Masonic Institute on the Developing Brain Rm 1-305B1j [map] 2025 E River Pkwy MInneapolis, MN 55414
Katrina "Trina" Simons has worked on a variety of projects and legislation related to chronic illness, disability, and quality of life. She is passionate about empowering people with developmental disabilities to make informed choices. She enjoys working to promote autonomy across the lifespan.
Simons is a graduate of the MNLEND Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. She was a survey interviewer on the Olmstead Plan pilot survey. She has served on both the State Rehabilitation Council and the Region Ten Quality Council.
Simons began working at ICI in 2017. At ICI, she is a Community Program Specialist, self-advocacy liaison, MNLEND Faculty member, and she coordinates the monthly Self Advocacy Online meetings. Self Advocacy Online works on outreach and policy advocacy for and by people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Prepares future leaders who will serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), other neurodevelopmental and related disabilities (NDDs), and their families in healthcare, education, human …
This project provided training for more than 1,000 direct support workers (DSWs). The purpose of the training was to provide information on the following topics: 1) disability rights movement; 2) …
There is only limited data about the prevalence of Spina Bifida (SB) and Muscular Dystrophy (MD) in the United States. Using publicly-available data sets and/or other data sources, this project …
BJ Stasio is Advocate for the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. An activist, he talks to us about his life of advocacy work—and about being a rebel.
Katherine McLaughlin joins us to talk about sex and disability. She also shares why involving people living with disabilities in sex education is important.
This 11-minute webinar addresses COVID-19 vaccinations for direct support professionals. Topics include: The reasons why people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more vulnerable …
In our debut episode, host Katrina Simon is joined by Jillian Nelson as they discuss her experiences and work at the Minnesota Legislature for the Autism Society of Minnesota. Boldly Challenging …
Nikki Villavicencio is a Disability Culture and Leadership Specialist at Advocating Change Together. She is also an activist and City Council member. Nikki talks about what it’s like living with a …
Katrina is joined by Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Chris talks with Katrina about limitations around disability and money. We also talk about working …
In this episode, host Katrina Simon speaks with graduating student Joe Carr, who shares his “etiquette rules.” Carr talks about his advocacy work and his plans moving forward as he finishes his …
Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (MIHEC) director Mary Hauff and Lead State Advisor on Systems Change Dupree Edwards talk about MIHEC and the importance of being a lifelong learner— …
Katrina is joined by Matt McClean who talks about identity and the intersectionality of living as a disabled transgender man. We talk a little bit about the fears that trans people must contend …
Michael Sack talks to us about his work with the city of Minneapolis in getting and keeping the community accessible. Then a conversation with disability advocate Ed Bartz.
Host Katrina Simons is joined by Brian Begin for a conversation about Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act—a provision that allows employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with …
On this episode of Boldly Challenging Ableism, host Katrina Simons speaks with artist and self-advocate Thomas Robinson. Thomas shares his journey as a leader in disability advocacy and how art …
Kathy Ware introduces us to herself and her adult child. Kathy and Katrina talk about how systems and disabilities interact—for good and for NOT so good. This is the first part of a two-part …
Renáta Tichá is a research associate at the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. Renáta talks with Katrina about her research work around transitioning to adult …
Kathy Ware continues our discussion on ableism in systems meant to help and protect people living with disabilities. This is the second part of a two-part series.
Katrina is joined by Jen Sommerness, a research associate at the TIES Center at the Institute on Community Integration. Jen discusses ableism in schools and making education meaningful for every …
Published: 8/24/2025
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