The Invisible Injury with Stefanie Shadduck

The Invisible Injury with Stefanie Shadduck

Episode Description What if the most life-changing injury is one that no one can see? In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Stefanie Shadduck, Traumatic Brain Injury Program Director at Idaho State University, to discuss the realities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and why it is often called the "invisible injury." From concussions and falls to motor vehicle crashes and military service, traumatic brain injuries affect thousands of Idahoans every year. Yet many people never receive a diagnosis, struggle to find resources, or don't realize that ongoing memory, concentration, fatigue, or emotional changes may be connected to a brain injury. Stefanie shares how Idaho is working to improve TBI screening, connect people with resources, and strengthen systems of care—especially in rural communities where services can be difficult to access. She also reflects on her own experience with "chemo brain" during cancer treatment, offering a deeply personal perspective on what it feels like to live with an invisible cognitive challenge. This conversation explores resilience, recovery, and the importance of building communities and systems that help people thrive after brain injury. About Our Guest Stefanie Shadduck is the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Director at Idaho State University, where she leads statewide efforts to improve access to TBI resources through education, systems coordination, and community partnerships. Her work focuses on helping individuals, families, healthcare providers, and organizations better navigate the complex landscape of brain injury services across Idaho. She also trains university students to recognize traumatic brain injuries and connects them with communities through outreach and health fairs. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience with cognitive challenges during cancer treatment, Stefanie brings a compassionate and practical perspective to conversations about brain health, recovery, and independence. You can learn more at Idaho Traumatic Brain Injury Program [https://idahotbi.org/] and the Brain Injury Association of Idaho [https://biaid.org/]. Email Stefanie at stefanieshadduck@isu.edu.

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].