In this episode we talk with Lea Ann Lowery, occupational therapist and Missouri LEND faculty. LEND is located at University of Missouri at the Thompson Center in Columbia and its purpose is to prepare graduate students for future work in the field of developmental disabilities.

Lea Ann talks about her journey into the field of occupational therapy and how OT supports community inclusion for people with disabilities. She shares her particular devotion to drowning prevention for kids with autism and how she established inclusive swim lessons in her community.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Missouri LEND Program, TIPS for Kids - https://thompsoncenter.missouri.edu/autism-training/tips4kids/
• MU School of Health Professions - https://healthprofessions.missouri.edu/personnel/lea-ann-lowery/
• Thompson Center for Autism in Columbia, MO - https://thompsoncenter.missouri.edu/

For more information about the Missouri UCEDD at UMKC-Institute for Human Development visit https://ihd.umkc.edu/