Independent Idaho

Episode Description How do the experiences that shape us change the way we see ourselves—and the way we show up for others? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Tara Adams, a fifth-generation Idahoan, author, entrepreneur, mother, and longtime disability advocate. Tara shares what it was like growing up with hearing loss in Idaho, attending the Idaho School for the Deaf and...

Episode Description What can Idaho's history teach us about the future of disability rights? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Tara Rowe, an independent historian, scholar, and disability advocate, for a conversation about the intersection of history, disability, and public policy. Tara discusses her research into Idaho's history of institutionalization and what that hist...

Episode Description What does independence actually mean for a person with a disability—and who gets to define it? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Ferne Brandt, a licensed social worker and disability advocate who brings both lived experience and professional experience to her work in the disability community. Jeremy and Ferne talk about the everyday realities of naviga...

Episode Description For a lot of people, "career technical education" still brings to mind shop class or learning a trade in high school. But today's CTE system is much broader—and can provide students with pathways into everything from healthcare and technology to public safety, business, advanced manufacturing, and the skilled trades. In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy si...

Episode Description What does meaningful access to the outdoors actually look like? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with adaptive athlete, adventurer, and accessibility consultant Joe Stone for a conversation about disability, outdoor recreation, risk, and the difference between something being called accessible and actually being usable. Jeremy and Joe talk about returning...

Episode Description What does a health plan really do beyond paying medical bills? For Keith Mason, healthcare is about helping people stay healthy, remain independent, and connect with the services and supports they need to live their best lives. As CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Idaho, Keith leads a team focused on improving health outcomes for some of Idaho's most vulnerable resident...

Episode Description What does it take to make a community truly accessible? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Sean Kelly, Accessibility and Mobility Specialist and Certified ADA Coordinator for the Ada County Highway District (ACHD). Sean's path to accessibility has been anything but ordinary—from serving in the U.S. Army as a counterterrorism and intelligence professiona...

Episode Description What happens when the biggest obstacles aren't on the golf course—but in gaining access to the game itself? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Mike Barnett, a Navy veteran, adaptive golfer, actor, and creator of the YouTube channel Golfing with a Disability. Mike shares his journey into adaptive golf, the barriers he encountered along the way, and the d...

Episode Description What does it really mean to navigate the world without relying on your vision? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Sam Picciano, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, educator, and co-founder of Vision Village. Sam shares how she helps people with vision loss develop the skills and confidence to travel safely, solve everyday challenges, and li...

Episode Description What happens when life changes in an instant, or slowly over time? For Dianna Willis, blindness didn't end her career or her ability to make a difference—it gave her a new perspective on what true independence and inclusion can look like. In this episode of Independent Idaho , Jeremy sits down with Dianna to discuss her journey of adapting to blindness, returning to the wor...

Episode Description What if the most life-changing injury is one that no one can see? In this episode of Independent Idaho , Jeremy sits down with Stefanie Shadduck, Traumatic Brain Injury Program Director at Idaho State University, to discuss the realities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and why it is often called the "invisible injury." From concussions and falls to motor vehicle crash...

Episode Description For many Idahoans, driving isn't just about getting from one place to another—it's the key to employment, healthcare, family, and independence. Until now, however, Idaho has had limited access to specialized driving rehabilitation services for people whose disabilities, injuries, or medical conditions affect their ability to drive. In this episode of Independent Idaho ,...

Randy Nilson spent decades working, saving, paying taxes, and building a life in Idaho. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), he adapted to changing mobility needs and continued working for many years. Today, despite living modestly and wanting nothing more than to remain in his own home, Medicaid policies put him at risk of losing the independence he worked so hard to maintain. In t...

In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Weaver, LCSW, MPA, Program Manager for the Family Caregiver Navigator Project at the Idaho Caregiver Alliance. A fourth-generation Idahoan born in Mountain Home, Sheila has spent more than 20 years serving Idaho families through a wide range of roles in state government and community systems. Our conversation explores the growing importance of supporting fa...

Elissa Ellis is the Executive Director of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), a national disability-led membership organization that supports Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and disability advocates serving rural communities across the United States. APRIL works to advance the rights, independence, and full inclusi...

Jessica Jackman is a disability and family caregiver advocate from Pocatello, Idaho, and is affiliated with Fair Care Idaho, a grassroots organization focused on protecting and strengthening supports for Idaho families who provide in-home care to loved ones with disabilities. Drawing from her lived experience as a caregiver for her son, Jessica has become an active voice in statewide discussions s...

Don Kostelec is a transportation and community planning professional with more than 25 years of experience focused on creating safer, healthier, and more equitable communities through transportation and land use planning. His work across the United States has emphasized active transportation, Complete Streets, Health Impact Assessments, and the integration of public health into planning processes,...

Donald Pope is a father, a chef, a stroke survivor, and a LINC consumer who has worked like hell to get out of a nursing home and back into the community. He shares his story of escape, hope, joy, and more.

Laine Amoureux is a prominent digital accessibility and assistive technology consultant, trainer, and community advocate based in Boise, Idaho. She is widely recognized for her leadership in promoting inclusion and universal design across public infrastructure and digital platforms in the Treasure Valley. You learn more about Laine and her work at https://learn.amoureuxatconsulting.com/.

Our guests today are Felica Duce and Richard Renz with Vision Counseling Services and Education. Felica, the founder and owner, and Richard, a social worker and combat veteran, talk about their passion for helping people, particularly people in the correctional system, and their big plans for their new podcast, "I don't want to talk to you." Learn more about Visions Counseling: https...

In this episode, Nick Wyatt interviews Cyndy Radovich, founder and owner of Sweet Zola's Candy, and Robin Wyatt, assistant manager. Sweet Zola’s Candy is a non-profit candy shop that hires and trains individuals with developmental disabilities in order for them to gain real world experience and refine their professional skills. Our goal is for every one of our employees to be prepared and exci...

Our guest today is Andrew Mills. Andrew is an emerging leader in the disability rights movement with a passion for affordable and accessible transportation.

Today, we’re talking with artist Susan Lasater, who works across multiple mediums and tackles tough conversations head-on. She shares her experiences with barriers in education, her creativity, and the signals she pays attention to in the universe. You can learn more about Susan on her Substack at https://susanlasater.substack.com/ .

Our guest today is Kelli Romine. Kelli is the Vocational Services Program Manager with LINC. Kelli earned an undergraduate degree in Interior Architecture and Business Management from Woodbury University. She is a Certified Work Incentive Practitioner, a Transition Manager with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, an ADA Coordinator, and is an ACRE Certified Employment Specialist. Kelli has mor...

Our guest today is Amanda Olsen. Amanda is a non-attorney advocate with Disability Rights Idaho who helped launch Determined to Vote, the nonpartisan voter toolkit for Idahoans with disabilities. We talk with Amanda about the importance of voting, changes in Idaho’s voting laws, how the DRI toolkit can support people with disabilities who want to vote, and more. You can checkout the Determined to...