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Up To Date

'DiversAbility' in Kansas City offers post-high school choices for students with disabilities

By Steve Kraske,
Elizabeth Ruiz, Danie Alexander
Published April 13, 2022 at 7:42 PM CDT
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A diverse group of high school students walking inside together carrying books and wearing purses or backpacks
Courtesy of Kim Riley

A unique college and career fair makes sure youth with disabilities and their parents can explore college and career options.

The Transition Academy is the brainchild of Kim Riley who has a son with autism. She wanted to be sure that students with intellectual disabilities could learn what was possible for them after high school.

Started in 2019, the disability college and career planning center resulted from Riley's experience with a system that was confusing and focused on students with "very mild disabilities." The academy's DiversAbility College & Career Fair is one way to assist those with more severe disabilities.

According to Riley, the Transition Academy "serves youth with disabilities ensuring that they seamlessly transition to their post-secondary dreams after high school."

  • Kim Riley, founder and executive director, The Transition Academy
  • Johnny Gordon, intern with autism in the Kansas City Teacher Residency program
  • Tony Taylor, parent to Jonah who has non-verbal autism and operates a vending machine business

The DiversAbility College and Career Fair, 3-6 p.m., Thursday, April 14 at MCC-Penn Valley Education Center, 3201 SW Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111. Registration is required either online or by calling (816) 837-0744.

Tags
Up To Date PodcastdisabilitiesyouthcollegeworkKansas City Missouri (KCMO)
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Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Elizabeth Ruiz
As a producer for Up To Date, my goal is to inform our audience by curating interesting and important conversations with reliable sources and individuals directly affected by a topic or issue. I strive for our program to be a place that hosts impactful conversations, providing our audience with greater knowledge, intrigue, compassion and entertainment. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
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Danie Alexander
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
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