Empower Hour

In the thirteenth episode of Empower Hour, we sit down with Keegan Miller, a Branson resident, wheelchair user, and graduate of Partners in Policymaking, to talk about his growing involvement in disability advocacy and his goal of making Branson more accessible for himself and others.Keegan shares common barriers he encounters in businesses and restaurants and discusses his role in organizing accessibility efforts at Coffee Creations, including the upcoming “A Community of All Abilities” event.Hosted by Coffee Creations and empower: abilities, the event takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Coffee Creations, 433 Animal Safari Road in Branson. Welcome remarks and featured speakers run from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by tours, community resource and vendor booths, and networking until 1:30 p.m. Attendees can also enjoy coffee and discounted breakfast and lunch specials while learning about accessibility and inclusive employment in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.Join us for a conversation about everyday accessibility, getting involved in advocacy, and creating a community where people of all abilities can participate.Learn more about empower: abilities at empowerabilities.org, or contact us at 417-886-1188 or [email protected].

In the twelfth episode of Empower Hour, we sit down with Jeanine Birkenfeld, Outreach Services Manager at the Springfield-Greene County Library District, to explore everything the library offers beyond books.Jeanine explains how to get a library card and shares some of the services available across the district’s 10 library branches. We discuss digital books and audiobooks through Libby and Hoopla, computer classes through the Library’s Learning Lab, and the Maker Spaces at the Midtown Carnegie and Republic branches. You will also hear about equipment such as the Glowforge laser cutter and engraver.We also discuss how the Library reaches people who may not be able to visit a branch through the Mobile Library, home delivery services, and large-print book kits.Learn more about the Springfield-Greene County Library District at www.thelibrary.org.To learn more about empower: abilities, visit www.empowerabilities.org or call 417-886-1188.

In recognition of Older Americans Month, we sit down with Kevin Rusenstrom from SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging for a conversation about aging, independence, and staying engaged throughout life.Kevin shares insights on what it means to age well, including the role of physical activity, social connection, purpose, and personal choice. We discuss how independence looks different for everyone and why maintaining autonomy and making your own decisions remain important as you grow older.The conversation also explores the risks of social isolation, the value of staying involved in your community, and the many ways older adults continue to contribute their knowledge, skills, and experience. From volunteering and mentoring to caring for grandchildren, pursuing new opportunities, and remaining active in the workforce, today's older adults are redefining what aging can look like.Whether you are an older adult, a family member, or someone thinking about the future, this episode offers practical perspectives on aging with purpose, connection, and choice.

In the tenth episode of Empower Hour, we sit down with Ron Hearst, Chief Meteorologist at KY3, to talk about severe weather safety, preparedness, and what people actually need to know when conditions change quickly.Ron breaks down the difference between a watch and a warning, shares best practices for staying safe, and emphasizes the importance of staying calm so you can make clear decisions in an emergency. The conversation also focuses on how people with disabilities can plan ahead and stay prepared, with practical steps that apply in real-life situations.He reflects on major events like the 2011 Joplin tornado and discusses the real risks behind storm chasing or trying to capture severe weather, even from someone who has spent a career covering it.As Ron prepares to retire at the end of the summer, this episode offers a chance to hear his perspective, experience, and advice on staying safe when it matters most.Tune in for a straightforward, informative conversation focused on preparedness, awareness, and making smart decisions without panic.

In the ninth episode of Empower Hour, we sit down with Sayed Mohammed, an international student at Drury University who is navigating college life as a person with a vision impairment. Sayed shares his experiences using technology to access information, traveling independently, and learning how to advocate for his needs in unfamiliar environments.We also explore what it means to build a chosen family, adapt when things don’t go as planned, and develop resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. This conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy, flexibility, and finding support systems that empower independence.Whether you're a student, educator, or community member, this episode offers practical insight and perspective on accessibility, inclusion, and creating your own path forward.

In this episode of Empower Hour, we highlight one of our community partners and supporters, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. We are joined by Rachel Tripp, Community Impact Manager, for a donor spotlight conversation.Because of a grant from Community Foundation of the Ozarks, we were able to purchase the podcast equipment that makes Empower Hour possible. This episode recognizes that support and the role local philanthropy plays in strengthening community initiatives.Rachel shares ways people can give back, including donating, serving on grant committees, and supporting efforts that build up local communities. She also discusses the Youth Empowerment Program and the Foundation’s commitment to investing in rural communities, which are the backbone of Missouri.We are grateful for partners who believe in accessibility, community engagement, and amplifying disability voices. This conversation highlights how local philanthropy creates real, tangible impact.

Traveling with a disability often requires extra planning, flexibility, and self advocacy, especially when navigating transportation, lodging, and unfamiliar environments.In this episode of Empower Hour, we are joined by Derrick Duncan, an empower: abilities board member and wheelchair user with a spinal cord injury. Derrick shares his real world experience traveling with a disability and offers practical, straightforward tips for making travel smoother and safer.We talk about planning ahead for accommodations, packing medications properly and keeping them in carry on luggage, asking questions about accessibility details like doorway widths and layouts, and why it is important not to hesitate when requesting accommodations or asking for help. Derrick also reflects on how confidence, preparation, and adaptability can make a meaningful difference while traveling.This conversation focuses on practical guidance, realistic expectations, and empowering travelers with disabilities to advocate for their needs while exploring the world.

In this episode, we sit down with Taylee Gregg, empower: abilities Hearing Instrument Specialist, and Mark Applegate, Director of Safety and Security and Dementia Care Specialist at SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging. Mark is also a strong advocate for people with dementia and their caregivers, inspired by the lives of his mother, grandmother, and uncle.We talk about why the holidays can be stressful both emotionally and logistically, and how that stress can feel even heavier for people with disabilities and their families. Taylee and Mark share simple ways to help everyone feel comfortable, how to create joy through meaningful moments, and why the season is not defined by gift giving or elaborate meals. We also cover signs that someone may be struggling during holiday gatherings and what to look for if you suspect an undiagnosed disability.

In the fifth episode, we talk with the Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller about what their office does, and how it ties into local elections and public access. We walk through upcoming election timelines, explain registration and absentee voting, and look ahead to what’s changing for 2026.We dig into accessibility, how polling places are made usable for people with disabilities, how the office partners with local groups, and what someone should do if they hit a barrier while voting. We also explore civic engagement trends: who is showing up to vote, how to encourage more people to participate, and what civic groups can do to help.Whether you’ve never thought much about local government or you want clarity on how elections actually work in Greene County, this episode gives you the basics plus practical steps you can take to be a more informed voter.

In the fourth episode, Sara Nunez, Director of Home and Community Based Services and Compliance, and Tina Shannon, CDS Coordinator at empower: abilities, share how our Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program works. We talk through eligibility, the purpose of CDS, and how the program allows you to direct your own care, from choosing your attendants to setting their hours. CDS is flexible and built to put you in control.Ready to get started? Visit www.empowerabilities.org or call 417-886-1188 for more information.