Molly Maher and Nikki Peterson attended the 2026 Real Voices, Real Choices Conference at The Lake of the Ozarks, representing PCBS, KCAG, and themselves. Through interactive sessions, personal stories, and new connections, they explored self-advocacy, mental and physical health, accessibility, inclusion, relationships, and the importance of allowing people to speak for themselves.
WORDS THAT STAYED WITH US
Molly’s Experience: Using Your Voice
“My experience at Real Voices, Real Choices was truly awesome. The speakers were wonderful.
The first speaker I heard was Jody Michael, who presented “Empathy Through Experience: Navigating Challenges in Disability Advocacy.” She talked about using your voice to speak up for what you want and need, even when it may be tough.
The second session I attended was “Physical Health for Mental Health,” presented by Andy Braddy and Renee Chambers. They talked about why eating right is so important and explained which foods can be good for your mental health and which foods may not be. They discussed eating fruits and vegetables, lowering carbs, and provided a list of foods that can support our physical and mental health.”
“The third speaker I heard was Natasha Ickes, who presented ‘When My Mind Turned Against Me: What My Mental Health Journey Taught Me About Healing.’ Natasha shared her story and the difficult experiences she faced during her childhood, including abuse and homelessness. She talked about learning to cope with the trauma of her childhood and her mental illness. She is now doing much better and has learned how to advocate for herself. It was a touching story.
The fourth session I attended was presented by Anushka Shah and Animesh Shah. It was called ‘I Too Have a Voice: A Story of Inclusive Education, Advocacy, and the Power of Friendship Using an Eye-Gaze Device.’ Anushka has Rett syndrome and is nonverbal. She uses a special eye-gaze device that allows her to use her eyes to communicate what she wants to say.
The fifth session I attended was ‘The Person Behind the Plan: Self-Advocacy Through Video,’ presented by Anastasia Culp, Jeanette Von Becker, and Melissa West. We learned how Anastasia created videos to tell people about herself by answering questions. The presenters also asked the audience the questions, and then Anastasia shared the correct answers about herself through her videos.”
The last speaker I heard was Caroline Cooper, who presented ‘The Inspired and Inspiring Peer.’ Caroline spoke about how important it is to have someone in your life who inspires you to have courage, confidence, and connection.
We returned to Platte County with new knowledge, new connections, and plenty of ideas to bring into our work with PCBS, KCAG, and the people we support.
Thank you to everyone who shared their voice, experience, and story.”
Every voice matters, and every person deserves real choices.
Nikki’s Experience: Connection, Allyship and Accessibility
“Real Voices, Real Choices is a conference I hope to attend every year. The energy is incredibly positive, and this year we made new friends and meaningful connections. The sessions were interactive and led by some truly fascinating people. The content was useful, informative, inspiring, and often gave me something new to think about.
I especially enjoyed hearing Jo Michael present “Empathy Through Experience: Navigating Challenges in Disability Advocacy.” Jo and I were colleagues at The Farmer’s House for a time, and now we have the opportunity to continue collaborating through her work with DSI. It was wonderful to see her share her experience and perspective with others.
I also enjoyed meeting and visiting with Amy Englebrecht before her session, “Allyship in Action: Standing With, Not For.” Her message about accepting and respecting people, listening to them, and allowing them to speak for themselves was one that truly stayed with me because it’s what I always try to do for my friends and people I work with.
It was also wonderful to see the happy faces of friends and presenters Susie Parker and Jason Mize. Those familiar connections are part of what makes the conference feel so welcoming. They are both celebrities in their own right, and I love to see them!
“Digital Accessibility: Removing Barriers & Making Content Available to Everyone” was another especially valuable session for me. The information directly connects to my role at PCBS and gave me practical ideas I can use to make our digital communications more accessible and inclusive.
I enjoyed the entire experience and would absolutely encourage more people to attend next year. Plus, it’s at The Lake of the Ozarks. Who doesn’t want to learn, connect, and be inspired while spending a few days at The Lake?”
From The Lake to Platte County
“We returned to Platte County with new connections, practical information, and important reminders that we can carry into our work with PCBS and KCAG.
We were reminded that meaningful inclusion begins with listening. Allyship means standing with people, not speaking for them. Accessibility requires continued learning and intentional action. Most importantly, every person deserves the opportunity to use their voice and make real choices about their own life.”
