more about the topic and guest, view the transcript of the conversation and find links to listen!

Episode Archive

View past episodes on the UMKC-IHD YouTube page or view the Linktree to listen on your preferred platform.

Voices of the Network | This special series spotlights the national network of University Centers for Excellence on disabilities. Guests share their perspective and stories of real-world impact, leadership development, innovation in service delivery, family partnership and systems advocacy.

S4 Ep4 | Belonging is Personal with Maggie Rollwagen, Abilities First

S4 Ep3 | Ubuntu in Disability Systems Change with Dr. Makhaya Malema

S4 Ep2 Live at CORE 2024! | Thinking Boldly on Community Integration with Dr. Amy Hewitt, Minnesota UCEDD

S4 E1 | Advocacy for Violence Prevention with Julie Petty, Arkansas UCEDD

S3 Ep12 | Advocating for Disability Rights with Lisa Sutherland

S3 Ep11 | Self Determination & Inclusive Research with Dr. Karrie Shogren, KUCD

S3 Ep10 | Disability Advocacy & Public Policy with Emily Hartley

S3 Ep9 | Magic Moments in Assistive Technology with David Baker

S3 Ep8 | Humor in Caregiving with Pam Merkle

S3 Ep7 | Setting the Bar for Excellence with Kim Riley

S3 Ep6 | Family-Professional Partnerships with Dr. Meghan Burke

S3 Ep5 | Aging and Natural Support Networks with Sharon Williams

S3 Ep4 | Sibling Bonds & Disability Advocacy with Dr. Katie Arnold

S3 Ep3 | Raising a Self-Advocate with Karen and Candace Cunningham

S3 Ep2 | Peer Support Networks with Colette Canchola-Cox 

S3 Ep1 | The Family Factor: Impact on Disability Outcomes with Dr. Sheli Reynolds