Candace Cunningham is a Research Aide under Individual and Family Supports at the UMKC Institute for Human Development, working with individuals and the Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC). She is a self-advocate from Independence, MO. She has graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in Youth and Human Service and Child & Family Development. Her passion is helping other individuals with different abilities to identify their strengths and achieve their full potential in the workplace and in their communities. She believes that everyone should have equal opportunities in the healthcare areas no matter where they are from, or rather they have different abilities. Candace is currently working on her Master in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. She participate in the 2021 AUCD Leadership Academy. Candace was a participant in the KU LEND program has a self-advocate. Candace is a certified Community Health Worker and a previous MO Partners in Policymaking graduate. Candace has been a volunteer within this community for at least eleven years.