Andrea Harper isn’t just building community—she’s changing lives across the Heartland. As the Community Manager for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Andrea works at the front lines of connection, awareness, and support for those affected by retinal diseases.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, she joins Halley to share what drives her passion, how she’s helping bring people together, and why the work of the Foundation matters more than ever. @FndFightingBlindness 

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

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🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org

Andrea Harper isn’t just building community—she’s changing lives across the Heartland. As the Community Manager for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Andrea works at the front lines of connection, awareness, and support for those affected by retinal diseases.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, she joins Halley to share what drives her passion, how she’s helping bring people together, and why the work of the Foundation matters more than ever.

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thewholeperson

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org

KCAI Senior Aaron McIntosh returns to wrap up his deep dive into futuristic accessibility. From high-concept design to practical solutions, Aaron walks Halley through innovative projects that reimagine public spaces for people with disabilities. Discover how design can be both inclusive and forward-thinking in the exciting conclusion to this two-part conversation.

#kansascity #disabilitypodcast #accessibility

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

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• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org

Brilliant KCAI Senior Aaron McIntosh, breaks down his incredible work with accessibility and shows host Halley what the future may look like for people with disabilities. Thinking outside the box and taking accessible benches, hallways and more into the 21st century. Tune in this two-parter!

You won’t want to miss part 2 coming next week!

#kansascity #disabilitypodcast #accessibility

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thewholeperson

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org

In Part 2, Michael Kelley of BikeWalkKC dives deeper into city planning and the specific ordinances that have helped make traffic flow, sidewalks, and crosswalks more accessible for people with disabilities in Kansas City.

These changes aren’t just about convenience — they can save lives. People with disabilities depend on safer designed streets to move through their communities with confidence and independence. This episode shows how speaking up can help shape a city where everyone is protected and included.

#kansascity #disabilitypodcast #accessibility

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thewholeperson

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org

Michael Kelley from BikeWalkKC joins us to talk about how streets shape our communities — and why safer, more accessible transportation options matter for everyone. From Complete Streets policies to building coalitions across Missouri and Kansas, Michael shares what it takes to advocate for a city built for people, not just cars.

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole Person

Be the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

-Instagram: http://instagram.com/thewholeperson

-Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our Podcast

Listen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! 

https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

About The Whole Person

Based in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

thewholeperson.org

Howard, Director of Clinical and Rehabilitation Services at AlphaPointe, joins Halley to discuss how the organization is transforming lives through rehabilitation, employment, and advocacy for people who are blind or visually impaired.

From innovative training programs to life-changing services, hear how AlphaPointe empowers individuals to live with greater independence. Plus, a look at how they collaborate with organizations like The Whole Person to expand their impact. Stay Connected with The Whole Person.

Be the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thewholeperson

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org

Art should be for everyone, and Jackie, the Manager of Community and Access Programs at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, is making that a reality. She leads tours designed for people who experience blind or have low vision, even making it possible for participants to touch artwork and experience its details firsthand. Jackie also advocates for Universal Design, ensuring accessibility is at the heart of museum experiences.

The Whole Person is thrilled for our upcoming Tactile Tour event next Friday at Nelson-Atkins! This event is fully booked, but stay tuned for more accessible experiences like this in the future. 

Visit our events calendar at thewholeperson.org/calendar.

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thewholeperson

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org

How can we bring the sense of touch into the digital world—and why does it matter? The Whole Podcast team sits down with Keith Kirkland, a pioneer in haptics and accessibility, to explore the power of touch in technology.

From his groundbreaking work with WearWorks—helping the first blind runner complete the NYC Marathon without sighted assistance—to his role at KCAI shaping inclusive design, Keith shares insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of accessibility. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how haptics is transforming lives and creating a more inclusive world.

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thewholeperson

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org

Host Halley sits down with Chuck and Cat from Dog Training Elite Kansas City to explore the incredible impact of service dogs. They share their expertise in training dogs to assist people with disabilities, the life-changing bonds these dogs create, and what it takes to find the perfect canine companion. Whether you're considering a service dog or just love inspiring stories, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and plenty of tail wags! Ready to see how these amazing dogs are trained?

Fetch more info at https://bit.ly/3WDATGg To learn more about The Whole Person, go to thewholeperson.org

🌎 Stay Connected with The Whole PersonBe the first to hear about events, stories, and opportunities to get involved! Join our conversation on our social media accounts about disability rights inclusion, and advocacy.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWholePerson

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thewholeperson

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewholeperson

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-person

🎙️ Subscribe to our PodcastListen to powerful conversations about accessibility and inclusion from people in the Kansas City metro. Get to know their stories every week! https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholePerson/podcasts

👉 About The Whole PersonBased in Kansas City, The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. We envision a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not limited by disability.

For more: https://thewholeperson.org