Kelly Koomler, MS student

Disability and Human Development

Kelly's Bio

Kelly Koomler received her undergraduate degree in Exceptional Child Education from Western Kentucky University in 2000. After graduating from WKU, Kelly taught special education classes in Albuquerque, NM and Cambridge, MA. She began the Master's program in Disability and Human Development (DHD) in 2006 and is focusing her studies on self-advocacy, protection of rights, and access to choice.

What has been your experience working in the disability community?

Since I began the Master's program in DHD I have had a number of opportunities to become involved in local disability related agencies, the most recent of which is an internship with one of IDHD's sister agencies, Equip for Equality (EFE). At EFE I am currently working in the Abuse Investigation Unit. Part of my internship involves answering calls from individuals who feel as if they, or an individual they are calling on behalf of have been subject to abuse or neglect. From the wealth of information I have learned through my position at EFE, I have been able to share that knowledge with callers helping them gain self-advocacy skills. I have helped individuals understand their rights under the law and supported them to advocate for themselves. In addition, I have been able to assist EFE staff conduct investigations during site visits of residential service providers. During those visits, we review records including charts, medical, and investigatory records, as well as observe activity, and speak with individuals about the services being provided to them.

Through my internship at EFE, I have learned first hand how state Protection and Advocacy agencies operate, their investigatory function, and their role in disability advocacy. I have also learned a great deal about the service delivery system in Illinois.

My internship at EFE has been invaluable and will greatly benefit my future work in the field. I am thankful to both IDHD and EFE for providing me with this opportunity.

How did IDHD/DHD facilitate your involvement?

IDHD was key in my becoming involved with Equip for Equality. IDHD strives to provide rich experiences for students in the academic programs and it was through my assistantship with IDHD that I was introduced to EFE.