Tony sits down with Kimberly Richey, the Senior Chancellor for the Department of Education for the state of Florida. As the overseer of all public schools from K-12 to colleges, workforce development, and various statewide programs, Chancellor Richey has a profound impact on Florida's educational landscape.

Kimberly shares how her mother, a dedicated teacher, and her grandfather were instrumental in shaping her career path, leading her from law school to significant roles in state agencies, including the Office for Civil Rights. Her journey culminated in her current position, where she champions educational excellence and equity.

Tony and Kimberly delve into the importance of advocacy, inspired by her mother's role in her success. She provides valuable insights on empowering parents to become effective advocates for their children's education by understanding systems, acquiring knowledge, and mastering communication.

The conversation also explores the essence of education, the values and virtues that drive Kimberly, and the qualities of effective leadership. Kimberly discusses the keys to successful collaboration and shares her vision for the future of education.

Join us for an inspiring discussion with Chancellor Richey, a dedicated advocate who has worked tirelessly to give a voice to the voiceless and has helped shape impactful legislation to support students and families across Florida.

Join us on this episode as we delve into the impactful world of AgrAbility, where agriculture meets accessibility. Two years ago, Florida welcomed its inaugural AgrAbility program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida and The University of Florida, supported by a USDA grant. On this episode, we're joined by Chad Reznicek, a Behavioral Health State Specialist with the Colorado AgrAbility Project, as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and vital support systems needed by farmers with disabilities.

Chad shares his personal journey, shaped by his upbringing in a farming family and his subsequent work as a therapist for high-risk youth. This unique blend of experiences forms the foundation for a deep discussion on the multifaceted needs of farmers, the importance of familial and generational connections, and the profound impact of aligning one's values with their work in agriculture.

We take a holistic view, understanding that intervention must occur at multiple levels to create lasting change. Chad emphasizes the significance of addressing farmers' health behaviors, resources, and support networks, highlighting the critical role that programs like AgrAbility play in ensuring farmers can continue their livelihoods independently and with dignity.

In this episode of The Independent Life Podcast, we delve into the world of assistive technologies and their profound impact on enabling independence for individuals with disabilities. Our guests, Eric Reed, Executive Director of FAAST (Florida Alliance For Assistive Services and Technologies), and Kailey Medlock, FAAST's Training & Community Development Director, join us to share their insights and experiences.

We explore the diverse range of assistive technologies available, catering to individuals of all ages and disabilities. Discover how FAAST has evolved under Eric's leadership, expanding its reach through regional distribution centers like The Center For Independent Living of North Central Florida. Learn about the innovations revolutionizing assistive technologies, including SMART homes designed to enhance accessibility and autonomy for people with disabilities.

Eric sheds light on the intersection of assistive technologies and agriculture, discussing the role of FAAST in supporting farmers with disabilities through the Florida AgrAbility Project Advisory Board. We also delve into the importance of reaching rural communities and ensuring access to repair services for existing assistive technologies.

Discover how FAAST's partnership with The Center For Independent Living has empowered hundreds more individuals each year, promoting independence and enriching lives within our community. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of assistive technologies and their profound impact on independence and quality of life.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Independent Life Podcast for more inspiring stories and resources for people with disabilities!

Episode Resources:

• Florida Alliance of Assistive Services and Technology: https://faast.org/

• National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center - to find a state's AT program (outside of Florida): https://at3center.net/state-at-programs/
• April 17th - AT Awareness Day (by ATAP): https://ataporg.org/policy-and-advocacy/national-at-awareness-day/

• June 14-16, Family Cafe: https://familycafe.net/