Empower Hour

In recognition of Older Americans Month, we sit down with Kevin Rusenstrom from SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging for a conversation about aging, independence, and staying engaged throughout life. Kevin shares insights on what it means to age well, including the role of physical activity, social connection, purpose, and personal choice. We discuss how independence looks different for everyone and why...

In the tenth episode of Empower Hour, we sit down with Ron Hearst, Chief Meteorologist at KY3, to talk about severe weather safety, preparedness, and what people actually need to know when conditions change quickly. Ron breaks down the difference between a watch and a warning, shares best practices for staying safe, and emphasizes the importance of staying calm so you can make clear decisions in a...

In the ninth episode of Empower Hour, we sit down with Sayed Mohammed, an international student at Drury University who is navigating college life as a person with a vision impairment. Sayed shares his experiences using technology to access information, traveling independently, and learning how to advocate for his needs in unfamiliar environments. We also explore what it means to build a chosen fa...

In this episode of Empower Hour, we highlight one of our community partners and supporters, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks . We are joined by Rachel Tripp , Community Impact Manager, for a donor spotlight conversation. Because of a grant from Community Foundation of the Ozarks, we were able to purchase the podcast equipment that makes Empower Hour possible. This episode recognizes that sup...

Traveling with a disability often requires extra planning, flexibility, and self advocacy, especially when navigating transportation, lodging, and unfamiliar environments. In this episode of Empower Hour, we are joined by Derrick Duncan, an empower: abilities board member and wheelchair user with a spinal cord injury. Derrick shares his real world experience traveling with a disability and offers...

In this episode, we sit down with Taylee Gregg, empower: abilities Hearing Instrument Specialist, and Mark Applegate, Director of Safety and Security and Dementia Care Specialist at SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging. Mark is also a strong advocate for people with dementia and their caregivers, inspired by the lives of his mother, grandmother, and uncle. We talk about why the holidays can be stressful...

In the fifth episode, we talk with the Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller about what their office does, and how it ties into local elections and public access. We walk through upcoming election timelines, explain registration and absentee voting, and look ahead to what’s changing for 2026.We dig into accessibility, how polling places are made usable for people with disabilities, how the office pa...

In the fourth episode, Sara Nunez, Director of Home and Community Based Services and Compliance, and Tina Shannon, CDS Coordinator at empower: abilities, share how our Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program works. We talk through eligibility, the purpose of CDS, and how the program allows you to direct your own care, from choosing your attendants to setting their hours. CDS is flexible and built...

In this third episode, we turn our focus to hearing health and accessibility. We’re joined by Taylee Gregg, Hearing Instrument Specialist at empower: abilities, who provides hearing tests, fits hearing aids, and offers comprehensive follow-up care. Our conversation highlights the importance of early screening, ongoing support, and how hearing services can open doors to greater independence. We als...

In this second episode, we dive into the history and purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and explore how barriers to access still show up today. We’re joined by Shelby Butler, our Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, and Jenn Tennison, our Community Outreach Coordinator, for a conversation about inclusive design, community education, and the impact of our Restaurant Access Poin...

In this first episode, we introduce empower: abilities and its mission to support independence for people with disabilities. We’ll highlight one of our services and share a conversation with Cheri Montgomery, who recently attended Disability Rights Legislative Day and has started volunteering with our Independent Living department. She’ll share her experiences, what she’s learned, and why advocacy...