Candace Cunningham, a research aide at the University of Missouri-Kansas City's Institute for Human Development, is leading the way for people with lived experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Candace has launched a new webinar series called "Candace's Corner." As an advocate leader with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, she ensures each session features guests who share valuable information, tips and resources.
Candace Cunningham, a research aide at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development, is leading the way for people with lived experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Candace has launched a new webinar series called “Candace’s Corner.” As an advocate leader with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, she ensures each session features guests who share valuable information, tips and resources. Most recently, Candace interviewed People First of Missouri President Susan Parker, who talked about the organization and why is it important.
“People First of Missouri is a non-profit organization that promotes equality for people with disabilities so that they can live the life that they want in the community,” Susan said. “That means, People First is run by and for individuals with disabilities.” She added that the group has advisors help them with their goals whether it is going to the Capitol advocating locally, federally or just within the state.
While People First teaches and empowers people to understand their rights and responsibilities and to speak up for themselves as self-advocates, Susan notes the organization also champions advocacy for one another along with advocating for community services that allow people to have choices and control over the supports in their lives. Watch the full webinar here.
Candace is a prime example of how supports like those from People First of Missouri can help change lives. Candace started her own self-advocacy journey in 2006 when she joined the Kansas City Summer Transportation Institute. Today, she has a master’s degree in Clinical Vocational Rehabilitation and currently serves on several boards including those of the Missouri Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Missouri Mental Health Foundation.
“Candace’s work leading this webinar series helps move forward our individual advocacy priority of ensuring that individuals with lived experience are informed, recognized, supported and have leadership roles where they can help others reach success,” says George Gotto, director of UMKC’s Institute for Human Development.
Upcoming “Candace’s Corner” sessions will include speakers related to transportation, financial wellness, housing, being part of a community, self-determination and supported decision making – all priorities of People First and UMKC’s Institute for Human Development, Missouri’s University Center of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities.
For further information on Candace’s Corner, contact Candace Cunningham at [email protected].
