Empower Hour

Empower Hour Episode 12: More Than Books with Jeanine Birkenfeld

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 every

Empower Hour Episode 11: Aging Well, Independence, and Staying Connected

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 e

Empower Hour Episode 10: Severe Weather Safety and Preparedness with Ron Hearst

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

Empower Hour Episode 9: Navigating the World Without Limits with Sayed Mohammed

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 visi

Empower Hour Episode 8: Donor Spotlight Featuring Community Foundation of the Ozarks

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, Communi

Empower Hour Episode 7: Accessible Travel: Planning and Practical Tips with Derrick Duncan

Traveling with a disability often requires extra planning, flexibility, and self advocacy, especially when navigating transportation, lodging, and unfamiliar environments

Empower Hour Episode 6: Making the Most of the Holidays with Disabilities in Mind

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 Sp

Empower Hour Episode 5: Elections, Accessibility, and the Greene County Clerk's Role

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 t

Empower Hour Episode 4: Understanding Consumer Directed Services (CDS)

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 Co

Empower Hour Episode 3: Hearing Health and Accessibility with Taylee Gregg

In this third episode, we turn our focus to hearing health and accessibility. We’re joined by Taylee Gregg, Hearing Instrument Specialist at empower: abilities, who provi

Empower Hour Episode 2: The ADA and What Access Looks Like Today

In this second episode, we dive into the history and purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and explore how barriers to access still show up today. We’re jo

Empower Hour Episode 1: Advocacy in Action at empower: abilities

In this first episode, we introduce empower: abilities and its mission to support independence for people with disabilities. We’ll highlight one of our services and share