Independent Idaho

The Road to Independence with Amber Beall

Episode Description For many Idahoans, driving isn't just about getting from one place to another—it's the key to employment, healthcare, family, and independence. Until now, however, Idaho has had limited access to specialized driving rehabilitation services for people whose disabilities, injuries, or medical conditions affect their ability to drive. In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Amber Beall, founder of Adaptive Driving Idaho, to discuss the launch of this much-needed service and what it means for people across the state. Amber shares her journey as an occupational therapist specializing in neurological rehabilitation and explains how her work helps individuals evaluate whether they can safely continue driving, return to driving after injury or illness, or explore adaptive equipment that makes driving possible again. From stroke and traumatic brain injury to spinal cord injury, vision changes, and age-related conditions, this conversation explores how adaptive driving opens doors to greater independence and community participation for Idahoans. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone living with a disability, or simply curious about how adaptive driving works, this episode offers an inside look at an exciting new resource now available in Idaho. About Our Guest Amber Beall, MS, OTR/L, DRS, is the founder of Adaptive Driving Idaho and an occupational therapist with more than a decade of experience in neurological rehabilitation. She is a Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS), Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS), and Certified Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (CFVRS). Throughout her career, Amber has worked with individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurological conditions, helping them return to meaningful daily activities—including driving. As a Boise native, Amber is passionate about expanding access to adaptive driving services and helping Idahoans maintain their independence, safety, and connection to their communities. Check out Adaptive Driving Idaho [https://www.adaptivedrivingidaho.com/] for more information.

A Dude Who Just Wants to Stay in His Home with Randy Nilson

Randy Nilson spent decades working, saving, paying taxes, and building a life in Idaho. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), he adapted to changing mobility needs and continued working for many years. Today, despite living modestly and wanting nothing more than to remain in his own home, Medicaid policies put him at risk of losing the independence he worked so hard to maintain. In this episode, Randy shares his personal journey and discusses the challenges many older adults and people with disabilities face when trying to age in place and remain part of their communities. His story highlights important questions about disability, long-term care, public policy, and what it truly takes to live independently.

Giving a Care with Sheila Weaver

In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Weaver, LCSW, MPA, Program Manager for the Family Caregiver Navigator Project at the Idaho Caregiver Alliance. A fourth-generation Idahoan born in Mountain Home, Sheila has spent more than 20 years serving Idaho families through a wide range of roles in state government and community systems. Our conversation explores the growing importance of supporting family caregivers across Idaho, including the work of the Idaho Caregiver Alliance, the development of Idaho’s Kinship State Plan, and the challenges facing grandparents and relatives raising children. Sheila also shares insights into caregiving policy, system coordination, aging and disability supports, and why strengthening caregiver networks matters for the future of Idaho communities. www.caregivernavigator.org [www.caregivernavigator.org] www.idahocaregiveralliance.com/projects-and-events/kinship/ [https://idahocaregiveralliance.com/projects-and-events/kinship/]

The Rural Disability Movement with Elissa Ellis

Elissa Ellis is the Executive Director of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), a national disability-led membership organization that supports Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and disability advocates serving rural communities across the United States. APRIL works to advance the rights, independence, and full inclusion of people with disabilities in rural America through advocacy, training, leadership development, and collaboration. You can learn more about APRIL at www.april-rural.org [www.april-rural.org].

The Fight for Family PCS with Jessica Jackman

Jessica Jackman is a disability and family caregiver advocate from Pocatello, Idaho, and is affiliated with Fair Care Idaho, a grassroots organization focused on protecting and strengthening supports for Idaho families who provide in-home care to loved ones with disabilities. Drawing from her lived experience as a caregiver for her son, Jessica has become an active voice in statewide discussions surrounding Medicaid-funded family caregiving, home and community-based services, and Idaho’s direct care workforce shortage. She has worked alongside advocacy coalitions, caregivers, and policymakers to highlight the critical role family caregivers play in keeping individuals with disabilities living safely and independently in their homes and communities. Find out more about Fair Care Idaho at https://faircareidaho.substack.com/ [https://faircareidaho.substack.com/].