The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with Down Syndrome Innovations, is proud to host the 3rd Annual SPEAK Up! (Self-advocates Promoting Empowerment and Access in Kansas) conference — a free event designed for self-advocates, parents, family members, caregivers, and professionals on Friday, November 6th, from 8 AM to 3 PM in Wichita at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview.
This empowering day will feature inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking discussions led by advocates, activists, organizations, as well as federal and state financial, legal, and benefits experts working to enhance resources and information for Kansans with IDD. Participants will explore real-life experiences and expert perspectives on the most critical issues facing individuals with disabilities and their families today.
Hosted By
Event Details
Date 📅
Friday, November 6, 2026
Time 🕒
8 am - 3 pm*
Registration opens at 8 am and the conference starts at 8:30 am
Venue 🏨
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview
400 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202 (Near Old Town)
Registration Deadline: October 15, 2026
Conference Overview
There will be two tracks – a self-advocate track led by KCDD Advocacy Coordinator Lola Kernell, and a parent/caregiver track led by KCDD and DSI.
The day will begin with a kick-off welcome keynote for self-advocates and caregivers!
The day will wrap up with everyone coming together for ADA, ABLE, and What is the Next Landmark Disability Rights Law? Panel with Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director of KCDD, Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator of KCDD, and Sandy Swift Parrino, former chairwoman of the National Council on Disabilities and the champion of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and SPEAK Up! for a more inclusive future!
Photo description: Four people are standing/sitting around a table with green grass and a fountain in the background. A man is sitting behind the table with some paperwork in front of him and is signing one of them with a pen in his hand.
Agenda
8:30 AM: Welcome/Opening Remarks (Basin Ballroom 1 & 2)
Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator, KCDD
CJ Vallejo, Family and Outreach Coordinator, DSI
Karey Padding, Executive Director, Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Kansas Pediatric Foundation/Chair, KCDD
9:00 AM: Breakout Session #1
Self-Advocate Track 1: Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for Yourself (Station Ballroom)
Panelists:
Moderator: Ricardo “Ricky” Hernandez, Founder and President of Service, United People Corp. & Council Member, KCDD
Stephanie Swanson, Founder, CEO, & BOD Chair, The Empower Network
Magda Carlos-Trevino, Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2026, CEO, MS Consulting & Training, & Bilingual Sales Specialist, WinPro Solutions Inc
Breakout Session #2:
Self-Advocate Track: My Health, My Choices: Navigating Healthcare Transitions (Basin Ballroom 3)
Keynote:
Stephanie Pratt, Transition to Adulthood Program Manager, Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Breakout Session #3:
Caregiver Track: Your Guide to IEPs: Advocating for Your Child (Basin Ballroom 1 & 2)
Panelists:
Moderator: Karey Padding, Executive Director, Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Kansas Pediatric Foundation/Chair, KCDD
Hannah Kenney, Mixed Abilities Teacher, Eisenhower High School (Goddard, KS)
Alexander (Xander) Williams, Senior, Eisenhower High School (Goddard, KS)
10:00 AM:
Breakout Session #1
Self-Advocate Track: Nothing About Me Without Me: Supported Decision-Making in Action (Basin Ballroom 1 and 2)
Panelists:
Moderator: Jeannette Livingston, Deputy Director, Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization (SCDDO)
Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator, KCDD
Sherri Holle, Academic Program Specialist, Wichita State University’s (WSU) Transition to Teaching program
Jonathan Martinis, Founder, Jonathan Gerald Martinis, LLC
Breakout Session #2
Caregiver Track 1: Making Systems Work for You: Tips from the Experts (Station Ballroom)
Panelists:
Moderator: Anita Breen, Council Member, KCDD
Corby Lockwood, Program Integrity and Compliance Specialist and I/DD Waiver Program Manager, KDADS
Amanda Ramirez, Director of Targeted Case Management, Ability Point
Hillary Zwetzig, Director of Education and Outreach, Mental Health America of South Central Kansas
Megan Shepard, Policy and Program Oversight Director for Long-Term Services and Supports, KDADS
Breakout Session #3
Caregiver Track 2: Your Roadmap to Employment Support (Basin Ballroom 3)
Panelists:
Moderator: Amy Schmierbach, Art Teacher, Fort Hays State University (FHSU) & Council Member, KCDD
Daniel Decker, Director of Rehabilitation Services, DCF
Kaiden Easter, Self-Advocate & Auburn Hills Golf Course Employee
Liz Long, Director of Working Healthy, KDHE
Elizabeth VanVleck, Deputy Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Policies and Procedures, DCF
11:00 AM: Break
11:15 AM: Group Session - both caregivers and self-advocates (Basin Ballroom 1 & 2)
Growing Up Strong: Navigating Changes and Relationships
Topics:
Support Systems
Life Transitions
Self-Advocacy
Panelists:
Moderator: Drew Duncan, Section Chief, Screening and Surveillance, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
Scotti Brackett, RN, APRN, FNP, Nurse Practitioner, Children's Mercy Kansas City/Parent
Kelly Israel, Deputy Director, Not Dead Yet
Beth Orth-Voegeli, Program Manager of Greater Expectations, Independent Living Resource Center
Skylar Schwindt, Office Specialist, Families Together & Council Member, KCDD
12:15 PM: Lunch
KCDD Transition Coordinator Council (TCC) Roundtable - Invite Only (Mezzanine Level)
1:15 PM:
Breakout Session #1
Self-Advocate Track: Strong Minds, Strong Voices, Strong Advocates, Mental Health Session (Station Ballroom)
Panelists:
Jason Crippen, Transition Advisor & Founder, What's Next?! Disability Employment Services & USD 265
Whit Downing, VP of Policy & Programming, KCDD
Breakout Session #2
Self-Advocate Track 2: Art That Moves People: Creative Ways to Advocate (Basin Ballroom 3)
Panelists:
Moderator: Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator, KCDD
Daniel McLean, Artist and Self-Advocate
Oliver Lair, Lead Interviewer of the SPEAK Up Docuseries, KCDD
Kasey Nickel, Para-athlete, Writer, & Self-Advocate
Elizabeth Varelman, Founder, AbilityArtz Foundation
Breakout Session #3
Caregiver Track: When Plans Change: What Families Can Do (Basin Ballroom 1 & 2)
Panelists:
Moderator: Samantha Brant, Council Member, KCDD
Tami Allen, Co-Executive Director, Families Together
Jennifer Coughlin, Targeted Case Manager—Adult Services, Targeted Case Management of Kansas
Megan DeBoom, Director of Therapeutic Services, DSI
Ricardo “Ricky” Hernandez, Founder and President of Service, United People Corp. & Council Member, KCDD
Gary Lasley, Associate Director of Practicum Education, University of Kansas – School of Social Welfare (KUSSW)
2:00 PM: Break
2:15 PM: Closing Session: ADA, ABLE, and Beyond: What’s Next for Disability Rights (Basin Ballroom 1 & 2)
Panelists:
Moderator: Amanda Myers, CESP, Director of Employment Services, DSI
Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director, KCDD
Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator, KCDD
3:00 PM: Close
Perri Spencer Award
Perri Spencer was a self-advocate, KCDD Council Member, and passionate advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Perri believed in the power of using your voice. He shared his story, spoke up about issues that mattered to people with IDD, advocated for himself and others, and challenged barriers.
Nominate a self-advocate who is using their voice to make Kansas better for people with IDD.
We're looking for someone who demonstrates:
Courage in sharing their story
Advocacy for themselves and others
Leadership in their community
A willingness to speak up and challenge barriers
Passion and determination to create change
Nominations close October 26, 2026.
The award will be presented at the SPEAK Up! Conference on Friday, November 6, 2026 in Wichita, KS.
Speaker Bios
Scotti Brackett
I am a family nurse practitioner, healthcare leader, educator, and researcher dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families through clinical excellence, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Most importantly, I am the mother of a child with Down syndrome and autism. As the Assistant Manager for Advanced Practice Providers in a Pediatric Urgent Care, I support teams of nurse practitioners and physician assistants while leading initiatives focused on quality improvement, operational efficiency, provider development, and patient-centered care. I enjoy building strong teams, mentoring clinicians, and creating systems that allow providers to thrive while delivering exceptional care. I earned my PhD in Nursing from the University of Kansas School of Nursing, where my research examined the relationships among social support, stress, and coping among mothers of children with Down syndrome. My research interests include caregiver mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, implementation science, pediatric healthcare delivery, and advanced practice provider leadership. Throughout my career, I have combined clinical practice, leadership, research, and teaching to improve healthcare for children and families. I believe meaningful change happens when compassionate care, strong leadership, and rigorous research come together. Whether leading clinical teams, mentoring colleagues, or conducting research, my goal is to create healthier systems that better support patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Anita Breen
Anita lives in Clay Center, Kansas with her husband of 42 years. She is the proud parent of three children, who have blessed her with 5 grandchildren. She is currently serving as Director of Special Education for Twin Lakes Educational Cooperative in Clay Center, Kansas. A career in special education chose her, when she gave birth to a daughter with a severe disability. Anita started her career as a paraeducator, became a teacher, and then moved on to administration. Advocating for the needs of children and adults with disabilities is not only part of her career life, but also her personal life. Anita and her husband also serve as guardians and conservators for her brother-in-law. She has an extensive background in services for children and adults with disabilities. Anita received her BS degree from FHSU in Elementary Education/Special Education, and MS degrees in Special Education and Educational Leadership (Principal), along with an endorsement in Educational Leadership (District) from FHSU.
Magda Carlos-Trevino
Magda S. Carlos-Trevino (Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2026) is the CEO of MS Consulting & Training and a Bilingual Sales Specialist at WinPro Solutions Inc. Born with Spina Bifida, Magda is a proud Mexican-American leader who brings a vital multicultural perspective to civic engagement. Through her platform, "Roll Into Your Power: Be Your Own Advocate," she views communication as a powerful art form. In this panel, she shares how she creatively uses the written word—transforming communication with elected officials into compelling narratives that drive change.
Jennifer Coughlin
Jennifer Coughlin, Targeted Case Management of Kansas, has served as a TCM for several years after teaching math for fifteen years, and she has a lifetime of experience as a mother to her adult daughter, Janae, who has Down syndrome. She has navigated establishing adult services for her daughter and is happy to share that knowledge with the families she serves and to be able to relate to them as a fellow parent in the disability world.
Jason Crippen
At What's Next?! Disability Employment Services, I am dedicated to creating caring and inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. My mission is to connect talented, capable job seekers with employers who value diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity. I work closely with both candidates and companies to ensure the right fit, offering personalized support, advocacy, and resources throughout the hiring process. My 20-plus years of teaching experience in special education has helped create lasting relationships in Wichita and surrounding areas. By breaking down barriers and building bridges, I help empower individuals with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment and long-term success.
Megan DeBoom
Megan DeBoom, MS, BCBA, LBA, leads the multi-disciplinary therapy team at Down Syndrome Innovations. She supports families with individual and group therapy focused on improving emotional regulation and reducing challenging behaviors. Megan holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Kansas and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She is passionate about using mindful movement, interoception, visual supports, and augmentative and alternative communication to foster independence and success. Megan is also a certified social-emotional learning facilitator, certified sex educator for people with IDD, and registered yoga teacher. Megan is a member of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group and is part of the Down Syndrome and Cortical/Cerebral Vision Impairment Workgroup.
Whit Downing
Whit Downing is the Vice President of Policy and Programming at the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD), where she leads statewide initiatives focused on disability policy, behavioral health partnerships, systems change, and self-advocacy. Whit first joined KCDD as a contract worker in February 2024, quickly became a part-time Program Coordinator in March 2024, and then was promoted to a full-time leadership role in November 2024. As an autistic self-advocate with lived experience navigating both intellectual/developmental disability and mental health systems, Whit brings a unique and informed perspective to her work. Her professional advocacy is shaped in part by her own experiences, including spending eight years on the Kansas IDD waiver waitlist. Whit serves as the lead for KCDD’s Behavioral Health Workgroup under the Statewide Health Equity & Outcomes Coalition and acts as a liaison between KCDD and state behavioral health partners, including KDADS and KDHE. She regularly represents KCDD before federal and state partners, provides testimony before the Kansas Legislature, and participates in stakeholder meetings to help ensure self-advocates are included in decisions impacting people with disabilities. Whit is passionate about advocacy, policy development, systems change, and expanding opportunities for meaningful employment and community inclusion for people with disabilities. She is also the founder of “We All Matter,” a mental health support group for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that connects participants with peer support and a licensed mental health professional. Whit believes that meaningful systems change happens when people with lived experience are not only included in conversations, but trusted as leaders in shaping policy, services, and community solutions. Through her work, she remains committed to advancing equity, accessibility, and belonging for people with disabilities while helping build systems that recognize the value, dignity, and potential of every person.
Daniel Decker
Dan Decker serves as the Director of Rehabilitation Services for the state of Kansas and has for 6 years. His prior experience includes being the Director of SNAP Employment Services for DCF and spending over 20 years in the social service field. As a servant leader, Dan commits himself to helping staff across the state strive to enhance and promote services for Kansans with disabilities. Working with partners across Kansas, Dan hopes to help all Kansans with disabilities to achieve success in a variety of ways through program directives and statewide collaboration.
Kaiden Easter
Kaiden Easter is a 22-year-old who currently works at Auburn Hills Golf Course. Kaiden has a passion for basketball and has enjoyed playing the sport since he was five years old. After graduating from high school in 2023, Kaiden participated in Project SEARCH, where he received intensive support in developing employment skills and exploring areas of work that interested him. Following Project SEARCH, Kaiden transitioned to Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab), where he worked with two different job coaches for more than a year. With their support, he successfully transitioned into employment at Auburn Hills Golf Course. Kaiden has excelled in his role, successfully completed his 90-day employment period, and continues to increase his hours at work. His journey is a great example of determination, growth, and the impact that individualized support can have in helping young adults achieve their employment goals. We are proud to have Kaiden share his experiences and successes as a conference presenter.
Ricardo Hernandez
Ricardo J. Hernandez is a passionate advocate, entrepreneur, and featured speaker committed to enhancing independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and currently residing in Shawnee, Kansas, Ricardo brings a powerful blend of personal lived experience and professional expertise to his advocacy work. Drawing on his formal education with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kansas, Ricardo is adept at breaking down complex systems and fostering collaboration. This expertise, honed through his professional roles at a major corporation, has been instrumental in his entrepreneurial ventures. He is the Founder and President of Service For United People Corp., an umbrella organization dedicated to improve the quality of people's lives by establishing, expanding, supporting, and collaborating with concepts, organizations, people, and programs that focus on improving a person's independence, Ricardo directly addresses critical socioeconomic barriers by founding Transportation For United People LLC to provide accessible mobility services, and the non-profit Producer Of Peace Institute to reduce unaffordable transportation costs. As a lifelong self-advocate, Ricardo draws directly from his own experiences navigating Medicaid, Medicare, and HCBS services through the IDD Waiver. He also actively utilizes resources like the Kansas ABLE Savings Plan to build financial independence, making him a deeply knowledgeable and relatable voice on the practical realities of benefits navigation and self-determination. In addition to his business leadership, Ricardo is a highly active force in the regional disability ecosystem. He serves as a Council Member and Self-Advocate for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) and is a dedicated member of the SPEAK Up! Committee. Furthermore, he is a founding collaborator and directory review committee member for the newly launched KC Disability Collective, where he works to build integrated community hubs and cross-agency partnerships throughout the Kansas City area. His commitment to systemic change and his ability to leverage his lived experience to create real-world solutions make him a powerful voice for the IDD community.
Sherri Holle
Sherri Holle is the Academic Program Specialist for Wichita State University’s Transition to Teaching program, specializing in Kansas alternative teacher licensure and program/career advising. With degrees in Anthropology, Sherri supports teacher education and advocacy for equality, inclusion, and disability support systems with a cultural perspective. Her daughter Payton is an in-utero stroke survivor with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Payton is active in adaptive sports and is a senior in the Friendship Fields Academy program at Friends University. Supported decision-making is their family’s plan for all matters related to Payton’s education, health, employment, and financial well-being.
Kelly Israel
Kelly Israel is a committed autistic policy advocate with nine years of experience working towards health and societal equity for people with disabilities. She works as Deputy Director for Not Dead Yet, an organization which opposes assisted suicide, euthanasia and the devaluing of disabled lives. Kelly Israel previously worked as the coordinator for the National Coalition on Accessible Voting (NCAV), which advanced voting rights accessibility for people with disabilities. Kelly Israel also worked as a Policy Analyst for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. She substantially advanced ASAN’s advocacy on education, value assessment and its relationship to health care access, supported decision-making, and the over-criminalization of people with developmental disabilities. She is the primary drafter of an upcoming resource designed to help people with disabilities learn about aging and the resources available to them as they age. Kelly is also an attorney and graduate of American University, Washington College of Law.
Hannah Kenney
Hannah Kenney is a Mixed Abilities teacher at Eisenhower High School in Goddard, Kansas. She is also the sponsor for Circle of Friends at Eisenhower High School. This is her 6th year teaching Mixed Abilities in the Goddard School District. She has a Master's Degree in Low Incidence Special Education from Wichita State University. She started her career as a special education para, and enjoys working with students with special and unique needs!
Tami Allen
A parent of a young man with special needs who lives independently in the community. Tami has navigated community resources effectively to make sure her son has the quality life that he chooses. She uses her personal experiences to support families who are walking the same path she has been on. Tami believes that all families have the right to pursue their vision for a good life and considers herself a voice for their goals. She is the Co-Executive Director of Families Together Inc. and Project Director for the Family-to-Family Health Information Center with 38+ years of experience in the disability field and special education law as well as children/youth with special health care needs. She has expertise in directing projects and activities that support the mission of family engagement, non-profit budgets, and is a member of many state and national advisory boards. Tami and her husband Terry have a combined family of 8 children and 9 grandchildren. They are originally from Garden City. Their son Skylar is 44 and is a young adult with special health care needs including cerebral palsy. Tami has been instrumental in the support development of his health care plan and independent living services to better support his endeavor in self-directing his life and needed services as well as living and working independently. Among Tami’s areas of expertise is transition from school to adult services, employment and Independent Living, advocacy and policy making, as well as parent and family engagement within the community. She is also a strong advocate for Supported Decision Making and Family Centered Health Care. She is also a LifeCourse Ambassador and Coach.
Lola Kernell
Lola Kernell is the Advocacy Coordinator for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD), where she leads advocacy initiatives and statewide outreach efforts that empower self-advocates and strengthen disability advocacy across Kansas. As a self-advocate with Down syndrome, Lola is passionate about helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have their voices heard and become active leaders in their communities. Since joining KCDD in November 2023, Lola has helped lead several major initiatives, including the Change Agent Program, the Annual Self-Advocacy Day at the Capitol, and the SPEAK Up! Conference. She also provides Advocacy 101 trainings for self-advocates, families, and caregivers, and helped support the development of KCDD’s Advocacy Action Alert System to increase civic engagement and advocacy across the state. Lola has provided testimony and advocacy on disability rights legislation and currently leads a statewide workgroup focused on developing and distributing hopeful, accurate, and up-to-date prenatal and postnatal diagnosis resources for families across Kansas.
Oliver Reid Lair
Oliver Reid Lair is a Kansas-based artist and disability advocate. He worked on the SPEAK UP! Video series project team with KCDD last year, and attends the Kansas City Art Institute. Oliver Reid was born with Autism Spectrum disorder, among other disabilities. He turned to art as a form of advocacy due to hardship and to be a voice for his younger and current self, as well as other disabled individuals. With art having been in multiple gallery shows and a continuous lifetime of advocacy, Oliver Reid creates physical pieces of hope, thoughts, and emotions. Drawing inspiration from the love of what makes us human, nature, and life as a disabled person. He aims to encourage enthusiastic inclusion of individuals with disabilities and the importance of listening and learning from self-advocates. Creating through his story, thoughts of accessibility, and the natural world that constantly strings itself together with our present. Art is ultimately Oliver Reid’s way of weaving life together to form something whole. It is an act of resilience, a communicative device, and above all, a way to keep moving forward.
Gary Lasley
Gary Lasley joined the University of Kansas – School of Social Welfare (KUSSW) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in November of 2020. He currently holds the position of Associate Director of Practicum Education. In this role, he assists 100+ BSW and MSW-level students in identifying practicum education sites to fulfill their program requirements, establishes partnerships with social service agencies across the state and country, and instructs social work courses, among other assigned duties. In addition to his work at KUSSW, Gary has spent just under a decade working with youth who have been diagnosed with a neurodivergent disorder in both a residential setting and outpatient practice. He is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and dyadic developmental psychotherapy approaches. Prior to joining KUSSW, Gary spent over two decades working with youth who had been placed in psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF). He held roles ranging from medical records assistant, direct care staff, intake assessment coordinator to acute hospital therapist. He received training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and dyadic developmental psychotherapy. Gary grew up on the north side of St. Louis, MO where he attended Vashon High School. He received an undergraduate degree from Lincoln University, a HBCU located in Jefferson City, MO. He later attended the University of Kansas, where he received a Master of Social Welfare in 2014. He is the father of twin boys, Donovan & Dawson, and legal guardian of a great-nephew, Zeryan.
Jeannette Livingston
Jeannette Livingston serves as Deputy Director of the Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization (SCDDO), within Sedgwick County’s Department of Aging and Disabilities. In this role, she helps lead the county’s entry point to services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), working with a network of more than 50 community service providers to support inclusive, person-centered opportunities for people with IDD to live fulfilling lives in their communities.
Jeannette is currently partnering with the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities to help address gaps in appropriate mental health resources for people with IDD through the implementation of an evidence-based model in Kansas. Her work reflects a strong commitment to cross-sector collaboration, system improvement, and equitable access to services. Outside of her professional role, Jeannette volunteers through her church and serves as treasurer of the Sedgwick County Animal Response Team. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University and remains a proud Shocker fan.
Corby Lockwood
Corby serves as the I/DD Waiver Program Manager at KDADS, having joined the agency in 2023. Holding a BA in psychology, she brings nearly two decades of experience working alongside individuals with disabilities and their families. As a Deaf individual who has navigated her own obstacles and barriers throughout life, Corby is deeply passionate about serving individuals from all walks of life. Corby’s career encompasses a wide range of frontline and leadership roles, including her previous work with Program Integrity & Compliance (PIC) at KDADS, and various positions within I/DD Community Support Providers—spanning Direct Support, recruitment, training, compliance, Targeted Case Management, and Director of Case Management. Additionally, her background includes serving as a Transition Age Youth Wraparound Facilitator and Targeted Case Manager for a CMHC, a Personal Care Attendant on the I/DD waiver, and a transition-age youth paraeducator, life skills coach, and job coach. Outside of work, Corby enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and embracing lake life in her local community.
Liz Long
Experienced policy and data analyst with a background in government administration, public policy, and program management. Holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. With over 28 years of experience working with people with disabilities, Liz brings deep expertise in systems navigation, including Medicaid buy-in programs, employment supports, Home and Community Based Services, quality assurance, licensing, and statewide training across seven waivers. Her experience spans direct care, foster parenting, and roles within the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in MCO Quality and Data Analytics. Passionate about connecting programs and systems, she is committed to advancing self-advocacy, independence, and reducing the risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working Healthy, a Medicaid Buy-In program for people with disabilities to work and maintain benefits, Program Focus: It enables individuals with disabilities to earn more income and accumulate assets without losing their medical coverage Administration: The program is administered through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment- Dept of Health Care Finance.
Jonathan Martinis
Jonathan Martinis is the founder of Jonathan Gerald Martinis, LLC. He specializes in helping older adults and people with disabilities access the services and supports they need to lead their best, most independent lives. In 2013, Jonathan represented Margaret “Jenny” Hatch in the “Justice for Jenny” case – the first trial to hold that a person has the right to use Supported Decision-Making to make her own life choices instead of being subjected to a permanent, plenary guardianship. Since then, Jonathan has led SDM projects across the United States. Jonathan has educated tens of thousands of older adults, people with disabilities, families, and professionals across the country on SDM theory and practice. Jonathan has written or co-written over 60 publications on SDM, including the first textbook and first theory-to-practice guidebook on the subject.
Allyson McCain
Allyson serves as the Deputy Director and Director of the KCDD Health Equity and Outcomes Coalition. She has always been passionate about serving people with disabilities and was previously the Executive Director at GiGi's Playhouse Annapolis, where she was proud to serve the Down syndrome community in the greater DC, Maryland, Virginia area. In the past, she has worked as an in-home caregiver to a young woman with Autism and volunteered as an art therapy instructor for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her goal is to help eliminate the barriers that people with different abilities face in pursuing their dreams and living a full life. She is especially concerned with health equality and representation in medical research for people living with a disability. She received her Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Mississippi and her Master's Degree in Public Policy and Administration from American University in DC. Allyson is beyond grateful to be a part of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities community and hopes to elevate the council’s mission of bringing equitable healthcare to all Kansans with disabilities.
Daniel McLean
Daniel McLean is a versatile and talented multidisciplinary artist who views his art as a powerful tool to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and facilitate change. Daniel discovered early in life that art could be a powerful form of communication and self-expression, creating his first sculpture at age four. He has spent over three decades developing his artistic voice through a wide range of media, including wood, metal, clay, acrylic, watercolor, and textiles. Through his art, Daniel shares his passion for social justice, disability advocacy, and nature. His art mirrors the complexities of human experience, with a focus on resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of a more equitable society. He seeks to spark conversation and promote greater understanding and inclusion. Daniel studied sculpture, ceramics, and metalsmithing through the Fine Arts Department at Johnson County Community College and received additional training in ceramics and woodworking through private instruction at Pi Ceramics. He also participated in artist residencies in San Luis, Colorado, and Amalia, New Mexico, where he trained with sculptor Huberto Maestas and painter Randy Pijoan. Since 2018, Daniel has been a resident artist at the Johnson County Developmental Supports Emerging Artists Studio in Overland Park, Kansas. In addition to creating art, he advocates at the local and state levels for disability rights and is a voice for artists with disabilities. He believes art can challenge assumptions and create meaningful change in communities.
Amanda Myers
Amanda is a Certified Employment Support Professional who joined Down Syndrome Innovations in April 2021. She has more than a decade of experience supporting individuals with special needs and is the Director of Employment Services at DSI.
Amanda’s experience offers our adult participants a specialized focus on gaining vocational skills that will help them obtain their individual employment goals. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies with an emphasis in Counseling from Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, KS.
She began her career working with families at a Community Mental Health Center in Manhattan, KS, where she was awarded Employee of the Year. Following this, she relocated to Vancouver, Canada, where she worked as an Employment Specialist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She then moved back home to Kansas to build out our employment program at Down Syndrome Innovations.
Kasey Nickel
My name is Kasey Nickel, and I have cerebral palsy hemiplegia from a stroke at birth. I attended the United States Paralympic Trials in 2021 and 2024, and I am the current United States Record Holder for shot put and discus. I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor's in Film and a minor in Creative Writing in 2025. I received the Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Work in American Sign Language 2024 and 2025. I pride myself on screenwriting and directing films about disabilities, American Sign Language, and people who want to see themselves properly represented on the big screen. In my free time, I write short stories and screenplays for future films. For a little extra spark of inspiration, I write fan-fiction of my favorite characters I see throughout film and television shows.
Beth Orth-Voegeli
Beth Orth-Voegeli is the Program Manager of Greater Expectations at the Independent Living Resource Center. She holds a Master's degree in Special Education and has more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Beth is passionate about helping neurodivergent individuals achieve their vision of a good life through education, advocacy, and person-centered support. As the mother of two children with autism, she brings valuable lived experience that complements her professional expertise. Her unique perspective makes her a compassionate mentor, advocate, and trusted resource for the individuals and families she serves.
Karey Padding
Karey Padding is a passionate nonprofit executive and advocate dedicated to improving outcomes for children, families, and communities across Kansas. As Executive Director of the Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Kansas Pediatric Foundation, she partners with pediatric leaders, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders to advance child health and well-being. With a career spanning nonprofit leadership, healthcare, advocacy, and care coordination, Karey has led initiatives that strengthen organizations, expand access to services, and promote meaningful systems change. Her experience includes executive leadership at The Treehouse, Inc. and leadership roles with Aetna Better Health of Kansas and Ascension Via Christi. A respected advocate at both the state and national levels, Karey has served as Chairwoman of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, Past Board Chair and Advocacy Chair for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Heart of America Chapter, and a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s National Newborn Screening Steering Committee. She also contributed to the 2025 consensus guideline on cystic fibrosis newborn screening published in the International Journal of Neonatal Screening. Karey holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas and dual Bachelor of Science degrees from Kansas State University. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a graduate of Leadership Wichita (Class of 2024). As a parent advocate for a child with autism and cystic fibrosis, who is nonverbal and on the IDD waiver waitlist, as well as triplets, her advocacy is deeply personal and continues to drive her commitment to equity, inclusion, and empowering individuals and families to thrive.
Amanda Ramirez
Amanda Ramirez is a Wichita, Kansas native and a dedicated leader and advocate with 27 years of experience in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for meaningful growth and inclusion. Amanda currently serves as the Director of the largest external Targeted Case Management program in the state of Kansas, where she leads with compassion, innovation, and a strong commitment to person-centered support. Known for authentic leadership and a heart for service, Amanda brings valuable insight, real-world experience, and a powerful voice for advocacy to every conversation. As a panelist at the 3rd Annual SPEAK Up Conference, Amanda looks forward to sharing perspectives that inspire connection, leadership, and positive change.
Amy Schmierbach
Amy Schmierbach is a parent of a son with autism, an artist, instructor, and advocate. Her primary goal in art and education is to empower others through artmaking and assist individuals in visually communicating their ideas in the studio, classroom, and community. Inspired by her son with autism and the need to create more accessible, empathetic, and safe environments for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Amy has developed community-engaged art programs that connect her college students with individuals with disabilities. Amy is a Professor of Art at Fort Hays State University.
Skylar Schwindt
Skylar Schwindt is the office specialist for Families Together Inc. He has also been an Avon Representative for over 10 years. He enjoys volunteering in many ways. He is a Firsthand Man for the Kansas Miss Amazing Event, has enjoyed being a bell ringer for Salvation Army and is a Mentor for the GILA Program which supports individuals who want to transition into living on their own. He also serves on the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, Kansas Assistive Technology Advisory Board and KUCDD Consumer Advisory Council. He has been chosen as a national participant for the Design the Future Program and received the 2023 Peter John Loux award by Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation.
Skylar is a self-determined self-advocate who enjoys living on his own and uses Supported Decision-Making to help him make the best choices for his Good Life.
Megan Shepard
Megan Shepard (she/her/hers) has worked for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services since May 2022 and currently holds the position of Policy and Program Oversight Director for Long-Term Services and Supports. Her previous work experience includes non-profit work at a Poverty-Fighting organization and Gender-Based Violence Coalition. She has worked for over 10 years within various Kansas state agencies, including the Kansas Department of Children and Families and the Kansas Department of Corrections. Megan is a lifelong resident of Kansas and strives to make her state a better place for all individuals.
Stephanie Swanson
Stephanie Swanson is a disability advocate, nonprofit leader, and entrepreneur focused on expanding sustainable work opportunities for people with chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence. She has a background in Biosystems Engineering, healthcare technology, project management, and community development. Through The Empower Network, Stephanie works to increase access to entrepreneurship education, flexible work pathways, and professional connection for disabled individuals who have been pushed out of traditional employment. As an ambulatory wheelchair user with an adult-onset disability, Stephanie brings both professional and personal experience to conversations around disability, accessibility, navigating systems, and sustainable employment - focusing on practical solutions, accessibility-first community building, and creating spaces where disabled people can participate fully without having to separate productivity from their health.
CJ Vallejo
CJ Vallejo is on the Down Syndrome Innovations Lifespan Services Leadership Team and a lead collaborator with KCDD on the annual Speak Up! conference. As the Family and Outreach Coordinator, he leads DSI’s Caregiver Education initiatives and serves as the frontline point of contact for families who have loved ones with Down syndrome, providing guidance, resources, referrals, and ongoing support. CJ holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Benedictine College and a master’s in special education from Fort Hays State University. His background reflects a unique blend of strong communication skills and a deep understanding of inclusion and advocacy
Elizabeth VanVleck
Elizabeth “Beth” Van Vleck, serves as the Deputy Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Policies and Procedures with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), Rehabilitation Services. She has 19 years of experience with DCF, serving in a variety of roles including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and multiple management and leadership positions. Throughout her career, Beth has focused on strengthening services for individuals with disabilities through policy development, quality assurance, federal compliance, staff training, and program improvement. She is passionate about supporting staff, strengthening partnerships, and creating meaningful opportunities that help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment and independence goals.
Elizabeth Varelman
Elizabeth Jane Varelman is a disabled artist, self-advocate, and founder of the AbilityArtz Foundation. Her work cuts through the idea that art should just be a passive visual display, turning it instead into a tool for advocacy and accessibility education through creativity. Building a platform where artists with disabilities can claim full ownership of their work, challenge existing barriers, and push our communities past performative awareness toward genuine inclusion.
Sara Hart Weir
Sara is a national nonprofit executive, disability policy expert, and a proud Kansan. She is the former President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), where, during her tenure at NDSS, she led the passage of the landmark, bipartisan Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014 (P.L.113-295). The legislation garnered the support of 85% of the entire US Congress in 2014 (381 of 435 US Representatives and 78 of 100 US Senators). Weir also supported a majority of the enactment of ABLE state laws, assisted with over 40 state ABLE plan launches as well as led advocacy campaigns on two important provisions in the 2017 Tax Reform Package, including the ABLE to Work Act and the ABLE Financial Planning Act. Weir's life has been about leading differently, serving others, and delivering results with the leadership philosophy of "if you're not at the table, you are on the menu". Sara deploys an “in the trenches” leadership style by engaging directly with constituents - in local communities, in the classroom, on the job site or around kitchen tables. Weir’s passion for “giving a voice to the voiceless” was inspired by Kasey, her late best friend of twenty years from Kansas who had Down Syndrome. Sara quickly realized that the disability community did not have high-powered lobbyists, wealthy corporations or influential political action committees working for them - they relied on the strength of passionate voices outside the political spectrum who were willing to speak up for them. Weir went on to change that, and dedicated her career and service to allow everyone to have a fair shot at the “American Dream” by promoting solutions that give all Americans with disabilities access to a better life. Weir established the first-ever national employment program for the Down Syndrome community, the #DSWORKS® Program, which partnered with companies, from Main Street to Wall Street, to create career opportunities for people with disabilities. Weir also co-founded The U.S. Future of Work For People with Disabilities Commission," - Tapping People with Disabilities who are Ready, Willing and ABLE to Work with fellow CEOs from Voya Financial and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and continues to be called upon by employers to help build successful employment and workforce development programs across the country. Most recently, Weir served as a senior advisor to Missouri’s Department of Health & Senior Services on disability inclusion throughout its COVID-19 plan and response and co-chaired the state’s health equity committee. Weir was also the primary runner-up for U.S. Congress in Kansas' Third Congressional district in 2020. Weir has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Leadership from Westminster College, a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College and and a certificate of completion from the Emerging Leaders Program of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Weir has been featured in USA Today, NY Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, The Washington Post, CNN, Fox News, The Hill, Money Magazine, Al Jazeera, and many others.
Hillary Zwetzig
Hillary is currently the Director of Education and Outreach for Mental Health America South Central KS. In this position she educates and trains those in Sedgwick County in basic mental health skills as well as spearheads efforts to increase awareness of mental wellness. Hillary is passionate about creating a community wide understanding of mental health and its connection to physical health and overall success. She has a background in education, special education, mediation, spirituality, exercise science, communication, and counseling. She is a wife, mother, coach, and community advocate.
FAQs about the SPEAK Up! Conference
Where am I supposed to park for this event?
Overnight Hotel Guests: Overnight hotel guests are able to park in the covered and gated parking garage attached to the hotel located off Waco street. Guests room keys will get you in and out of the garage. It is important to check into your guest room first, before pulling into the garage. Overnight parking is $14/car.
Day Use Hotel Guests: KCDD will be covering the cost of day parking.
Bus & Trailer Parking: Bus and trailer parking is available in the lot north of the hotel off 1 st & Waco street. North lot parking isavailable for purchase at https://parkmobile.io/ and pricing starts at $20/space/day, Zone #99257. Hotel
assumes no liability if bus and trailer parking is not purchased and paid for by guest.
There is one (1) complimentary bus parking spot at the corner of Douglas & Waco available first come, first served.
Will the accommodations I requested be readily available to me?
Yes, they will. All accommodation requests will be submitted on the registration form HERE by September 15, 2026, and travel assistance/scholarship requests will be submitted on this form HERE by August 15, 2026.
Do I need to buy a ticket to attend this conference?
No, this is a FREE event, but you must be registered to attend. All families, caregivers, professionals, and self-advocates are welcome!