The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with Down Syndrome Innovations, is proud to host the 2nd Annual SPEAK Up! (Self-Advocates Promoting Empowerment and Access in Kansas) conference — a free event designed for self-advocates and caregivers on Saturday, November 8th from 8 AM to 3 PM.
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 📅
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time 🕒
8 am - 3 pm
Venue 🏨
KU Edwards Campus
12600 S Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213
Conference Overview
There will be two tracks – a self-advocate track led by Lola Kernell and a parent/caregiver track led by DSI.
The day will begin with a kick-off welcome keynote for self-advocates and caregivers!
Self-Advocate Track:
How to Ask for Accommodations in the Workplace and School Using Your Advocacy Panel, Art as Advocacy
If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!
Goal Setting and Storytelling Workshop
Healthy Living & Self-Care Time
& an Ideas Workshop.
Parent/Caregiver Track:
Understanding & Navigating Federal & State Benefits for Kansans with IDD Training
Planning a Successful Life Care & Financial Plan for Your Family Training
Supported Decision-Making: From Justice for Jenny to Justice for All
& Caregiver Resiliency & Mental Health 101.
The day will wrap up with everyone coming together for “How to SPEAK Up: Empowering our IDD Community Panel” with the viewing of our SPEAK Up! Video series.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and SPEAK Up! for a more inclusive future!
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
Conference Agenda
Registration
Welcome Remarks
[Auditorium]
Sarah Mai, Executive Director and Council Member, Down Syndrome Innovations & Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Self Advocate Track
Panel - How to Ask for Accommodations in the Workplace and School Using Your Advocacy [Classroom 165 Regnier]
Amanda Myers, Director of Employment Services, DSI
Anthony Fadale, ADA Coordinator, State of Kansas
Ricky Hernandez, Council Member and Self-advocate, KCDD
Panel - Art as Advocacy [Classroom 163 Regnier]
Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator, KCDD (Moderator)
Fran Sillau, Executive Director, Circle Theater of Omaha
Oliver Lair, Self-advocate and Lead Interviewer for the SPEAK Up! Docuseries, KCDD
Loren Wendleberg, local actor and UMKC Conservatory graduate
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Self Advocate Track
If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It! – Employment Journey [Classroom 165 Regnier]
Jason Crippen, Transition Advisor & Founder, Whats Next?! Disability Employment Services & USD 265 (Moderator)
Hank Wolf, Super Scooper and Self-advocate, The Golden Scoop
Max Crawford, Founder and Self-advocate, Max Mix
Jen Benkert, Self-advocate and Freelance Residential Leasing Consultant
Jason Barrett, Self-advocate, SACK
Goal Setting and Storytelling Workshop – Making Life Magical [Classroom 163 Regnier]
Cody Clark, Professional Magician and Autistic Self-advocate, Cody Clark Magic
Parent/Caregiver Track
Understanding & Navigating Federal & State Benefits for Kansans with IDD [Auditorium]
Sarah Otto, Executive and Managing Director, Targeted Case Management of Kansas (Moderator)
Amanda George, LifeCourse Nexus LTSS Director, UMKC
Commissioner Michele Heydon, LTSS Commissioner, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
Parent/Caregiver Track
Planning a Successful Life Care & Financial Plan for Your Family - Financial, Legal & Transition [Auditorium]
Kacy Seitz, Wealth Management Advisor, Whole Story Planning/Northwestern Mutual (Moderator)
Tom Treacy, Deputy State Treasurer/KS ABLE Program, State of Kansas
Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director, KCDD
Ryan Foley, LLC Founding Attorney, KC Estate & Special Needs Planning
10:50 AM - 11:15 AM
Vendor Exhibits & Networking Break
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Self Advocate Track
Healthy Living & Self-Care [Classroom 165 Regnier]
Allyson McCain, Deputy Director, KCDD (Moderator)
Halie Strickler, AAC Services Coordinator, Self-advocate, and Zumba instructor, TechOWL & DanceFit21
Jessie Danon, Occupational Therapist OTR/L, RYT, KUMC
Jack Fuller, Self-advocate
Scott Quaife, Health & Wellness Coordinator, DSI
Parent/Caregiver Track
Supported Decision-Making: From Justice for Jenny to Justice for All! [Auditorium]
Jonathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy, The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
[Lunch - 163 & 165 Regnier Classrooms]
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Self Advocate Track
Ideas Workshop [Classroom 165 Regnier]
with Lola Kernell, Self-advocate and Advocacy Coordinator, KCDD & Allyson McCain, Deputy Director, KCDD
Parent/Caregiver Track
Caregiver Resiliency & Mental Health [Auditorium]
Amy Bodde, Research Assistant Professor, Physical Activity & Weight Management, KUMC (Moderator)
Megan DeBoom, Director of Therapeutic Services, DSI
Whit Downing, Self-advocate and VP of Policy & Programming, KCDD
2:00 - 2:50 PM
How to Speak Up! – Empowering our IDD Community to Advocate for Action in Kansas & Beyond
[Auditorium]
3:00 PM
Conference Wrap Up
Networking/Golden Scoop Ice Cream
Speaker Bios
Jason Barrett
Jason Barrett is a passionate disability self-advocate and the owner of Custom Wood Design, a small wood-burning business he launched in 2022. Living with an intellectual disability and mood disorders, Jason uses his lived experience to challenge stigma, promote inclusion, and inspire others to see the strengths and talents of people with disabilities. As a successful entrepreneur, Jason is proof that individuals with disabilities can lead, thrive, and create a lasting impact.
Jen Benkert
Jen Benkert (They/Them) I am absolutely pumped to be a part of Speak Up! I have a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Theatre performance from Stephens College. I gave corporate life a try and realized it was not the place for me to thrive. Since then, my days are filled to the brim with any number of jobs. My resume includes: my own small business in residential property leasing, a professional theatre actor and teacher, and even an antique reseller! I manage a catalog of almost 400 doors for leasing across the greater Metro area. My goal is to HOUSE PEOPLE! As an actor and teacher, I've worked with theatres across Kansas City like The Coterie Theatre, Starlight Theatre, Black Box Theatre, and Arts Asylum. You can find my Antique store on Etsy, Instagram, or a pop-up, under Old Boi Antiques! I am passionate about empowering myself, other people, and support systems, to carve out a job that works for our dynamic lives and disabilities. Thanks Lola for being my friend and this opportunity!
Amy Bodde, PhD, MPH
Amy Bodde, PhD, MPH, is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Department of Internal Medicine. Her research focuses on improving health and quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers through physical activity, social support, and community-engaged interventions. Current projects include CareWell, a caregiver resilience program designed to increase social support and reduce stress in caregivers of people with intellectual disability, and RDAD-DS, an adapted physical activity and dementia caregiving intervention for individuals aging with Down syndrome and their caregivers. RDAD-DS will deliver a remote functional exercise program for older adults with Down syndrome and will provide training for their caregivers in the management of neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Dr. Bodde’s work builds on community partnerships to ensure that the research is relevant and inclusive of perspectives of self-advocates, families, and community stakeholders.
Max Crawford
What started out as making spice rubs as gifts for family and friends formally launched as Max Mix Gourmet Spice Blends in November 2024. Founder, Max Crawford, is 20 years old and has big passions and dreams, including living independently and going to college. In addition to wanting a fun, meaningful job, Max loves sports, music, video games, and earned a Black Belt in Taekwondo. One of Max’s attributes is Down syndrome. The dream is to promote and elevate entrepreneurship for individuals with all abilities. Max Mix is a family project. Max’s sister, Maggy, is a marketing professional and manages the Max Mix website, social media channels, and provides expertise in copywriting and design. Rod, Max’s Dad, provides expertise in sales and distribution and wrote the business plan. Pam, Max’s Mom, provides expertise in marketing, public relations, and brand building. The family is originally from Kansas City. Rod, Max, and Pam currently live in the St. Louis area and Maggy resides in Kansas City.
Cody Clark
Cody Clark is a professional magician/autistic self-advocate from Louisville, KY. He shares his magic shows and talks for audiences ranging from public library patrons, K-12 students, college students, educators, and corporate employees how autism makes him see the world differently and that he and others with autism have similar life goals and desires like anyone else. His mission is to help people realize that differences like autism are nothing to be scared of - but rather a different way of thinking. His past clients include major universities like the University of Kentucky and Ohio State University, corporations like Energizer Batteries, Domino’s Pizza, and Delta Faucet Company, and he’s even testified for the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee!
Jason Crippen (Moderator)
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.
Jessie Danon, MOT, OTR/L, RYT
Jessie earned a bachelor's degree in applied behavioral science and a master’s degree in occupational therapy, from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas Medical Center, respectively. She is a registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, specializing in adaptive yoga, and is certified as an Autism Exercise Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine.
Currently, Jessie serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In this role, she coordinates research studies that focus on physical activity and nutritional interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Jessie is deeply committed to translating research into practice and plays a key role in developing and implementing community-based programs through the Community Health Improvement Program in Intellectual Disabilities (CHIP-ID) at KUMC. These initiatives include physical activity and healthy cooking programs designed to promote wellness and independence.
Her research explores how scaffolded skill-building approaches, grounded in self-determination principles, can empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead healthier, more independent lives. In her free time, Jessie enjoys outdoor adventures with her friends and family, cooking, practicing yoga, gardening, hand embroidery, and reading.
Megan DeBoom, BCBA, LBA
Megan DeBoom has been at Down Syndrome Innovations since 2019. She currently focuses on emotional regulation, challenging behavior, and caregiver support. Megan is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and has been in the field of applied behavior analysis since 2011, working in a variety of settings, including schools, homes, and community-based clinics. She recently became a certified Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator and holds certification as a sexuality educator for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Megan leads a multidisciplinary team in supporting individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan. When not at work, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and practicing yoga.
Whit Downing
Whit Downing is the Vice President of Policy and Programming for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD). An autistic woman and mental health advocate, Whit brings lived experience to her work advancing policy, systems change, and inclusion for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She leads advocacy initiatives, testifies before the Legislature, and supports programs such as the We All Matter peer mental health group. Whit also serves on the board of the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy and is a graduate of the LEND program.
Anthony Fadale
Anthony Fadale became State ADA Coordinator in 1997. In this capacity he ensures that the State of Kansas is compliant with the ADA and State accessibility requirements. Prior to his current job, Anthony worked for Senate Republican Leader Bob Dole of Kansas on issues involving disability, Mental Health, and Aging. He graduated from Washburn University with a B.A. in 1992 and a J.D. From Washburn School of Law in 1995.
Mr. Fadale is an expert in both State and Federal Court on ADA issues. He has also made ADA presentations at many State Conferences. Mr. Fadale has participated and worked with our Federal Partners among them the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He was considered for nomination by the President in 2008 to the U.S. Access Board in 2008. In 2010 attended the 20th Anniversary celebration at the White House. In Lane v. Tennessee, Mr. Fadale has assisted in the development of legal arguments presented before the U.S. Supreme Court around the ADA.
His proudest accomplishment is being an Uncle to his niece and nephew.
Ryan Foley, J.D.
Ryan Foley is an attorney with seven years of experience who focuses on estate planning and probate law, with a heart for working with special needs families. He is dedicated to helping individuals and families secure their legacies and continues to passionately pursue training in special needs planning. Ryan strives to bring a compassionate and personalized approach to every client interaction.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ryan finds fulfillment in his role as a devoted husband and father, and through volunteering at his church. He cherishes the time spent with his family and understands the importance of safeguarding their future. Ryan enjoys the company of his beloved dog, Pippin, who you can meet at his office. Ryan also enjoys immersing himself in literature and playing tabletop games with friends.
Jack Fuller
Jack is a dedicated participant in the CONNECT program at Johnson County Community College, where he continues to grow his skills and independence. He is an enthusiastic athlete who takes part in Special Olympics and YMCA Challenger sports, showing his love for competition and teamwork. He was proud to represent the USA at the leadership academy during the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. Jack also works as a greeter for the Kansas City Chiefs, proudly welcoming fans on game day. His passion for sports shines through in everything he does.
Amanda George, M.Ed.
Amanda George brings a decades-long passion and purpose to her role as the Long Term Supports and Services (LTSS) Director for the LifeCourse Nexus. Her journey in disability advocacy began during her college years when she started working with the local Arc, an experience that transformed her understanding of social justice and ignited a profound commitment to creating meaningful change. Over the past 35 years, she has traversed nearly every landscape of the LTSS system – from providing direct support to individuals with disabilities to serving in critical roles like service coordination, quality assurance, and county board leadership. Today, she is driven by a vision of transformation, focusing on integrating Charting the LifeCourse Principles by bringing together people, families, organizations, and state systems to develop person-centered supports that don’t just serve, but truly empower individuals to lead fulfilling, self-determined lives.
Commissioner Michele Heydon
KDADS LTSS Commissioner Michele Heydon has worked in the field of I/DD for over 30 years. She has served as LTSS Commissioner for almost three years. Michele is devoted to serving Kansans with I/DD and all disabilities and welcomes opportunities to engage with stakeholders on issues they find most important.
Ricky Hernandez
Ricardo J. Hernandez is a passionate advocate, entrepreneur, and featured speaker committed to enhancing independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a lifelong self-advocate and a communications graduate, he brings a powerful blend of personal experience and professional expertise to his 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 creating programs that improve a person's independence.
Through his current work, Ricardo directly addresses critical socioeconomic barriers, founding Transportation For United People LLC to provide accessible mobility services and the non-profit Producer Of Peace Institute to reduce unaffordable transportation costs. 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.
Lola Kernell
Lola Kernell has served as the Advocacy Coordinator for KCDD since November 2023. She is living her dream by working at KCDD. In her role, Kernell leads the advocacy and grassroots initiatives for the statewide organization, including KCDD’s Change Agent Program and KCDD’s Annual Day at the Capitol. She also regularly provides advocacy training sessions for self-advocates, families, and caregivers.
Most recently, Lola led the passage of the Prenatal & Postnatal Diagnosis Information Act (HB 2307), which passed unanimously in both the Kansas House and Senate and was signed by the Governor in the spring of 2025. This law ensures that parents and medical professionals receive accurate, up-to-date information about a child’s disability. Following the bill's passage, Lola is leading a new diverse statewide workgroup to develop and distribute those important materials.
Kernell is also a student at Johnson County Community College (JCCC), studying Communications and French. Outside of her advocacy work, Lola enjoys performing in local theater productions and serves as a lector and altar server at her church.
Lola also works part-time for the Royals and the Chiefs through the Down Syndrome Innovations program. She has also gained valuable work experience with Nautical Manufacturing and Fulfillment as part of the Down Syndrome Innovations ACE program. Lola is a peacemaker, is friendly and outgoing, and loves public speaking and being an advocate for others. She has strong technical and computer skills and brings energy and purpose to her work.
Oliver Reid Lair
Oliver Reid Lair is a Kansas-based artist and disability advocate. He currently works on the SPEAK UP! Video series project team with KCDD, 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.
Sarah Mai
Sarah Mai is the Executive Director at Down Syndrome Innovations, a regional 501(c)(3) not-for-profit based in Mission, KS, which provides life-changing support and services that enable people with Down syndrome to live to their fullest potential. She oversees all aspects of DSI’s educational and therapeutic services that serve people with Down syndrome, and their families, across the lifespan. Sarah is a proven leader at designing and leading the implementation of new, innovative services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) of all ages, and their families. These services have benefited thousands of people over the years throughout the region and beyond, through virtual offerings in rural communities locally and nationally. She is a strong advocate for best-practice services; research and data collection; and policy for people with ID/DD. With over 25 years of supporting people of all ages with ID/DD in the community- and school-based practice, Sarah has also served in several nonprofit leadership roles in the Kansas City region. Sarah is a Board Certified Occupational Therapist and she serves as a committed mentor of professionals in this field.
Jonathan Martinis, J.D.
Jonathan Martinis is the Senior Director for Law and Policy for the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, leading its efforts to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to lead independent, inclusive 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 in New York, Nebraska, Ohio, California, Virginia, Vermont, Missouri, and Kansas. He has also educated and trained 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 Masters 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.
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.
Sarah Otto
Sarah Otto has more than 20 years of experience working alongside individuals with disabilities and special needs. She began her career as a special education teacher in public schools across Kansas and Missouri before discovering her true passion in service as a Targeted Case Manager. For the past nine years, she has dedicated her work to supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Johnson County, Kansas.
Sarah holds a B.S. in Special Education and an M.Ed. in Education from the University of Maryland, as well as a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management from Keller School of Management.
Kacy Seitz
Special needs parent and mom to Hudsyn, her daughter who has complex medical needs, Kacy is a Wealth Management Advisor in Kansas City. After six years in the financial services industry,
She opened her practice with Northwestern Mutual in 2013 because she had difficulty finding good, sound advice from a variety of financial advisors who could help her develop a solid plan for her daughter. Her purpose in life is to awaken understanding and help others become empathetically aware of people with disabilities. She focuses on helping special needs families who have a term-dependent with proper financial planning throughout their lifetimes. Her book, “It Just Depends on How You Handle Things,” features the story of their journey with Hudsyn and is available on Amazon.
Her husband, Dan, is a stay-at-home dad who cares for their two children and has a YouTube channel documenting the daily life of a special needs dad, called “See The Seitz.” Whether a family has substantial means or a few assets, it is critical to take time to develop and implement a holistic plan. There are unique circumstances along with many decisions to be made that can have a profound impact on a child’s quality of life while caregivers are living, and after they’re gone. A proper special needs plan can help avoid common mistakes and oversights that could jeopardize the lifetime support of a person with disabilities.
Whole Story Planning serves over 600 special needs families in 35 states.
Children’s Mercy Hospital, Beacon Complex Care Clinic Patient & Family Advisory Board Chair, and a variety of other parent mentor positions held since 2014. She was named the hospital’s volunteer of the month for December 2020.
Regular presenter and educator on special needs financial planning for: Kansas City Special Needs Ministry Network, Archdiocese of Kansas and Missouri, National Center on Deaf-Blindness & the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired, Down Syndrome Innovations, International Rett Syndrome Foundation, Batten Disease Support & Research Foundation, and many others!
Fran Sillau
Fran Sillau is beginning his tenth season as Executive Artistic Director of Circle Theatre, Omaha’s theater for individuals of all abilities. Under his leadership, the Circle co-commissioned My Broken Doll, a TYA play based on the life of holocaust survivor Beatrice Karp, adapted by Ernie Nolan, and Over the River, a play about friendship by Ellen Struve. Both plays recently toured the state of Nebraska. In December of 2016, Sillau directed a regional premiere of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This production incorporated American Sign Language, shadow interpreting, audio description, as well as actors with various physical and developmental disabilities. He is also currently developing new original TYA works for the Institute for Holocaust Education and the Great Plains office of the Anti-Defamation League.
Fran spent seven years collaborating with theatrical producer Deborah Denenberg (Dodger Productions and Big League Productions) on The Doll Maker’s Gift. After tracking the book author down to her home in St. Petersburg, Russia, he co-wrote the book, and directed the world premiere at the Rose Theater in Omaha in 2019. The Omaha World-Herald said, “Families should flock to this one.” His latest collaboration with Ms. Denenberg, which premiered in 2025, was the musical adaptation of the New York Times Best-Selling book Just Ask! Just Ask! Premiered at the Coterie Theatre in January of 2025.
Halie Strickler
Halie discovered her passion for Zumba in 2014 shortly after graduating high school. In June 2017, she earned her certification as a Zumba instructor. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, Halie follows a clean eating plan and has successfully lost 25 pounds. She regularly participates in Zumba classes and uses fitness as a tool to effectively manage stress and anxiety. Halie is excited to bring her enthusiasm and expertise to the community through her own Zumba-inspired dance fitness program.
Tom Treacy
Tom Treacy joined the Office of the Kansas State Treasurer in 2014. As a legislative assistant, he advocated for the passage of the Kansas ABLE Savings Act in 2015. Tom was eventually named Director of the Kansas ABLE Savings Plan and helped launch the program in January of 2017. The positive financial impact ABLE can have on those living with a disability fuels Tom’s passion for helping those seeking to empower themselves. Today, as Deputy Assistant State Treasurer, Tom continues to serve in a role that allows him to be closely involved in the educational efforts around the Kansas ABLE Savings Plan.
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, Wall Street Journal, NPR, Washington Post, CNN, Fox News, The Hill, Money Magazine, Al Jazeera and many others.
Loren Wendelburg
Loren Wendelburg is a local actor on the autism spectrum and a graduate of the UMKC conservatory of theater. He has recently been involved in the world premiere production of "Just Ask" at the Coterie, playing the character of Jordan. Three of his other favorite roles include Major General in "Pirates of Penzance" (UMKC), Beast in "Beauty and the Beast" (TCH), and Clown in "39 Steps" (UMKC). He is thrilled to be an advocate for this conference!
Hank Wolf
Hello! My name is Hank Wolf, and I am a proud 24-year-old Down syndrome content creator and advocate from Leawood, Kansas. My journey has taken me across the country—from Omaha to Katy, Texas, to Pleasanton, California—before returning home to Kansas City, where I continue to grow and thrive.
Over the years, I’ve been part of many amazing schools and programs, including the Blue Valley 18–21 Program and the Connect Program, where I graduated as a member of the inaugural class in 2024. I also made history as the first person with Down syndrome to serve on the Johnson County Community College Student Senate, where I focused on service and fundraising projects to make a difference in the community. I was also honored to represent the Connect Program by speaking to the JCCC Board of Trustees.
Beyond academics, I’ve competed in Special Olympics, soccer, softball, baseball, and bowling, and I’ve been honored with medals in Job Olympics. I've been employed at the Golden Scoop for almost five years, participate in Inclusion Connections/Pawsabilities, and have recently accepted a new role at Parkwood Day School as a teacher's aide. I'm busy out in the community 6 days per week!
I am passionate about using my story to inspire others, break barriers, and show the world the power of inclusion.
FAQs about the SPEAK Up! Conference
Where am I supposed to park for this event?
All parking instructions are found HERE on this website, as well as the Campus map, where you can find the ramps if you need them.
Where are the accessible restrooms/quiet spaces?
We will be in the Regnier Hall. HERE is the map of that building.
Will the accommodations I requested be readily available to me?
Yes, they will. All accommodation requests will be emailed to Lola at lola@kcdd.org by September 15, and travel assistance/scholarships requests will need to be sent in by September 30, 2025.
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!